How to prepare for MIPIM

MIPIM is the largest and most important European property event, hosted in Cannes each year. For most delegates and their businesses, it’s a significant investment of time and money.

And with so much to do and see, it’s vital that you have your visit planned out before you step on the train or plane (or bicycle – yes, some people cycle there).

We spoke to our property sector clients and contacts about how to get the most out of your time there.

Here are their top tips

Before you go

KPIs – establish your objectives so that you can measure against these once you return – that way you will be able to gauge if your visit was a success and think about what you might do differently next time. Criteria could include a certain number of meetings over the four days, setting up a number of opportunities to meet people after the show when you’re back in the UK, collecting useful business cards, the number of clients met, social media interactions/blog visitors or journalist meetings/editorial opportunities. And remember it’s not all about business development, so those meetings don’t all have to be with prospects. You could find potential new suppliers, partners or intermediaries, and reinforce relationships with your existing network.

• Be realistic. Don’t go expecting the world, and be aware that the effort you put in now might not pay off for months or even years. Perhaps the most important thing you will get from being at Mipim is being seen to be there. That adds credibility to you and your business, which is why you might want to shell out for the conference badge or London Club rather than hang around on the fringe.
• Take care of the admin now before it’s too late. It is vital to fully register before you leave for MIPIM to avoid any on-the-spot complications, and make sure you have all your travel information and documents to avoid any last-minute panics.
• Prepare your calendar – organise your schedule before you leave the UK. It is important to plan meetings in advance and arrange where you are going to meet. And although you will be tempted to fill your diary up to the brim, do leave room for manoeuvre, as meetings can tend to run late in the sunshine or even be rescheduled. Important: Be aware of the time difference when scheduling your meetings in Outlook or other online diary. Change the time zone when you make an appointment to UTC+1 (Paris time). If someone else is making the appointment, check they’ve done so. For a belt and braces solution, write the actual time you’re meeting in the Subject line. And pop in your mobile number and your guest’s in the subject line too so you can find them on your phone when you’re waiting by the fountain or elsewhere.
• Assuming you’ve registered as a delegate, make the most of the databases, events guide and other resources on the official MIPIM website http://www.mipim.com/. Ensure your personal and company profiles are fully updated and you are easily contactable by prospective clients and partners. You can’t download email addresses in bulk but you can the rest of the list then filter it by the kinds of companies, locations, job titles you’re interested in meeting and find email addresses for the contacts concerned by searching the who’s attending section in the Quick Links.
• Spread the word – do your contacts, clients and prospects know you will be attending MIPIM this year? Why not send an e-shot to let everyone you want to meet with during the event know how to get in touch with you to arrange meetings before you head out there. You can also include that you’re attending MIPIM in your LinkedIn summary so you’ll pop up when people search for LinkedIn, and in your email signature.
• A good place to arrange to meet people, if you or they don’t have a stand at Mipim, is in the café at the far end of the ‘bunker’ – the basement under the show. Outside the show, the fountain near Caffe Roma is a popular meeting point. If you haven’t met before, don’t worry about wearing a white carnation in your lapel – just arrange to call each other when you get there.
• Are there people who can help you make the most of your trip by arranging meetings for you or inviting you to events. If you’re a member of the London Chamber or another business organisation, contact your account manager to see if they can help. If you’re part of a delegation, make sure you maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
• Ask your PR consultancy to arrange some meetings with journalists. Often, MIPIM may be the only chance you get to talk to some leading property editors and correspondents, especially those from overseas.
• Journalist prep – if you are meeting with journalists during your trip, make sure you know what you want to talk about with them and what key points you want to make, as well as topics to avoid.
• Write a list of what to take with you. Comfy shoes are essential, as are lots of business cards. Don’t try to get away with using a QR code or connecting via LinkedIn on your phone. The people you meet with won’t want to wade through 200 Safari pages to find you afterwards plus a business card gives them – and you – something on which to write a reminder about your discussion.
• Exhibiting? This is a blog in itself. Suffice to say: Plan with military precision and make sure you know where your stand is located and the rules about setting up so that everything is in place with the minimum of hassle come kick-off on Tuesday.

While you’re there

• Change your watch and ensure to sync your calendar/smart phone to local time when you arrive to avoid confusion.
• Familiarise yourself with the surroundings – get to know the conference centre, as well as the key cafes and restaurants on La Croisette, that way you can make sure you schedule your meetings close to each other. Also, make sure you know where the stands of your key clients are as well as those of any new business targets who are exhibiting.
• Mipim virgin? Why not make the most of the practical information available to you and make sure to connect with the ‘First time at MIPIM’ conference team who are there to help you find your bearings. Plus there’s a daily happy hour in the first timer’s room near the entrance.
• Bring your business cards – lots – but don’t lug around tons of marketing literature. People won’t want to carry around your brochure all day. An iPad with a brief but professional presentation is a good idea for those occasions when people want to sit down with you and find out more.
• One important tip is to write down when and where you met each new contact on their business card with a note about their particular interest or situation. It will help you to organise your contacts and follow up effectively with the right kind of information once you get back to the UK.
• Hang out – If you’re with a delegation, spend some time milling around on their stand or pavilion. Other good places to hang out are Caffe Roma and the London stand. You never know who you’ll bump into. A senior MIPIM organiser told me that serendipity is one of the biggest selling points.
• In between arranged meetings, take the opportunity to chat with people and, if they’re open to the idea, talk about your offer but try to avoid hassling people who may be recharging between meetings after a late night.
• See the show – Have a look around the expo – you’ve paid for it! And there will be plenty worth seeing. Look out for sector-specific stuff that’s particularly relevant to you too. This is an especially good way to spend some time if it’s tipping down with rain outside, which it sometimes is.
• Go digital – there will be plenty of opportunity for real-world socialising during your trip but why not use relevant social media to extend your reach. Know what hashtags you need to be using. Connect with the official Mipim social media accounts. Make sure your phone is charged and with you at all times so you can keep track of your online interactions.
• Dear diary – why not take it one step further and write a Mipim blog on a theme of the day.
• Travel light but carry the essentials – your laptop or iPad/phone and business cards, of course. Depending on your device’s battery life, you may also need a power pack or charger. Also, a sunscreen stick and sunglasses wouldn’t go amiss in case you are unlucky enough to be caught in the Mediterranean sunshine.
• Smell the sea air – Non-stop meetings and networking are exhausting, especially when coupled with a little too much to eat and drink, so give yourself a break every so often, get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

Afterwards

• Have a post-MIPIM plan – how will you follow up with the new contacts you made? Make sure you have a clear idea of your next steps. You don’t have to connect immediately but don’t leave it for weeks.
• Get ready for next year. Learn your lessons from the trip. Make a note to book early and stay as close to the action as possible – but try to avoid the more expensive hotels and instead opt for an apartment.
• It’s an exhausting four days so take time to relax and, if necessary, detox.

First published Feb 2017 (updated February 2024)