This was my 10th MIPIM this year and I often hear that this is just one big jolly. This is simply not the case, whilst there are many functions, parties and high spirited delegates, it really is a place where business is and can be done.
During this MIPIM, I took a different approach this year, I drove but to be honest I would not do this again. The toll roads and cost of fuel and time was disproportional. Albeit it did enable 4 of us to travel and also take a boot load of luggage and promotional material.
I will however, say this was again my best MIPIM, I meet lots of old friends and colleagues and many new, so many new business models coming into the market place from conveyancing due to deregulation through to funding first time buyers.
This is the first MIPIM in which I left with immediate opportunities and in fact two potential clients emailed me schemes on the day.
The amount of Yaught parties or should I say drinks functions were less this year with more foreign than English hosts albeit I would like to add the best hosts that I experienced were Shedmasters, BDO, Residential Land, Kingston Smith, PRP, Edge to name a few.......
I came away meeting over 120 new business (which I say meetings I meet speed dating) people in my sector which I have never meet before. The spirit was very much positive by all I meet with many people stating business is expanding albeit profits are not. I did not attend MIPIM in 2012 which I now regret but finances were very much stretched at this time.
I read recently express piece on MIPIM and would suggest this is very poor slant on MIPIM http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/307383/Tycoons-hookers-and-our-council-fatcats-party-in-Cannes recommend people review property week, estates gazette and architects journal pieces.
Being a veteran at MIPIM and have learnt to pace yourself, I only saw 4am in the morning once which was enjoyed at Cafe Roma.
I am very much looking forward to MIPIM 2013 and perhaps I shall book my flights early this time.....
All the best for 2012.
Bradley
