Manchester prepares for MIPIM expansion in 2017

Organisers of Manchester’s delegation to MIPIM are set to make a major change to its presence at the international property conference next year, swapping its prominent stand at the Palais des Festival for a beach-side pavilion.

MIPIM is due to take place from 13 to 16 March 2017 in Cannes.

Manchester has exhibited on a stand above the entrance to the conference centre for many years, visible from street level. However, during events the stand has been increasingly crowded as the number of delegates has gone up year on year.

In 2017, Manchester will exhibit in a 4,800 sq ft pavilion, near to the Palais and off the Croissette.

The tent will include theatre space, terrace, digital exhibition, and café. The pavilion will also replace the Manchester villa, which is normally used for a number of events including a drinks reception on the opening night. Manchester plans to retain Le Crillon, the bar that the city takes over for the duration of the conference.

The format of events is expected to follow previous years, with presentations taking place every morning and afternoon over three days. Partners have an opportunity to support an additional event each morning and afternoon, and Manchester dinners will be held within the pavilion each evening.

Manchester at MIPIM will formally launch its activity at a reception at One St Peter’s Square on 15 September.

The expansion into a pavilion reflects the increasing number of partners being signed up to support Manchester at the property expo. 2016 was the third year running that Manchester at MIPIM announced a record delegation, with an additional 36 companies, taking the total to 99, compared to 73 in 2015 and 59 in 2014.

As partner numbers swelled, some sponsors have complained that they do not get enough access to senior Manchester representatives, and the increase in financial support should be put towards a larger exhibition for the city region.

The move also shows Manchester’s ambition to be seen as a major player on the world stage. Previous occupants of MIPIM pavilions include the Russian development agency, St Petersburg, Istanbul and Qatar.

Sponsorship packages for MIPIM are divided into three categories, and prices have changed for 2017. To be a sponsor costs £18,000, down from £20,000, partner is £12,000, up from £9,500, and associate is £6,500, up from £5,950. Sponsorship of a dinner costs £15,000.