MIPIM Day Six: so, tired, hot, and waiting for my connecting flight late on a Friday evening, I ask was it worth taxpayers’ money being spent for two of us to go to MIPIM?
There is at least one deal worth $10 million to the city which I feel much more confident will go ahead as a direct result of conversations I have had. Nearly $500m of investment also looks a little nearer because relationships have clarified and strengthened with potential partners. We have met at least 20 experts and investors over three days, who would have been most unlikely visitors to Newcastle. We have picked up some really exciting ideas and seen how other places succeed. We have made some good informal links with some competitors. And the day job still gets done – even without clocking in, my flexitime is over 20 hours up, and the emails and calls got answered.
So, yes, it was worth it. And perhaps one day before long we will have a NewcastleGateshead Convention centre that can steal the show and save the journey!
Tags: MIPIM, Newcastle, regeneration