Le Marché International Des Professionnels de L’immobilier, known as MIPIM, has cemented its status as THE premier event in the global real estate industry over the past three decades. Every March, over 20,000 delegates from nearly 100 countries converge in Cannes, France, to participate in the conference hosted at the prestigious Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, famous for the annual film festival.
The attendees represent a diverse spectrum of professionals, including C-suite executives, architects, developers, prop tech entrepreneurs, government officials, financial institutions, and investors. The streets of Cannes are transformed into a sea of blue suits overnight, symbolizing over $4 trillion of assets under management.
Contemplating attending MIPIM 2025? Before you finalize your plans, there are several key considerations to ensure that your participation in the conference proves to be a valuable investment of your time and resources.
Key highlights from MIPIM 2024
The buzz around MIPIM in 2024 differed markedly from the previous year’s frenetic atmosphere. While 2023’s discussions were dominated by geopolitical tensions and financial woes, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and bank failures, this year’s dialogue centred on pressing issues like the global housing shortage, the return to office debate, ESG standards, and higher-for-longer interest rates. 43% of speakers at the conference were women, a strong improvement over past years. Projects from the Middle East, such as NEOM and The Line, showcased groundbreaking developments pushing sustainability, AI use, and industry boundaries.
Potential improvements for MIPIM
While the conference was generally well run, there’s always room for improvement. Although the conference commenced on Monday, most of the key highlights and pivotal discussions unfolded on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the core days of the event. Prioritizing attendance on these two days is recommended, although the conference runs through noon on Friday.
While the panels and keynotes were insightful, many overlapped with each other, which posed a dilemma for participants aiming to engage in multiple sessions throughout the day. Additionally, the conference’s name tag lanyards were one-sided, diminishing the effectiveness of networking opportunities as they were frequently unreadable if flipped the wrong way (and they often were).
Advice for a successful MIPIM
Pre-schedule meetings: arrange meetings ahead of time to maximize your productivity and avoid getting distracted by the myriad of attractions at MIPIM, such as exhibits, yacht parties, and receptions. Know who you want to meet before the event and get the meeting on your calendar. The event is far too large to expect simply running into those you wish to meet.
Maximize the online database: MIPIM stands out from typical trade shows as they have an extensive database where exhibitors and visitors upload their profiles. This serves as a valuable tool for networking before the event begins. What sets MIPIM apart even further is that the online database remains active after the conference concludes, allowing participants to sustain and nurture the connections forged during the week. Utilize this database and stay connected.
Book accommodations early: secure your stay, dining reservations, and other arrangements well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure a smooth experience. Most restaurants require reservations; do not expect to walk in anywhere without a long wait. Wandering around Cannes for a free spot to sit and meet with someone appears unprofessional and wastes valuable time, so prepare in advance.
Utilize the MIPIM agenda: plan your day strategically by using the agenda provided by MIPIM. This will help you prioritize sessions, events, and meetings based on your objectives.
Bring and exchange business cards: have plenty of business cards to exchange with contacts. Follow up promptly during and after the conference to nurture your new relationship. Write a note on business cards shortly after receiving them with a few notes about your interaction, such as where it took place, a comment that was made, or any other detail that will make your follow-up more personal.
Set goals: whether you are going on behalf of your company or representing yourself, define clear goals before the conference, whether it’s building relationships, exploring new deals, raising capital, or enhancing processes through partnerships.
Leverage your youth as a professional: it’s undeniable that breaking into the real estate industry as a young professional can pose challenges, particularly when networking with established firms or senior figures. However, your youth also offers a unique advantage: the opportunity to engage in every conversation as a learning experience. Seize this advantage by contacting individuals you aspire to meet and letting them know you represent a relevant group or organization. Remember, even the most seasoned experts were once newcomers, and many are eager to support enthusiastic young professionals on their journey.
