“Lucky you!” my fiancée said (somewhat sarcastically) when I told her I was going to the South of France next week - heading to my first-ever MIPIM. I'm joining the Remit Consulting Team at the flagship global property event, where we are publishing our research on AI in property.
I have to admit – I’m feeling a mix of excitement and, if I’m honest, a bit of apprehension. With over 20,000 attendees descending on Cannes for the world’s premier real estate event, I guess it’s easy to feel a little daunted. After all, this is where the biggest players in property, investment, and urban development come together to shape the future of our towns and cities.
Maybe it’s a touch of imposter syndrome, but I keep wondering if I’ll fit in and whether I'll be able to keep up with the whirlwind of meetings, networking events, and panel discussions. Most importantly, will I survive the late nights and early starts that seem to be an unspoken part of MIPIM?
My more experienced colleagues keep warning me that it’s a marathon, not a sprint and I need to pace myself.
It’s not something I’m very good at!
The MIPIM hype
MIPIM is the global property event. It’s where nations and cities showcase their biggest development opportunities, investors hunt for the next big thing, and businesses forge the kind of deals that can reshape entire skylines.
My colleagues tell me that the scale is staggering. Just look at the programme: four days of back-to-back events, with high-profile speakers, government delegations, and industry leaders all in one place.
But beyond the grand scale, MIPIM is really about people – the conversations, the connections, and the opportunities that arise from simply being in the right place at the right time. I guess it’s why so many in the industry see it as an unmissable fixture in the calendar.
What I’m expecting – and what I’m hoping to gain
A first-timer’s MIPIM experience can be overwhelming, but I’m approaching it with an open mind and a clear strategy. My plan is simple:
Be prepared but flexible. I have key meetings lined up, but I also know that some of the best conversations happen unexpectedly.
Try to pace myself. With events running from morning till late at night, and beyond, it’s tempting to do everything – but I’ll need to try and balance my energy levels. Easier said than done with my short legs!
Listen and learn. With high-calibre speakers and real estate leaders present, I’m looking forward to absorbing as many industry insights as possible - particularly in the world of PropTech and AI.
Meet new people. Real Estate is, ultimately, all about people and how we live, work and invest in the built environment - and MIPIM is the place to go to meet those who will shape the future
Share our intelligence - (access the AI in Property Report even if you’re not at MIPIM)
While there’s an element of nervousness, I know that stepping into something new is often where the best opportunities come from. I’m ready to make the most of it, embrace the experience, and see where MIPIM takes me.
And if all else fails, at least I’ll be in Cannes. And if you're there, why not join me for a coffee, in the sunshine? Just from me an email at yiannis.michael@remitconsulting.com