What it is
MIPIM is a property-investment fair held every March at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes and run by the events company RX. The organiser describes it as the annual meeting of the global real-estate community, built to connect capital, people and ideas. Most participants are investors, developers and the firms that serve them. The 2027 edition runs from 16 to 19 March. RX also runs MIPIM events in Hong Kong in December 2026 and in Riyadh in October 2027.
For cities, MIPIM is mainly a shop window. The organiser’s key audiences page lists cities and local authorities among its target groups, with the aim of promoting the city to a global audience, building an urban development strategy and finding future partners.
How the programme is organised
In 2027 the conference programme spreads over four main stages, seven pavilion deep dives and several summits, and the fair extends to new venues around Cannes. The strand closest to city policy is Housing Matters!, which brings investors and developers together with city leaders and public authorities. In 2027 it moves into the main programme and opens the event on the morning of Tuesday 16 March. Its listed topics include population growth, shrinking housing supply, ageing, migration and student housing. The 2026 speakers included the Mayor of Hannover.
The MIPIM Awards, created in 1991, are presented on the Thursday. Criteria include the project’s integration in its environment and community, and registered delegates vote on the finalists.
Who goes and how to take part
Visitors buy a pass. The registration page lists a Full Pass at €2,125, a Premium Pass at €3,250 and a one-day pass at €1,500, all excluding VAT, plus a reduced Startup Pass for young technology companies. We found no specific pass for public officials. Exhibiting is arranged with Rx France directly, and stand prices are not published.
Why it matters for cities
The organiser presents MIPIM to cities as a place to promote themselves to investors and find partners for their development plans. It is a commercial fair, not a policy forum. For a comparable autumn fair in Munich, see EXPO REAL.
Going, or following from home
The nearest airport is Nice, about 30 minutes away, and Cannes station is a short walk from the Palais. The organiser recommends registering online in advance to avoid queues on site.