What’s to celebrate at MIPIM

So what’s this MIPIM business all about?

Depending on who you ask, it’s either a very useful intelligence gathering event, guaranteed to make you new business, or it’s a binge-drinking social happening, guaranteed to lose you business.

Who’s going?

Expect record numbers this year, despite the credit crunch. Apparently, the Scandinavians will be out in force, as well as the Germans. A Scottish delegation are also making a united comeback after a few years away – no doubt buoyed by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games win.

And what about those Russians I heard so much about last year?

Don’t worry, they’ll be back with a vengeance, and rest assured all those pretty ladies will be in tow.

Is anyone launching any interesting projects?

This year seems to be the year of the comeback project. Developer Russian Land is returning to “showcase” the Russia Tower (the highest tower in Europe at 600m) designed by Norman Foster. Perennial favourite The Shard, due to be built next to London Bridge, is also back by popular demand.

Other than that, this year there’s a number of mixed-use schemes on display from places as diverse as Dubai and Paris.

What are the other highlights?

Clive Dutton, planning and regeneration director at Birmingham council, is taking part in a panel discussion on 12 March alongside Peter Head, the Arup director responsible for China’s eco-city Dongtan on cities and climate change.

For celeb-spotting, go along to the Bradford stand in the exhibition hall to say hello to home make-over queen Linda Barker or architects’ favourite Kevin McCloud.

As for parties in the evenings, don’t miss the big three big: Davis Langdon (Wednesday 12), King Sturge (Thursday 13th) and Lovells’ Party On The Beach (Wednesday 12), where a once very famous band help MIPIMers rock the night away.