As you can probably tell by the lack of blogging, it has been a manic start to the year. We were in full swing straight away in the RLI office after the Christmas break, getting the first issue of the year to the printers, but then we immediately had to start work on the March issue as we are once again in all the delegate bags at MIPIM 2014, on show in the principal hotels along the Croisette and last but not least in the press racks in the Palais Des Festivls, as such we had to send the magazine to the printers much earlier than usual.
However, I can now say that we have sent the March issue to the printers, and I have just stepped off the plane returning from EuroShop 2014 in Dusseldorf, where RLI joined ISO's Meeting Point (International Shopfitting Organisation) whose hospitality never ceases to amaze, thank you to Preben and Anna Bailey. The February issue of RLI was on show in front of 2,200 exhibitors from 57 countries. The event took place in a huge area of more than 115,000sq m of net exhibition space across 16 halls, and again the event gave the retail industry the basis for ideas, innovations, solutions, contacts and business.
Our MIPIM issue is as always bursting with all kinds of features, insights and profiles this year ready for the 25th Anniversary of MIPIM. The cover story for the issue is Arcus Real Estate, as we look into the many exciting retail and leisure destination projects they are currently working on. We also take a look into the forward-thinking plans Paris Gallery has to take its premium collections into new and exciting markets. The Voyager section for this magazine is a special MIPIM Insight, where we bring you an overview of the best of what is coming up in the areas of international retail, leisure and mixed-use developments. On top of this there is our annual focus on the global outlet sector, where we outline how the outlet centre is evolving and where in the world these outlets are opening. With all of this, plus all the usual retail and leisure insights, event previews, design profile and galleries, the MIPIM issue will be you best guide before and after MIPIM 2014.
As we build up to MIPIM 2014, I will be heading to London at the beginning of March to be present at the ICSC Retail Connections event, which takes place on the 4th March in London at the Business Design Centre, where the RLI March issue will be present. Following this event I have less than a week in the office before I head out to Cannes for the special 25th edition of MIPIM, taking place at the Palais Des Festivals between the 11th and 14th, it is shaping up to be the biggest ever with all the anniversary celebrations that appear to be in place. With an incredible 40,000sq m of exhibition space expected for the 2,000 exhibiting companies attending from over 80 countries, the event promises to bring together the most influential players from all international property sectors.
As MIPIM draws to a close on the Friday I will be heading home, but not for a weekend to recharge, obviously, but to pack as I'm then off to Dubai on the Saturday. Flying to Dubai is however, always worth it and I will be attending the UKTI GREAT Week UAE, as it takes place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Taking place between the 16th and 20th of March with the RLI magazine on show, the event, which is one of many GREAT Week events taking place across the calendar year, will give UK-based businesses the opportunity to join government-led trade missions to meet major buyers, potential partners and influential opinion formers in the UAE market.
Before all this kicks of however, I have a couple of weeks in the office to catch up on emails, get started on the next issue of RLI, and of course work on the upcoming RLI Connect 2014 event and the Global RLI Awards 2014, which seem to be coming around even faster than last year. Lots to look forward to this year for me and for you!
See you on my travels...
