So many empty spaces at the palace

Participants at this year’s MAPIC fair gave the impression that the time had at last come when one could talk calmly about the issues of the day. But It seemed that the composed exteriors were hiding deeper worries

It was only a year ago when I described the MAPIC 2008 meeting as modest, subdued and exuding insecurity. This year’s rendezvous of people connected with retail development had largely shaken off that feeling of anxiety which had enveloped the real estate industry last autumn. Having said that, the fact is that fewer people turned up in the heart of Provence than a year ago. The stands were smaller, with only a small number of events staged onboard yachts – although those that were organized by the fair managers buzzed with activity. In addition, there were fewer hostesses, and they seemed to be much more modestly dressed. In short, the spectre of the crisis was still looming above the Cannes festival palace. However, those who had dropped in seemed to be in a better mood, which should not be so surprising since clearly the very fact of their being there was evidence that they were among the stronger players on the market. Was their presence in Cannes worthwhile? Perhaps the actual question that should be posed is: was it worth travelling to the Côte d’Azur at such an inclement moment? A short answer to that inquiry might be provided by the phone call we received from one of the 
participants who did not want photographs of himself from the fair to be published in case his clients accused him of extravagant and shameful behaviour!

The next MAPIC is to be held on November 17th–19th 2010. More visitors may attend next time, and more companies may decide to use it to publicize their projects, especially since during this year’s event at least one of the  developers present revealed that at the Expo Real fair in Munich in October he had entered into negotiations on financing which seem bound to bear fruit in the form of new projects next autumn. (And)