Coronavirus forces cancellation of MIPIM 2020

International property conference MIPIM has effectively been cancelled for 2020 after organisers confirmed it would be not be taking place on its rescheduled June date.

The annual event should have happened two weeks ago in Cannes, France, but was postponed as coronavirus began to disrupt travel and mass gatherings in Europe.

It was rearranged for June 2-5 but that too has proven to be too problematic to remain committed to.

The three-day festival will be replaced by a two-day gathering of real estate and technology leaders in Paris in September. Alongside this organisers are promising an online experience, MIPIM Connect.

It has confirmed plans to hold MIPIM next year in its usual time and place – Cannes on March 16-19, 2021.

The announcement comes as Europe is dealing with the global Covid-19 pandemic. The events industry is one of the worst affected by the economic consequences of the health crisis.

Filippo Rean, real estate division director at MIPIM organiser Reed MIDEM, said, “The situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing daily and government measures are becoming increasingly restrictive.

“It is clear that holding a large MIPIM tradeshow in Cannes in June is not feasible given the rapid spread, devastating impact and uncertain evolution of the virus.

“As it is not possible to organize a traditional MIPIM by the end of this year, we are planning a different form of gathering for clients in the autumn in Paris, plus a digital experience, MIPIM Connect.”

There is usually a large British element to MIPIM’s global property audience. Agents, developers and other property professionals go alongside delegations that are typically led by cities and city regions which are seeking investors and partners for its largest and most ambitious schemes.

“This comes as no surprise following recent developments,” said Midlands Engine chair Sir John Peace.

“Our efforts will now turn to securing the best outcome for our partners, and developing our future plans together to ensure the outstanding investment opportunities across the Midlands Engine can be showcased to the world.”

Rob McGuinn, director at MDA Consulting and chair of Team Leicester said: “This news that the main MIPIM event will no longer run this year is obviously very disappointing but not unexpected, given the widespread escalation of the coronavirus.

“This is an unprecedented situation and we recognise that everyone is striving to make the best of this horrendous turn in global events.

“We will be rolling our programme including all sponsorship over to next year and we are fully committed – even more so now – to making MIPIM 2021 a massive success.”

Delegations from Derby and Nottingham have been contacted for comment.

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