When serendipity and the road to Net Zero collide, great things happen
Dubbed ‘The World’s Leading Real Estate Tech Expo’, Propel by MIPIM has become a firm favourite in the calendars of global proptech businesses in recent years, writes Sara Donnelly. Bringing together some of the greatest minds in real estate and some of the most exciting tech innovators is always sure to kick start impactful and game changing conversations.
However, many stakeholders, including the organisers, realised that a format change was needed to better reflect the demands and challenges both sectors face, so I was really excited to join other proptech enthusiasts at PlaceTech’s latest event at Bishopsgate in London recently, where newly appointed Propel director, Lauriane Halle, shared her insights and plans for next March in Cannes.
Here are some of the key insights and points raised during the lively discussion with Lauriane.
Road to Net Zero zone
By far the strongest theme emanating from the session was around Propel’s commitment to real estate decarbonisation and Net Zero, and the new Road to Net Zero zone. The evolution of MIPIM has been categorised by sustainability, it’s a common thread that runs through almost every discussion so the fact that Lauriane and the wider MIPIM team have designed a new format to include specific zones and stages focusing heavily on this theme is a clear indication of its growing importance to the sector.
Integration
Mixing was a clear focus of the evening, with Lauriane identifying the importance of uniting the tech and real estate worlds during the flagship event in Cannes. Yes, Propel will remain in the basement, however, there is a strong desire to better merge the sectors at every other opportunity. The fact is, technology is the enabler to many of the sustainability and net zero challenges the real estate industry faces, so to keep them separate would be illogical.
Thinking about the entire real estate life cycle – from build plans and material choice to funding projects, maintaining assets and refurbishment – the role technology plays in facilitating every stage of this journey cannot be considered in isolation. It’s about the tech world infiltrating those important conversations being held during the show, including tech content in the main conference programme on the biggest stages at MIPIM 2023, to bring the biggest impact and value to the global industry at large. Something that is desperately needed as the world continues its journey to Net Zero.
Investors demand ESG
Investors and their focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) was identified as a key factor in the show’s format considerations. Investors are increasingly looking for opportunities that fulfil at least one area of ESG, and for the real estate sector, that means scrutinising the asset class, portfolio and supply chains to ensure these new investor demands are being met.
Happy accidents
Serendipity closed the discussions. It was clear from attendees that real life events and the chance meetings that happen there are by far the most important benefit of attending Propel by MIPIM. Yes, virtual events can offer a certain degree of networking, however, those moments when you’re in a queue, grabbing a drink or simply enjoying the early evening Cannes sunshine, and you strike up a conversation with the person stood next to you can often be the most valuable discussions and leads you make. Now, where is my credit card to book my ticket!
Collaboration
As an agency with three specialist divisions – ESG, Net Zero and Tech – this refreshed and highly integrated approach to MIPIM, that sees all those areas united, is a powerful nod to the importance of collaboration across the specialisms. Tech is a facilitator, an enabler that can truly empower the real estate industry to succeed in its journey to Net Zero. While the basement will remain its official home, it’s clear Propel by MIPIM is taking a much larger stage at next year’s show.
- Sara Donnelly is director of Social Tech Communications
