Paris, 5 May 2025
The world is changing – and so is MAPIC.
As MAPIC celebrates its 30th edition in 2025, the event is undergoing a deep transformation – reflecting the major shifts happening across the retail sector.
New dates, an updated format, and newly configured spaces – MAPIC 2025 marks a considered shift in direction. With a renewed focus on its core purpose, the event is reaffirming its position as the leading international meeting place for retail leasing, bringing together over 2,000 brand representatives.
In today’s international context, where fewer new development projects are being launched, the key challenge for retail real estate professionals is leasing existing spaces and ensuring the merchandising mix aligns with consumer expectations. MAPIC is now clearly positioned as the world’s largest international retail leasing platform. Its new tagline, 'The International Retail Leasing Hub', encapsulates this identity: a space designed for professional meetings that enables decision-makers to connect.
Time is more valuable than ever for participants. That’s why MAPIC is revising its format – shifting to earlier in the month and adopting a more compact two-day schedule: Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 November 2025. These two days will be entirely focused on high-quality business meetings with clear commercial objectives. Thursday 6 November will be dedicated to an exclusive, invitation-only event focused on the future of retail.
To create an even more business-friendly environment, MAPIC is also reorganising its venue layout. All exhibition stands – including those for leisure and food operators – will be located on Level Riviera 7 at Le Palais. New for this year, Level Riviera 8 will open as a premium networking zone, offering bookable tables with sea views and access to a private terrace. Packages for Riviera 8 include delegate badges, and a limited number of private hospitality suites will also be available on this level, with badges and services included.
Brands at the heart of the event
Over the past two years, MAPIC has seen a strong rise in brand participation, reaching over 1,800 brand representatives in 2024 — a 32% increase compared to 2019.
For 2025, the focus is on broadening international reach further, particularly among American and Asian brands, while continuing to grow engagement from across Europe. To encourage attendance from key decision-makers, MAPIC is launching an Executive Retail Programme, offering tailored support, including assistance with accommodation expenses. The programme will also feature regional pitching sessions and curated meetings between brands and project developers — designed to drive valuable conversations and commercial opportunities.
‘Creating value to build growth’ – a theme for everyone
In these challenging times for retail and commercial real estate, the path to growth lies in creating greater value – across retail, real estate, leisure, and hospitality. Value isn’t just about price, it’s about experience, investment, sustainability, brand connection, and embracing new opportunities through technological innovation. These topics will be central to MAPIC’s conference programme this year.
MAPIC is also adding value by developing new offers to help reduce the cost of travelling to, ans staying in Cannes. These include private table options for those without stands, hotel packages from €100 per night, special restaurant menus, and a 10% discount on Air France flights.
Shaping the future of retail at the NextGen Retail Day
Thursday 6 November will be dedicated to exploring the future of retail – in a unique format bringing together international students and senior leaders from top real estate companies and retail brands. This invitation-only day will spark fresh thinking, new perspectives, and meaningful dialogue across generations.
A new take on event highlights
To mark MAPIC’s 30th anniversary, the traditional opening cocktail and gala dinner will be combined into one large, inclusive reception for all attendees, taking place on the evening of Tuesday 4 November.
“For both brands and developers, MAPIC remains a valued platform for generating business opportunities. However, in today’s climate, it’s increasingly challenging to justify the time and investment required for a three-day trip to Cannes. That’s why we’ve reimagined the format – without losing sight of MAPIC’s core purpose.
We’ve sharpened our value proposition around three pillars: high-quality meetings, broader brand participation, and simpler, more effective networking. This transformation marks MAPIC’s 30th edition as the world’s leading international retail leasing event – designed to deliver maximum value and make doing business easier for everyone involved.” - Francesco Pupillo, Director of MAPIC.
