Vesela Ilieva for Realto Group International Conference: Don't wait for the market to show you the direction - be part of those who create it

On October 16, 2026, Sofia Event Center will host the third edition of the Realto Group International Conference. The forum will once again bring together professionals from the real estate sector, investors, entrepreneurs and international experts. We talk to Vesela Ilieva, Managing Partner of Unique Estates | Christie’s International Real Estate and New Estates, about the development of the conference, the new topics and the opportunities it creates for people in the business.

The Realto Group International Conference is being held for the third time. What made the event successful with the first two editions?

From the very beginning of the conference, we had a clear ambition for it to be much more than just another professional event. We wanted to build a platform that brings together people who determine the direction of the market, but at the same time provides practical knowledge, new contacts and real opportunities for development.

The success of the first two editions showed that the sector needs exactly such an environment. Real estate today is closely related to the economy, financial markets, technologies, international investments and changes in customer behavior. That is why it is very important for me that the conference is not just inspiring. We want people to leave with a concrete idea, a new contact or a different perspective that they can apply the next day in their work.

What are the most important results of the first two editions?

The clearest result is the sustainable growth of interest. The second edition in 2025 brought together over 700 professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from Bulgaria and abroad, and this year we expect the audience to be even larger. But for me, numbers are only one part of the success. Much more important are the conversations, meetings and partnerships that are born around the conference. In the real estate business, a good meeting can turn into a deal, a discussion - into a new project, and a new contact - into a long-term partnership.

The first edition was also awarded the "Event of the Year" award at the b2b Media Awards. This was recognition that we had created a format with real value, but also a responsibility to develop it every year.

What will distinguish the third edition in 2026?

This will be the most extensive and meaningful edition to date. We will start with the big picture - the political and economic processes that influence investment activity, consumer confidence and market development. Then we will turn the focus to Bulgaria and the signals we see on our market. We will talk about the development of successful investment projects, international markets, innovation and digitalization, leadership, trust and the future of the brokerage profession.

For me, the panel “Building Success: Projects That Work” will be particularly interesting, which I will have the pleasure of moderating. We will look at successful models from Bulgaria and Europe and talk about the entire process of creating a sustainable product - from concept and positioning to customer experience and long-term value.

This year, we are also upgrading the opportunities for professional meetings. In addition to lectures and panel discussions, the program includes Q&A sessions, an exhibition area, a VIP networking lunch and a closing cocktail. Because the value of a conference is not only measured by what we heard from the stage, but also by the people we met.

Which international speakers would you highlight this year?

Among the leading names is Duncan Stevens - an internationally recognized behavioral psychologist and author who works in the field of trust, influence and leadership. The topic is extremely important for our business. We may have the best technologies and processes, but at the heart of every successful deal are still people - the ability to understand the client, build trust and create long-term relationships.

Another key international speaker is Massimo Forte - an established European real estate consultant and trainer with many years of experience in markets such as Portugal, Spain and Italy. He will talk about the future of the profession, high-performance teams and strategies for sustainable results. For me, the opportunity to compare our experience with practices in other markets and see where we stand in this bigger European and international picture is particularly valuable.

What makes the conference valuable for people who work in the sector every day?

In everyday life, we are very focused on the next deal, meeting, client or project. This is natural, but sometimes this very dynamic does not allow us to look far enough ahead. The conference is an opportunity for one day to get out of the daily rhythm and look more broadly - at the market, new business models, technologies and skills that we will need tomorrow.

For brokers, this is practical knowledge and new contacts. For investors and entrepreneurs - access to market observations, different concepts and potential partners. For managers - an opportunity to see different approaches to the development of people and teams. But in my opinion, those who actively participate - who ask questions, talk to the lecturers, create new contacts and look for how what they have learned can be applied specifically in their work - will receive the greatest value.

What is your long-term vision for the Realto Group International Conference?

I believe that the conference has the potential to establish itself as a leading regional forum for real estate, investments, technologies and business development. The Bulgarian market is already part of a global investment and professional ecosystem. Bulgarian clients are investing abroad, international investors are considering opportunities in our country, and local companies are increasingly building partnerships in Europe and the Middle East.

We want to attract leading speakers, investors and representatives of international business to Sofia, but at the same time to give a stage to the good examples and expertise created in Bulgaria.

In the long term, I would like the Realto Group International Conference to be the place where we not only talk about the future of our sector, but also actively participate in its creation. And I believe that this starts with each of us.