Bringing Investment Home

June 24, 2024

Commercial & Investment Real Estate, Commercial Green Buildings, International Real Estate, Working With International Clients

By: Johnny Noon

MIPIM 2024 attendees talking by the USA Stage

@ National Association of REALTORS®

In the world of commercial real estate, success hinges on making connections and spotlighting opportunities. At MIPIM 2024, in Cannes, France, the National Association of REALTORS® took this ethos to an international level, showcasing U.S. investment opportunities and allowing attendees to forge invaluable relationships on a global scale.

By hosting the USA Pavilion at the massive trade show, NAR set the stage for members and stakeholders to sell the U.S., and particularly the represented markets of Illinois, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Westchester County, New York, as prime places to invest and conduct business.

The convention, drawing more than 20,000 attendees including economic development officials, government entities, investors, landlords, and architects, provided an unparalleled platform for NAR members to showcase their communities, services, and job-creating opportunities on a global scale. More than 55 NAR members attended, representing 12 state and local associations, economic development offices, and a partnership with the International Economic Development Council.

@ National Association of REALTORS®

NAR’s participation received an extra boost with platinum sponsorships from Florida REALTORS® and The CCIM Institute, underscoring a dedication to propelling the real estate industry forward both domestically and internationally.

“MIPIM was paramount in making connections and opening opportunities for CCIM globally. We made excellent connections with attendees and are looking to grow those relationships, translating into new growth avenues for our organization and members,” says Stephen Welch, vice president of education at The CCIM Institute. These gatherings served as catalysts for forging invaluable connections and laying the groundwork for potential collaborations. Maria Grulich, CIPS, AHWD, vice president of global and commercial real estate at Florida REALTORS®, was enthusiastic for the networking opportunities: “We loved having the live theater, where we showcased all that Florida has to offer in terms of investment and jobs. There was a lot of interest from global investors and developers, and we see this as a boon for the state of Florida.”

This year, NAR’s pavilion featured a live theater, hosting 20 sessions and taking the spotlight to present a comprehensive selection of development and investment prospects. This platform not only captured attention but also fostered meaningful engagement with attendees. “This year marks the best in six years for us,” says Tony Harrington, CIPS, Green, president of NC REALTORS ®. “After years of meetings, we finally had a breakthrough, and now we’re witnessing tangible development progress and a return on our investment,“ he says.

Echoing Harrington’s sentiments, Andrea Bushnell, CIPS, RCE, CEO of NC REALTORS®, says, “We had multiple meetings where we could present shovel- ready projects to investors. Two of our meetings are expected to translate into tangible development activities. Notably, one involves a flex space project with investors poised to deploy millions of dollars in capital in our home state. This will create jobs and build communities.”

With strengthened partnerships, heightened visibility and promising prospects ahead, NAR underscores its pivotal role in driving real estate investment forward on a global scale and being a trusted business partner for commercial practitioners.