Property show

Internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, Investor Speed Matching, climate change and emerging markets are all at the forefront of a busy programme at MIPIM 2007

MIPIM, the world’s leading international property forum, will celebrate its 18th edition in Cannes from 13 to 16 March 2007. Over 21,000 visitors are expected to converge at the Palais des Festivals for a busy programme of networking, conferences, seminars and events. There will also be over 20,000 sq m of exhibition space featuring more than 2,000 exhibiting companies.

In 2006, 74 countries were present and 2007 will see an increase in international participation. The Middle East and Russia will have a larger presence this year and central and western Europe has also seen significant growth in attendance.

First-time exhibitors this year include: Alpha Real Capital, Doughty Hanson, Guernsey Finance, Halverton Real Estate Investment Management, Harrods Estates, Parkridge Holdings, Erinaceous, EOffice and Yoo.

There will also be new regions and local authorities attending MIPIM for the first time, including Location Leeds and Doncaster Council. Toronto will attend for the first time, showcasing the investment and development opportunities available in Canada’s largest city and gateway to North America. Three main partners will represent Toronto at MIPIM: the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC); and the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal.

Under TWRC’s leadership, Toronto is embarking on an ambitious revitalisation programme across the waterfront as well as infrastructure renewal for the whole city, all in keeping with the Province of Ontario’s Growth Management plan. Toronto will also be holding a seminar at MIPIM in Auditorium H the of Palais des Festivals, at 16.30 on Wednesday 14 March, as well as hosting an exclusive dinner and lunch during the show.

The MIPIM conference programme is set to be a major highlight of the market, opening with internationally renowned architect, urban designer and lecturer, Daniel Libeskind, who will be giving a keynote speech devoted to the trends in world architecture today. Investor Speed Matching is returning for the second year, bringing together a real estate fund or project with an audience made up of selected investors. The projects and the funds will have 10 minutes to present and convince the investors.

The Property Talks special programme co-organised with Investment Property Databank (IPD) is set to return for the third year. In addition to Daniel Libeskind, Henri Giscard d’Estaing, CEO of Club Med and Stelios, CEO of easyGroup will also be speaking, resulting in a varied and high profile speaker line-up.

Property Talks will cover topics such as, Property: an Asset Class (investment, investment vehicles, finance and opportunities); Property: a Changing World (a place to live, economics, demographics and the built environment); and Property: a Regional Focus (national markets in a global context). There will also be a special session aimed at corporate end-users.

CoreNet Global, the international corporate real estate professional’s membership organisation, will be represented by a senior team comprising its chief operating officer and director of global operations, and will be on hand to support the many end-user members who attend the MIPIM market.

The MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards returns for a fifth year with a seminar showcasing the best upcoming architectural projects. The awards programme encourages the industry to strive for high design standards in respect of buildings, and to stimulate discussion and debate around good design. Projects from all over the world, from such places as Saudi Arabia, Poland, USA, Thailand, the Israel/Jordan border and three schemes from Denmark triumphed at last year’s MIPIM. One project, Doha Gardens in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia by Nabil Gholam Architecture and Planning, was named as the overall winner.

Meanwhile, a delegation from emap will be attending to outline plans for its World Retail Congress, which is due to take place a week after MIPIM in Barcelona. The Congress will bring together the world’s retail leaders for high-level debate with international policy makers.

Architects will be out in force again – 300 have already registered, including AHMM, Aedas, Sheppard Robson, and Gensler. One practice, architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, will showcase its expertise in carbon negative projects such as the outstanding Adnams brewery distribution centre, as well as international expertise in locations such as Russia and western and central Europe.

CABE will also have a major presence at MIPIM with a whole series of design-orientated events. A CABE Design Review session chaired by Paul Finch, Deputy Chair, CABE will take place on Wednesday 14 March 2007 at 10.45 at the Hotel Gray d’Albion.

Cannon Kirk will be launching – with Coventry City Council and Farrells – the masterplan for Coventry City Centre. Cannon Kirk has been working in partnership with Coventry City Council on a proposal for a mixed- use scheme of up to 3 million sq ft which will transform an 8 ha site around Coventry Station into a vibrant gateway to the city.
The masterplan for the site will include high-quality office and residential accommodation incorporating leisure and retail uses. The scheme will provide a cohesive transport interchange between the railway station, buses, taxis and the 600 car parking spaces which will be created for rail commuters.

Executive Offices Group, the UK-based operator of serviced office brands including Argyll Business Centres, Palladia and Corpnex, will be at MIPIM to make a major announcement about their international expansion plans.
The UK’s regions will again be well represented with East Midlands Development Agency, London Development Agency, Kent County Council, Advantage West Midlands, Manchester, Yorkshire Forward and Liverpool all exhibiting.

Liverpool, in the year before it becomes the European Capital of Culture 2008 has moved to a new location at MIPIM situated in the Riviera Hall (R27.18), offering supporters and visitors a much more exciting Liverpool experience. The new, larger space will give the dynamic, creative and connected city a much improved presence within the exhibition; they will be hosting a breakfast between 9am and 10am everyday and have guest presentations during the day. The city will also be hosting a party on Thursday evening at Morrison’s Irish bar which it hopes will be just the ticket again at MIPIM.

London is likely to have one of the largest presences at MIPIM. The London stand will again feature West! continuing the success of last year where a number of West London organisations including Park Royal Partnership, The London Borough of Brent, Brixton Estates, Tesco and Development Securities attended as a consortium, in order to promote West London. West London will also be the topic of a presentation on the London stand at 4.30pm on Wednesday 14 March. A West London-focused conference and networking event called WEST! is also planned for 19 to 20 September 2007 at the Novotel Hammersmith.

Park Royal Partnership, the public/private funded regeneration and investment body for Europe’s largest industrial estate and one of the West! participants, will attend MIPIM to promote this major west London business location to occupiers and investors. Park Royal is home to numerous business clusters, including film and TV production, food and drink manufacturing and logistics.

Other participants on the London stand include Development Securities, Lend Lease, The British Land Company, Silvertown Quays Ltd, Henderson Global Investors, Sheppard Robson and PRP Architects.
The 17th MIPIM Awards will reward the best international real estate projects. Visitors will vote for five winners from among the finalists. The categories include business centres, shopping centres, refurbished office buildings, residential developments, hotels and resorts.

MIPIM takes place 13-16 March 2007 at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes. For further information on how to register, please contact Reed MIDEM on 0207 528 0086.
www.mipim.com