At our recent Scotland at MIPIM panel, public- and private-sector leaders outlined why Scotland is returning to the global property conference for the first time since 2019 – and what the country hopes to achieve on the international stage.
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This event was supported by:
Expert panel
The session featured insights from:
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Graham Smith, Glasgow City Council
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Dino Moutsopoulos, Place Media Group
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Lillian McDowall, SCAPE Scotland
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Gerry Hogan, Collective Architecture
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Jonathan Guthrie, Robertson Group & SPF Chair
Key take-aways
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A united national strategy: The panel emphasised a “Team Scotland” approach — a collaborative effort between cities, public and private sectors — underpinned by strong early buy-in from founding partners and growing market momentum. Senior-level government engagement remains under discussion, which is seen as critical for credibility, investor access, and aligning with Scotland’s strategic national priorities.
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Glasgow leading the way: Glasgow emerged as a central figure in Scotland’s return, thanks to political stability and bold leadership. The city is set to spotlight major opportunities in housing and regeneration (amid a declared housing emergency), innovation districts (such as AMIDS and Clyde Gateway), life sciences and advanced manufacturing, metro infrastructure and heat decarbonisation. This aligns with Scotland’s evolving agenda around regional devolution and innovative financing.
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Why presence matters: Panellists warned that not attending MIPIM risks missing major deals. Personal relationships and informal interactions formed at the event often prove decisive in securing future investment. Historical figures were cited: previous Scottish delegations secured over £2 billion in investment over a decade, and other regions have landed major deals — such as a £300 million project secured by a connection made at MIPIM.
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Addressing perception and demonstrating value: The panel acknowledged ongoing criticism of public-sector attendance at events like MIPIM (sometimes dismissed as “junkets in the sun”). To counter that narrative, they emphasised a mixed public–private delegation, transparency around outcomes, and clearly defined investment pipelines.
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What works on the stage — and after: Success at MIPIM depends on presenting a concrete, credible investment proposition rather than vague ambition. Equally important is following up with contacts during the week, not after returning home. Delegates are encouraged to use MIPIM not only for deals but also to showcase expertise, learn from global peers, and elevate Scottish cities on the international stage — especially as the event becomes more content-driven, more senior and more global than comparable UK events.
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Showcasing Scotland’s built-environment talent: For architecture and the wider built environment sector, MIPIM offers a platform to attract inward investment, promote Scottish design internationally, and build long-term relationships that go beyond immediate deals.
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Practical delegation support via UK Hub: Scotland’s presence will sit within the UK Hub, giving delegates access to a stand for meetings and networking, speaking slots on UK Stage panels to spotlight Scottish projects, full delegate passes, and structured support to make the most of the event.
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Commitment to diversity & representation: The panel responded to calls for greater gender balance and broader representation. Organisers committed to ensuring that Scotland-related sessions reflect the country’s diversity — supported by MIPIM’s own diversity standards for panel participation.
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Advice for delegates: Key practical guidance included: plan early but be ready for serendipity; keep records of everyone you meet; follow up immediately during the event; and attend sessions aligned with your target sectors while staying visible throughout the week.
