NovaLoca at MIPIM UK!
As many of you are no doubt aware, this week saw MIPIM UK launch in the Olympia exhibition centre in Kensington. Taking place over the 18th and 19th of October, it’s the UK’s largest property summit and, of course, NovaLoca weren’t about to miss out.
Making the most of the complimentary snacks, Chris Tembey’s nutritious breakfast of sweet popcorn, followed by his entry into a competition to win a Tottenham pennant (for a friend, he’s keen to mention!), meant he was soon ready to start enjoying the show proper.
The first of a number of conferences was the ‘The Transformation of the Agent’, a look at the future of technology and automation in the industry. Amongst concerns about technology ‘disrupting’ the industry were a number of convincing arguments for embracing it and making the most of its potential. Transparency in the industry was also up for discussion, particularly how undisclosed deals and a lack of accurate vacancy rates are muddying the waters – interesting stuff.
Chris also attended the ‘Growth Corridor’ conference, detailing the Oxford-Cambridge bridge and its connection to towns such as Milton Keynes, Luton and Bedford. Our friends from Be Central Beds were also at the conference, sharing solidarity for our home county with some big city projects!
Day 1 ended the best way possible – Peroni from the free bar! A special mention must go to the London Stand, who worked non-stop to offer refreshments hot and cold whilst laying on the lunchtime sandwiches.
On Day 2, we listened to the Northern Powerhouse Leaders conference, where Jake Berry spoke of the promise, potential & power that the North has & offers the rest of the U.K. We also listened to our good friend Stuart Rand-Bell of Caldes discuss the GDPR – the opt in/opt out law that’s coming next May. With MIPIM being changed from a 3-day to a 2-day event, conferences such as these really spoke for how well the event had been organised; conferences came thick and fast, usually one after the other, with some truly commendable organising keeping things moving smoothly.
Residential Land sponsored a dedicated networking lounge this year, offering not only MIPIM’s first bespoke networking area but a number of stands, comfortable seating areas, and a plethora of showcases; Invest in Lisburn Castlereagh gain a special mention for their fine potato vodka, whilst the stands in the Innovation Forum showcased a variety of creative and technological solutions. Every stand felt unique, each showing something new or original.
MIPIM UK 2017 offered plenty – including some tired legs after two eventful days! We had a great time this year and look forward to doing it all over again the next time.
