Having the conversations that matter at MIPIM 2023

The new business cards are in our hands and the out of office is on. Yes folks, it’s MIPIM time again. 

Across the world, the property industry is downing tools and gathering in the south of France to talk about the built environment’s key trends. For many it’s the chance for new investment deals, getting new projects off the ground, building project teams and securing the pipeline for the rest of the year.  

We’ve been doing this for over 20 years: MIPIM is as much a part of our annual calendar as Christmas, my birthday and IWD. 

This year, the conference theme is all about the future and “re-imagining the urban environment”, which is reflected in the regional delegations’ programmes. 

Manchester is asking how the city will work for the next generation. London is addressing changing lifestyles, rising inflation, and the cost-of-living squeeze. Paris wants to shape the future of housing, transportation, retail, and life for the residents of today and tomorrow. Everyone has an eye on the future, which is what we would expect from an international conference of this scale. 

What are we hoping for? 

New knowledge and fresh ideas 

MIPIM is the point of the year when the Big Conversations happen. Where the industry shifts direction, with public and private sector voices coming together to tackle the big issues we’re all facing. 

Net zero, infrastructure and equitable placemaking dominate the programme, with a firm leaning towards leadership and public/private sector collaboration. These are conversations that need to be had and those with influence have the power to drive critical change with their contributions to the conversation. 

Here are some of the conference sessions we’re particularly looking forward to: 

• The launch of Place North at their reception with Morgan Sindall 

• Revolutionary Infrastructure 

• Jeremy, PNW, Manchester Levelling Up session 

• Tim Newns, now Managing Director for Levelling Up at our government’s new Office for Investment, but known by us as Chief Executive of Midas, is being put under the EG spotlight at 2pm on Thursday (a tricky spot if you actually want anyone to come and listen…) 

Great people 

We love the power of MIPIM for bringing together people who wouldn’t normally meet, in an environment that brings out those interesting conversations that might not happen otherwise. 

So yes, the diary has plenty of networking events, coffee and lunches to help make that happen. 

And we expect that MIPIM will this year, as it was last year and the year before that, steadily continue to become more diverse and a much more pleasant place for women and young people to learn new things, advance their career and contribute to the conversations that pushes our industry forward.  

See you on the Riviera! 

First published on Place North West