MIPIM begins next week, from the 14 to17 March, in Cannes. The director of this highly regarded event spoke to Iberian Property, and explained that some of these challenges will be very dependent on «the global political and economic climate. More than ever, MIPIM will be a place where sector professionals can discuss and debate these questions» as well as an excellent networking opportunity to conduct new business and form new partnerships.
The event organisers expect about 23,000 participants from 90 different countries, similar numbers to those recorded last year. «We have a large international representation, with a presence from all the big European markets». For example, for the first time, Malta e Chipre are participating as exhibitors. «There are no great changes in terms of nationality, but there are several new exhibitors», especially more Americans, from the Middle East and from Europe, including AG Real Estate, Generali Real Estate, ADG Group and Terra Firma Capital Partners.
«To the extent that the technological revolution, geopolitical instability and social changes continue to influence the business world, real estate professionals will face new challenges which force them to look at and perceive their businesses in a different way. This is why we decided that this year MIPIM will focus on the theme “New Deal for Real Estate”», Filippo Rean explains.
He notes that «this concept does not imply a new way of doing business, but more a new ‘scenario’ of industry challenges in the coming years», and cites the growing world population, and the increase in urban population. «How will this impact on building cities of the future?» he asks, also bearing in mind such events as Brexit, the new US government and the coming European elections, as well as the inevitable impact of digitalisation, as in big data, crowd funding, virtual reality and others.
The official MIPIM agenda includes 400 international keynote speakers who will focus on this “New Deal”, touching on questions such as the impact of climate change on real estate in certain areas of the world, Brexit, or public and private cooperation.
The Iberian Market strengthens its presence
«The Iberian presence at MIPIM has remained stable this year », says Filippo Rean, «but now we are seeing that this market is attracting more interest on a global scale».
InvestLisboa will be back for the 4th consecutive year, promoting this region, in partnership with the Sociedade Baía do Tejo, with a joint 84m² exhibition stand on the Lisbon/Portugal brand. Also participating in this stand will be B. Prime, Castelhana, MLGTS & Associados, PLMJ, Habitat Invest and the lawyers’ society Rogério Fernandes Ferreira e Associados.
On the topic of this participation, and to be highlighted, is the presence of the Câmara de Lisboa, Fernando Medina, on 16 March, is a session especially dedicated to Lisbon, “Is Lisbon the next tech city investment hot-spot?” jointly organised by MIPIM and Vida Imobiliária through its new editorial brand Iberian.Property.
«The Iberian market is once again attracting the interest of international investors, and this is good news for Europe», Filippo Rean concludes.