Ask anyone outside the industry about MIPIM and you’ll be greeted with a blank expression
If you mention Cannes, most people conjure up images of the red carpet at the film festival and A-listers aboard yachts. For veteran attendees of
the event, MIPIM is still the best place to meet
opinion-formers and deal-makers. At a rough count, this year will be my 15th MIPIM and to receive the virtual MIPIM carriage clock for services to Cannes, you need to have notched up at least 20 trips. For those who have yet to experience MIPIM,
the comments when we return, undoubtedly delivered with a healthy dose of irony – “busy trip?” and “good weather?” – underestimate the fundamental nature of the event. While the location and the added bonus of sunshine, if we’re lucky, makes everyone more cheery, the main advantage of not having the event in London is that discussions can take place without distractions. Some of the best deals have started with a passing “let’s catch up” while walking down the Croisette and
a follow-up conversation while at MIPIM. In recent years, it has been more important than
ever for the business credentials of MIPIM to be at the forefront and for delegates to become accustomed to networking in a more strategic way. This attitude makes for a much stronger MIPIM. The MIPIM contingent has a wide breadth,
comprising leaders of local authorities, jv partners, retailers, banks, agents, architects, investors and journalists, but all there with a common focus: the real estate industry. To see the same number of people in two days in Mayfair would be impossible, and definitely not as productive. Alongside networking, MIPIM provides an opportunity to highlight key projects and reminds people where our focus lies for the next few years. This year we came to MIPIM as a business 100% focused on retail. And with the increasing globalisation of
the industry, MIPIM, for us, was about looking for opportunities and ideas that challenge our views and push the business further.
David Atkins, chief executive, Hammerson
Some of the best deals have started with a ‘let’s catch up’ while walking down the Croisette and a follow-up at MIPIM