MIPIM: Where you learn things you can’t google

MIPIM is the ideal event for understanding what’s really going on in the world of real estate, according to Belinda Coates, founder of management consultancy Harper B, which focuses mainly on the UK and Australian markets.

“When you have conversations at MIPIM at round-tables, dinners or cocktail parties – or if you’re lucky enough to be invited on to a yacht – that’s where you learn about what’s really happening. You learn about things you can’t Google and that’s why conferences like this are really valuable.”

A native Australian, Coates said her home country should have a bigger presence in Cannes given how much money its pension funds especially have invested in global real estate. “There’s a real fight for capital and people are getting very savvy about coming together as countries and having a unified approach to target that capital,” she said.

“With another hat on, I’m here trying to promote the idea of MIPIM for Australia as well.”

She added: “We distribute 70% of Australian wealth to other countries. We’re very giving by nature but I think we’ve possibly become complacent.”