Over the last three months, I have been delighted to curate, moderate, and help promote the Simmtronic Summer Series, a set of three insightful panel and networking sessions held to celebrate the lighting control specialists’ 30th anniversary. Beyond commemorating this milestone, these events served as a vital platform for Simmtronic to engage with the broader industry, offering invaluable networking opportunities and presenting themselves as a strategic partner deeply understanding their clients’ complex challenges, far beyond just lighting control products. These events were a crucial extension of my ongoing research into retrofitting and the wider digital built environment, complementing the two significant roundtables I facilitated earlier that year – one with developer/owner/operators in May, and another with leading building accreditation schemes in August, both of which were reported in Smart Buildings Magazine.

The Simmtronic Summer Series provided an invaluable platform for deep dives into critical industry challenges, bringing together a diverse and influential array of stakeholders. Each session focused on a distinct yet interconnected theme:

1. The Retrofit Event (July 2023)
The series kicked off with a dedicated session on retrofit. We explored the drivers, challenges, and opportunities in transforming existing building stock. The panel included distinguished participants such as Tom Gould from Skanska, Katie Whipp from Trustek, Mike Hook from LMG, and Giovanna Jagger from the International WELL Building Institute.

As a flavour of the discussions I facilitate, this session reinforced points raised in my earlier roundtables on retrofit. We delved into the “perfect storm” of interest rates, occupancy, and sustainability driving the imperative for building upgrades. Key topics included

• Redefining “Retrofit”: Debating whether “upgrade” or “refurbishment” are more accurate terms, emphasising the goal of maximising ROI and return on effort.
• Drivers for Change: Sustainability performance, creating more attractive, productive spaces for tenants, and responding to evolving ESG legislation emerged as primary catalysts.
• Data as Power: The growing importance of data in understanding building performance, addressing the skills gap in operations, and informing investment decisions.
• Agility in Retrofit: How retrofitting offers opportunities for quicker iteration and testing of smart solutions compared to new builds.

The collective insight highlighted that while new builds offer a clean slate, the sheer volume and environmental impact of existing buildings make retrofit the most urgent and impactful path to net zero.

2. The Smart Innovation Event (August 2023)
The second event focused on smart innovation, exploring cutting-edge solutions and future trends. The panel featured Aleksandra Dasala, Head of Research – SmartScore at WiredScore; Dan Drogman, CEO at Smartspaces; Linden Stephens, Solutions Architect Lead Smart Buildings at British Land; and James Thomas, Head of Smart Buildings & Technologies at SES Engineering Services (part of Wates Group). Discussions centred on how innovation is reshaping building capabilities and user experiences.

3. The Sustainability Event (August 2023)
The series concluded with a deep dive into sustainability, examining how smart technology contributes to broader environmental goals. Participants included Anna Foden, Head of Sustainability at ISG; Dan Asquith, Business Development Manager at BRE; James Palmer, Head of Energy and Building Sustainability at Metrikus; Jess Costanzo, Commercial Director at Simmtronic; and Phil Draper, MD at Twenty One Engineering/Vice Chair CIBSE HVAC Group. This session explored practical applications of smart solutions for decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

The Simmtronic Summer Series was a testament to the power of bringing diverse perspectives together – from developers and consultants to technology providers and end-users – to advance the conversation on critical topics. These events exemplify my “Market Engagement” approach, creating forums for shared learning, problem-solving, and driving progress across the industry.