RX France, the organiser of MAPIC, has announced details for its 2023 conference, which is the world’s leading event for the retail, leisure, food, and tech real estate sectors. This year the topic will be The Age of Responsible Growth: Committing to a better future.
This theme will demonstrate how the sector can ensure ongoing, sustainable growth by putting environmental impact reduction measures in place and placing a priority on people and the environment.
The event will be held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, over three days – from Tuesday 28 November until Thursday 30 November 2023.
Sustainability insights
Recent economic and geopolitical changes have presented plenty of opportunities and challenges for retail, leisure, hotel, and real estate companies – and these sectors have responded with impressive resilience and performance. Yet these events have brought to light the sector’s reliance on limited resources.
Owners, managers, and landlords can work towards carbon-neutral properties by encouraging more efficient energy and water use – as well as the reducing, reusing, and recycling of waste and products. In response to this, MAPIC 2023 will concentrate on technologies that enable the sector to run more effectively, such as the application of artificial intelligence to cut down on energy use and provide customer insights.
The significance of repurposing and giving old property assets a second life is also constantly evident for these organisations, and MAPIC will host a selection of creative tenants from the retail, F&B, and leisure sectors. Presentations will focus on how property project governance might develop, lead by a strategy that emphasises both individual and collective accountability to achieve greater inclusivity and transparency – and mutually positive outcomes.
MAPIC’s 2023 programme will provide businesses with an unrivalled insight into sustainability projects that respond to consumers’ desire for meaning, and investors’ need for value. As well as discussing environmental concerns, the event will also explore the beneficial impact that retail may have on a city’s social landscape as part of a mixed-use development or urban regeneration.
Francesco Pupillo, MAPIC markets director, says: “MAPIC is incredibly excited to be able to foster sustainable growth with its latest initiatives, the MAPIC Academy, and the Sustainability Lab. Our global resources are finite and the decisions we make today will influence future decisions—this year’s programme offers the retail real estate players the tools to be part of this future.”
“For retail real estate players, it is about seeing the link between responsibility and business growth. Responsible growth is vital to long-term success, consumer engagement, and ultimately, realising the full potential of any retail real estate asset.”
New features for 2023
The MAPIC Academy, MAPIC’s start-up incubator for emerging retail companies, is a new feature for the 2023 event. It includes a competition where five emerging retail brands are chosen to receive development support from MAPIC’s network of experts and partners. The companies will also receive financial support, and the possibility to develop a pop-up store through a property business collaboration. A jury will choose the winning retail brand based on a final pitch event at the conference.
This year, MAPIC will include a new Sustainability Lab in the centre of the exhibition area, which will provide delegates with the tools they need to work towards their carbon reduction goals and regulatory requirements. ESG specialists, including top certification companies and producers of new sustainable technology, will be on hand to offer recommendations.
Return of the Retail Village
In keeping with the event theme’s emphasis on leisure, food, and innovation, MAPIC has announced the return of the Retail Village, in addition to the industry-specific LeisurUp and The Happetite Forum events.
Following on from last year’s success, the Retail Village will include a 300-square-meter exhibition space showcasing 30 mid and small-sized firms with high growth potential. The Retail Village connects developers with high-quality potential tenants, from DNVB brands looking for physical premises to ecological and socially focussed new retail brands.
LeisurUp, MAPIC’s hub for the leisure sector community, will return for the third time and will include new businesses and experiences. It is expected that more than 50 exhibitors and more than 350 leisure operators will be at the event in Cannes, where this year’s agenda will be centred around retailtainment clustering, immersive experiences, the ‘competitive socialising’ category, and licencing.
The Happetite Forum is a specialised programme of discussions and networking events for the food and beverage industry. It will showcase food and beverage innovations that are reshaping retail venues, as well as exploring innovative business models and spotlighting hospitality businesses engaging in CSR projects.
More than 150 F&B brands are predicted to take part this year. IGD, Nhood, CBRE, Pradera, Landsec, VIA Outlets, INGKA, SCC, and SVICOM are among the exhibitors that have already confirmed their attendance. MAPIC 2023 anticipates 6,000 participants and 1,800 retailers and DNVBS, will be at the event, as well as food and leisure companies from 75 countries.
RX France, the organiser of MAPIC, shortlisted 32 nominees for the Best Leisure Concept award in 2022. The list offered a comprehensive guide to some of the most successful entertainment concepts which had been integrated into point of sale in the sector.
