Organisers of Mipim are on alert and have stepped up measures to safeguard participants at this year’s event.
With the latest figures suggesting there are 79,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 2,600 related deaths around the world, a Reed Midem spokesperson said there was no impact on Mipim visitor numbers so far and no plans to scrap or postpone the event.
To date, a number of real estate congresses in Asia plus the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona have fallen victim to the outbreak.
Currently, there are around 100 companies registered as Mipim exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region and 10 specifically from China and Hong Kong.
Mipim’s organisers told PropertyEU, ‘The health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and staff is our number one priority. We are closely following the latest guidance from local and national authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) as it relates to travel to and participation in MIPIM.’
‘We are also working with local authorities and the Palais des Festivals venue in Cannes to put in place measures and will follow up as the situation evolves.’
Mipim has responded as the very latest reports suggest fears are growing that the coronavirus could prove pandemic as more new cases become reported around the world.
The World Health Organisation says that the fatality toll has reached nearly 2,600 and that 1,200 cases have been confirmed in 26 countries outside China. Afghanistan, Kuwait and Bahrain are the latest to report cases. In Italy, the fourth person to die from the virus has just been confirmed.
Mipim said its heightened measures include:
• Communication prior to the event and onsite (signage, training of all staff) of World Health Organization recommendations regarding hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Strengthened collaboration with local partners (airport, hotels, city of Cannes) to ensure vigilance and health/safety processes.
• A reinforced onsite medical team in the venue.
• Increased standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the venue.
• Additional support to exhibitors who wish to adopt specific measures for their booths.
The organiser also said it would provide regular updates on the event's website to provide customers with the latest information.
