Senior associate Edward Fairweather reflects on his time at the MIPIM real estate conference in Cannes from 12-15 March, where he was joined by partners Pippa Beesley, Matthew Garrod and Neil Dryer, along with senior associates Katie Cooper and Chris Barkley from the Russell-Cooke real estate team.
Back in the office following four intense days, it is time to reflect on an enjoyable and productive trip to the South of France.
What is MIPIM?
The MIPIM real estate conference and networking event in Cannes runs annually and is billed as ‘the world’s leading real estate market event’. During MIPIM week, the streets of Cannes swell with real estate investors, developers, lenders and other property professionals, all looking to network, make contacts and do business.
Non-stop networking
I was thrilled to join the Russell-Cooke team for the trip. Arriving into Nice airport on Tuesday afternoon, we soon settled into two apartments in central Cannes (a big thank you to Katie Cooper for organising fantastic accommodation!)
We then headed directly to a networking event on the waterfront hosted by tax advisors, Saffery, kicking off our 2024 Cannes adventure. What followed was a whirlwind of networking and socialising. Away from the office there were few distractions and everyone’s focus was firmly on back-to-back networking and business development.
Particular highlights were the Russell-Cooke lunches held with our clients and contacts at Le Cosi and Da Bouttau Auberge Provencale. Delicious French cuisine, exquisite wine and wonderful company made the meals pass quickly, before it was time to depart for afternoon and evening events.
Post-Cannes follow-up
By the time we landed back at Gatwick airport on Friday afternoon, we were all exhausted yet extremely satisfied with our fantastic trip to Cannes. It offered a truly unparalleled opportunity to connect with likeminded people, broaden our industry knowledge and cultivate relationships with existing and prospective clients and referrers. Additionally, it provided an invaluable chance to deepen bonds with my colleagues while immersing ourselves in a taste of the south of France.
Now we are back on UK soil, we will be looking to build on our work in France by following up with our new contacts and making introductions, both internally and externally. In Cannes we were struck by the prevailing sense of optimism and positivity around the UK real estate market. We look forward to collaborating with many of the individuals and companies we met and to helping them pursue their goals over the coming year.
Looking ahead to UKREiiF
The next real estate conference on the horizon will be UKREiiF (the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) taking place in Leeds from 21–23 May. Get in touch with our real estate team to arrange a meet-up during UKREiiF.
Edward Fairweather is in the real estate planning and construction team, advising on a broad range of commercial property transactions including landlord and tenant matters, development, investment acquisitions and disposals & real estate finance. Edward acts for a wide range of clients from institutional investors, major high street retailers, property companies, corporate occupiers and lenders operating within the industrial, office, retail and hospitality & leisure sectors.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our real estate planning and construction solicitors; Holborn office (Email Holborn) +44 (0)20 3826 7523; Kingston office (Email Kingston) +44 (0)20 3826 7518; Putney office (Email Putney) +44 (0)20 3826 7518 or complete our form.
