Manchester pulls out of MIPIM 2021 international property conference

Manchester has pulled out of next year’s MIPIM property conference – and its future involvement is also under scrutiny.

Last week the international real estate conference announced it had rearranged its 2021 event, shifting it back to June in the hope of being able to attract exhibitors and attendees in the usual numbers.

The 2020 event, scheduled for March, was one of the first business events to be postponed because of COVID-19 that hit UK companies.

It was rearranged for June 2020 before being cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic increased in its severity across Europe.

MIPIM, organised by Reed Midem and which takes place in the Southern France resort of Cannes, traditionally attracts a large number of property professionals from the UK, including city region and local authorities keen to attract investment for their regeneration schemes.

However, promotional agency Marketing Manchester has decided not to take a stand at next year’s event following a survey among its members.

In an email to members, Marketing Manchester managing director Sheona Southern, wrote: “Having taken all partner and stakeholder feedback into account, the ongoing situation with regards to COVID-19 and the financial risk for all involved, we have confirmed with Reed Midem that Manchester will not be exhibiting independently at MIPIM next year.

“This decision, taken from feedback via the survey and conversations the team held directly with partners, is that this is both a responsible and a sensible route forward for the time being.

“This will allow the partnership to pause and review our long-term involvement with MIPIM in the future.”

Ms Southern said the organisation will work with members who might wish to attend, saying: “The Department for International Trade are still keen to support any UK delegate or city that wishes to attend as part of the UK Pavilion and if you expressed interest in this via the survey, we will facilitate an introduction.”

Marketing Manchester will create a series of virtual events next year in lieu of attending the MIPIM event aimed at “providing insight and addressing key issues, wider sector promotions and highlighting the strategic ambitions of Greater Manchester”.

Ms Southern added that, as part of this event series, the organisation will be developing content with national partners, including London, Liverpool and the Midlands: “The overall aim is to develop a platform whereby our partners can have a voice until the time is right to meet face-to-face once again.”