The Ball, The Buzz & The Business: What We Really Get from Industry Events

In this special episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan Byfield sits down with fellow Base Property Specialists & The Depositary co-founder and industry icon An Deckers (aka Big Red) for a reflective and revealing look at what actually matters in the property industry—and why showing up still makes all the difference.

Fresh from the Kerfuffle Conference and the Agents Giving Ball, Kristjan and An unpack what attending industry events really offers, beyond the awards, the Prosecco and the usual photos. Spoiler: it’s not about the canapés.

This episode is a candid conversation between two co-founders, partners and long-time friends, who’ve seen their fair share of industry highs, lows and everything in between.

They get into:

• 💥 The power of presence in an increasingly digital industry
• 🎤 What makes a great industry event actually worth attending
• 🤝 How community and connection still shape the future of lettings
• 🌟 Why celebrating each other matters just as much as learning
• 😤 The events that have missed the mark and what needs to change
• 💡 How suppliers and agents can work better together, not at odds
• ❤️ A raw and honest conversation about mental health, burnout, and running a business while being human

An speaks openly about how she’s been navigating the relentless pace of running an agency, being a tech founder, managing a team—and the toll that takes. Kristjan opens up about his own pressures, and they both share how the right events can act as oxygen when the day-to-day gets overwhelming.

This is the kind of episode that goes beyond policy, tech and trend forecasts. It’s two people deeply embedded in the sector, asking real questions like:

• Are we losing the humanity in our industry?
• Who’s actually looking out for the agents?
• How can we build an industry that’s sustainable—not just profitable?

For anyone who’s ever felt like the property world is too full of noise, ego or endless product pitches—this one’s for you.

It’s also for:

• Letting agents and branch managers who need to reconnect with their why
• Suppliers wondering how to build real relationships with agents
• Founders and directors juggling people, performance and purpose
• Anyone who believes there’s still room for kindness, fun and rebellion in property

Whether you’ve been to 100 awards dinners or have always avoided the networking room, Kristjan and An will have you laughing, reflecting, and maybe even rebooking that next industry get-together.

Because in a sector fuelled by data, tech and bottom lines—human connection still wins.

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