Now in it’s 14th year, MIPIM (Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier), once again drew the real estate crowds to Cannes. The prevailing tough economy and pre-war uncertainty did not seem to have an impact upon visitor numbers. With over 14,200 participants from 62 countries, and over 5,200 participating companies, this year’s MIPIM show once again confirmed its reputation as the must-attend global real estate event of the year.

As ever, the annual MIPIM awards attracted a great deal of attention from delegates. An international jury of real estate professionals selected the award shortlist, designed to reward the most significant property developments of the past year. MIPIM delegates were asked to vote for their chosen projects, which were divided into five categories. Winners included the World Trade Center in Amsterdam, which won the refurbished Office Building Category. Developers on the project were ING Real Estate, Kantoren Fonds Nederland & Trimp & van Tartwijk, and Project Architects for the building were Kohn Pedersen Fox International.

Property Software at MIPIM
MRI, the global provider of property management systems, was again amongst the list of exhibitors at MIPIM. Bob Marsh, General Manager at MRI Europe, explains the importance of the event to MRI’s business:

“In order for MRI to remain the number one global supplier of real estate software solutions, it is imperative that we attend MIPIM. The show allows us to meet with our existing clients and contacts, as well as developing our business throughout the European and Middle East region. This is why, for the sixth year running, we have continued to exhibit at the show.”

Emerging Markets
“MIPIM 2003 saw us receive significant interest in our products from real estate companies throughout Central and Eastern Europe,” explains Marsh. “As indicated in the property press, real estate development and investment in these emerging markets is on the increase.”

“Many agents, developers and investors see the future potential in Central and Eastern Europe as key to their business, and we have seen this reflected in the demand for our property and asset management solutions. MRI has recently undergone successful implementations throughout this region, with live sites now in Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, and further new clients in additional Eastern European countries soon to be announced.”

“As expected, following discussions with our clients and prospects, Southern European nations such as Spain and Italy also seem to be current hotbeds for property investment.”

Yet, despite the presence from numerous high profile property professionals, decision-makers, and end-users from throughout Europe, to date, very few of the leading software houses attend MIPIM. This can presumably be attributed to the complexities of offering a successful trans-European product.

With Europe now an open market, it is vital that software solutions are able to address the local requirements of individual countries, whilst simultaneously offering integrated, robust solutions to meet the needs of global property organisations.

Marsh concludes: “MRI’s products have been enhanced to meet the requirements of individual countries, hence the broad scope of our current client list. In addition, we are now able to serve our European client base from both our UK and mainland European operation centre in Brussels, allowing us to offer local expertise and knowledge where required.”

“This year, MRI sent employees from both our UK and mainland European offices to MIPIM 2003, our largest presence at the event to date, and we have already reaped the benefits in terms of new business development. In my mind, MIPIM remains the number one global real estate show, and an event that any leading property software house cannot afford to miss.”