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Several seasoned commercial practitioners joined moderator Sandra Miller, CIPS, CRS, to discuss their experiences at the MIPIM event in Cannes, France, that bills itself as the “ultimate real estate industry experience of the year.” Chris Anderson, CRS, GRI, incoming CCIM President David P. Wilson, CCIM, and incoming President of Missouri REALTORS® Nate K Johnson, ABR, CIPS, CRS, GRI, took attendees through the many considerations required to make the trip to MIPIM profitable.
Keeping a potential for business on the table is a major goal, as travel and attendance with a team comes with stiff expense. The panel offered a wealth of help in the form of hard-won experience at MIPIM. If there was a single theme to the advice, it was about preparation. MIPIM is too big and too diverse to simply “wing it”, and hiring local help with making appointments was advised repeatedly. The group agreed NAR’s U.S.A Pavilion was not only of significant direct value to members in attendance (discounted registration, refreshments and space for meetings), it also provided a significant footprint and branding message to the general attendees.
When asked what he might do differently this year, Wilson cited creating a strategic method. “Build upon the countries you are looking at for the future and try to make a methodical approach [to meeting trade delegations from all of them],” Wilson advised.
Accentuating the local economic development piece to MIPIM attendance, Johnson said “We decided to market Missouri internationally [at MIPIM]” but cited the biggest mistake made in the past as “not understanding how large the conference is. I wish I had more time to study and prepare.”
With 24,000 participants from 100 countries at the expo, the point was made that navigating the huge list of capital sources, investors, buyers, developers, and other players in the commercial property value chain requires special preparations.
Anderson put a finer point on achieving access to closed sessions: “If you can bring an elected official with you, you gain entrance to the financial events.”
“[MIPIM] is a great opportunity to visit a whole lot of countries all at once,” Wilson concluded. Plan your trip and take advantage of the NAR U.S.A Pavilion space and registration discount at www.nar.realtor/MIPIM.
Top Three Tips for New MIPIM Attendees
1. Plan well in advance, including making pitch appointments.
2. For expanded access, bring along elected officials if possible.
3. Bring collateral videos promoting your area and opportunities.
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