A novice at MIPIM

Compared to the “bunker” – dark, endless and stuffy – the London pavilion is great. It’s light and manageable with an ample terrace and a stunning view.

Holder Mathias’s apartment is right on the sea – a great counterpoint to sleep deprivation. The soothing noise of waves follows you for several days after. Every morning you push the button of the blinds and wait for them to slowly unveil the sunny seascape outside.

Everyone says this year is much more upbeat then the last two years have been, although they all feel that the champagne years will never return. It seems much more business-like say the experienced visitors. Good for me, I suppose.

The second morning when everyone has gone to their respective business breakfasts, you are left on your own. You have to fix your day yourself with no hand-holding.

Then I find out that around half of the people in Cannes who came for MIPIM don’t register or acquire badges and do their business outside the tightly secured compound. When most of the senior people with badges hold their meetings outside, this seems a very reasonable approach. It is a commercial forum after all.

Lunches, dinners, drinks, nightcaps …The latter are the worst, because what you need most here is your energy. More sleep – more done.