So, MIPIM has been and gone for another year and, believe it or not, this was my first EVER trip to “the world’s leading real estate market event”.
In my previous roles, the focus and target audience did not make it a viable event for me to attend and then, over time, it became something almost to be viewed with trepidation: the stories, the gossip, the bad behaviour, the misogyny…why on earth would I go?
It was therefore with a degree of hesitation, and just a little angst, that I joined the suited and “sunglassed” on the sunny Côte d’Azur last week.
The men still massively outnumber the women present, and that will take some time yet to change; however, it was very different to my imagining and surprisingly refreshing in its approach. I can’t knock it, but I could sure do with some boot camp training before the next one!
There is clearly a reliable recipe for a productive business meeting, and it involves a relaxed and balmy atmosphere, a mysterious ability to bend time to your will and, yes, sunglasses.
Ah, wait, we live in the UK. I’m not sure the Reservoir Dogs look would have the same impact here, but I’m willing to give it a go.