RX France, the organiser of MAPIC, has revealed that the 2024 event will examine key issues to help organisations identify the variables which impact growth in a rapidly changing environment.
MAPIC 2024 is taking place from 26 to 28 November in Cannes, France. The leading international retail property market event is set to welcome 5,000 participants, including 1,600 brands from across the globe alongside firms like Carmila, SCC, Nhood, Multi, IGD SIIQ, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, McArthur Glen, Neinver, Nepi Rockcastle, ECE, Pradera, and others.
Francesco Pupillo, director of MAPIC, says: “Retail, real estate, leisure, and hospitality players must constantly demonstrate agility to solve the ‘new retail equation’ imposed on them. In 2024, MAPIC’s innovations will highlight sector evolutions and make the exhibition a must-attend event for creating and accelerating connections among all stakeholders in the global retail ecosystem.”
Showcasing mixed-use projects
Customers’ expectations for positive, enjoyable, and memorable experiences in physical retail venues are significant factors in this new retail equation. To meet these varied demands, new projects need to be diversified and mixed-use. Likewise, shops are becoming increasingly multipurpose by adding immersive experiences, sales, repairs, product testing, preloved products, and other offerings that help to retain customers.
In the commercial real estate sector, projects are improving the quality of life in cities by enhancing relationships between consumers, residents, and destinations. MAPIC 2023 featured notable mixed-use developments such as Battersea Power Station in London, UK; Galataport in Turkey; Entrecampos in Lisbon, Portugal; WaltherPark in Bolzano, Italy; and Canopia in Bordeaux, France.
This year, mixed-use projects showcasing the fundamental role of commerce in building the cities of tomorrow will once again feature on the MAPIC stage, which is home to the Retail in the City Summit.
In addition, MAPIC 2024 will launch the Observatory of Cross-border Retail, which will highlight innovative international retail concepts which are entering and expanding in major European markets. These brands will be showcased through a pre-show guide, as well as an exhibition at the event with a photo gallery and pitch sessions. As a result, MAPIC will serve as an accelerator and connector between brands and commercial space managers and owners.
The event also supports emerging brands through the MAPIC Academy, which was introduced last year. This is a valuable platform for firms with a physical presence that want to enhance their growth. In 2023 the initiative supported World of Pop with a mentorship programme, €10,000 prize, and a six-month pop-up in a Nhood centre. As a result, the organisation gained attention from real estate firms and accelerated their openings.
Nhood is supporting the MAPIC Academy again for 2024, and is joined by Ingka Centres.
Key trends in retail & leisure
MAPIC 2024 will include the LeisurUp event, which is dedicated to location-based attractions in lifestyle destinations and will demonstrate how leisure adds a more personal touch to the brand experience.
The Palais leisure exhibition space has been updated to include two new areas focused on brand licencing and immersive experiences, both of which are quickly growing trends. The event will also consider how leisure venues maintain a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. Conference sessions and more will look at ways in which cultural, artistic, and musical events can be used to elevate activities.
The dining industry is growing and plays a key role in leisure and retail destinations by providing places for social gatherings. The annual Happetite Forum will showcase successful culinary concepts with international appeal.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability are also among the themes that will be examined at MAPIC.
AI is rapidly transforming the retail industry, from supply chain to in-store experiences. MAPIC will host two conference sessions on digital innovations that improve customer knowledge and service. Furthermore, the MAPIC Awards will feature a new category focused on AI and how retailers have adopted it.
In addition, the Sustainability Lab has expanded to include more ESG experts and partners who can help participants address environmental concerns, as organisations need to meet the needs of stricter legislation, demanding clients, and the requirements of investors.
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