Deal Makers, Shopping Center Business
MAPIC Convention to Go Ahead as Scheduled
Organizers say the Cannes venue is open and their convention team is already on-site prepping for this week’s opening.
The people of France are showing their resilience in the aftermath of the recent attacks in Paris, and Reed MIDEM is adopting the same stance. The event organizer confirmed earlier today that its international MAPIC retail property market and networking event would take place as scheduled in Cannes this coming November 18-20. With air and rail transport in operation and security measures having been reinforced nationwide, the company has dispatched its team to the venue to get ready to welcome more than 8,400 participants from some 74 countries.
“Reed MIDEM is liaising with the French authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to provide adequate security for its clients and staff,” they said in a press brief.
“Security has been increased throughout Cannes, including at the Palais des Festivals, where MAPIC takes place. Reed MIDEM has advised clients that these measures may involve delays in accessing the venue. [It] is monitoring the situation and will communicate any important information via the official MAPIC website, at www.mapic.com. Reed MIDEM’s thoughts are with the victims and their families in these difficult times.”
Besides welcoming individual delegates to its 21st edition, MAPIC can expect to host 2,400 retailers, nearly as many property developers, management companies, investment and brokerage firms, architects, designers, consulting agencies, and representatives from about 100 cities and local authorities, based on the 2014 attendance. This year, the country of honor will be the USA, so there will be a dedicated pavilion and special focus on America’s current retail landscape—from high streets and shopping districts to innovative malls and leisure destinations.
Another highlight will be the 2015 MAPIC Awards gala, celebrating excellence, innovation and creativity in the retail real estate industry. Jury president Melissa Gliatta, executive VP of America’s Thor Equities, and her jurors have already announced the 38 finalists for this year’s competition in the following categories:
- Best Fashion and Footwear Retail Concept
- Best Food and Beverage Retail Concept
- Best New Retail Design Concept
- Best New Shopping Center
- Best Outlet Center
- Best Pop-Up Shop
- Best Redeveloped Shopping Center
- Best Retail Digital Strategy
- Best Retail Global Expansion
- Best Retail Urban Project
The line-up of MAPIC speakers, which is presented in the event’s app, include Christopher Conlon, executive VP and COO, Acadia Realty Trust; Laure De Carayon, founder and president, China Connect; Sana Dunbarry, director, strategy and insights, Epsilon; Nicolas Jambin, president and co-founder, HopShop; and Bill McCarthy, CEO, ShopperTrak EMEA.