MIPIM has celebrated its 30th Birthday. There
are a hardy few who will tell you that they have attended every
one. I can't claim that, but I did first attend in 1996 and
have witnessed its teenage excesses and more recent sobering into
maturity.
Back in 1996 the Palais was about half its current size. All the
stands were in the basement exhibition space, earning it the
nickname "The Bunker". There were no extra tents or
pavilions along the harbour or the Croisette. There were boats, but
not so many and not so big. The event seemed to be dominated by the
Brits. Bar Roma was overflowing with a cheery crowd of
"suits" more normally seen around Hanover Square and the
Martinez Bar was the place to be seen (so some things don't
change....)
