MIPIM CHALLENGERS PROGRAMME In conversation with the MIPIM Challengers – Beyond the week in Cannes
- Jessie Leung
- Sep 16
- 12 min read
  | Jessie is a Surveyor in the Development and Regeneration South team at JLL, covering the Southwest region on various asset management and development advisory projects with local authorities and private landowners. She started her career in Knight Frank Hong Kong and relocated to Bristol in 2021, having most recently worked at South Gloucestershire Council on the delivery of estates strategy. Jessie is keen to inspire the next generation of talents and actively engages in school outreach events to promote diversity and inclusion in the surveying profession. Charlotte is a Graduate Planner in Avison Young’s ‘Place’ team, based in Bristol. She supports on projects predominantly across retail, housing and employment with a strong focus on the Southwest region, and provides planning consultancy to unlock the full development potential of assets. She is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry and was selected as a MIPIM Challenger for 2025 in recognition of her insights on the topic. |
Having experienced MIPIM through the lens of young professionals, Charlotte and Jessie come together to share their reflections on the programme, the industry, and how senior leaders can better support emerging voices. There’s some good advice here for ACES’ members and FACES. |
The MIPIM Challengers Programme
The MIPIM Challengers Programme, launched in 2024, is an initiative designed to amplify the voices of the next generation of real estate professionals. Each year, 16 young leaders under the age of 30 are selected to participate in the full MIPIM event. These “Challengers” are given a platform to present bold, disruptive ideas and innovative solutions for tackling global urban challenges. At the MIPIM Challengers Conference, they have the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and decision-makers, reshaping the future of the built environment.
Charlotte, a member of the 2025 cohort, earned her place with her essay on gender diversity and inclusivity in the built environment. She also presented on Sponge Cities and Flooding Resilience on the MIPIM Challengers Conference panel. Jessie, a 2024 cohort alum, was among the first “Challengers” involved in this initiative.
Having experienced MIPIM through the lens of young professionals, Charlotte and Jessie come together to share their reflections on the programme, the industry, and how senior leaders can better support emerging voices in this candid conversation.
1. First impressions
As a first-time attendee, what is your first impression of MIPIM?
Charlotte:
In the lead up to MIPIM, I stayed true to my nature as a ‘planner’ and gathered as much advice as possible from seasoned MIPIM colleagues. Yet, no amount of preparation could fully convey the scale and energy of the event until I experienced it firsthand.
MIPIM was a melting pot of visionaries, investors, and thought leaders from around the globe, all converging to share ideas, opportunities, and innovations. Walking through the stands and pavilions, I was struck by the diversity of projects and trends on display—everything from innovative urban models to cutting-edge sustainable solutions. I was particularly impressed by the city model at the London stand, which had been transported all the way from the UK to showcase the capital’s vision. The UK made a strong showing this year, with stands from Manchester, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Central South (Southampton/Portsmouth/Bournemouth), all buzzing with activity, and cementing the UK’s position as a hub for real estate innovation and investment.
The beachfront Avison Young Pavilion deserves special mention. It became a haven amid the MIPIM chaos – a place to catch up with colleagues, network with clients, and enjoy engaging content over a much-needed coffee. The bright orange Avison Young umbrellas were impossible to miss, shining like a beacon through the gloom of what turned out to be a very wet MIPIM!
The support from my colleagues and fellow Challengers was invaluable, helping me to navigate with confidence what could have been an overwhelming experience. This was helped greatly by meeting up with Jessie and connecting with other Challengers in the lead up to the event.
Overall, the atmosphere can be summed up as both inspiring and intense, a true reflection of the ambition and energy driving the future of real estate and urban development.
Jessie:
I am grateful to be sponsored another year’s ticket to MIPIM and be able to explore it in a different capacity without the pressure to prepare for a presentation on stage! The biggest shock this year is certainly the weather: the infrastructure in Cannes wasn’t ready for torrential rain but it did not dampen the mood – I saw people shaking hands and making introductions amidst the downpour!
The sentiment of the industry appears to be lively, with a lot of first timers. It was good to see the public and private sector working together to present the best of UK to the global stage, as collaboration is the key to create partnerships. There is a lot more substantive discussion on sustainability and PropTech on the actual application and operational impact. At the same time, another big focus is on recruitment and retention of talents, which is very interesting as it implies AI cannot replace property professionals, even though there is certainly room for upskilling to ensure we all keep up with the latest market trends.
Learning from last year’s experience, I managed my diary more strategically and became more selective on what I wanted to do. I put in individual meetings in the morning for new contacts, then booked in a few events and drinks in the afternoon and evening. A quick scan of the MIPIM crowd shows visibly less women than last year, which is disappointing, but I still managed to meet up with a few inspiring female role models who shared their personal tips on navigating their career. MIPIM is the place where people meet up randomly, share ideas and follow up on conversations, which truly demonstrates the value of building relationships through in-person events. Also, more people are aware of the MIPIM Challengers programme which is a big plus! Hopefully it will continue to grow and create even bigger impact on MIPIM and the property industry through bringing in the voices of young professionals.
Diversity, equality and inclusion
2. Do you think there is enough discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in an all-rounded way?
Charlotte:
My journey to MIPIM began with my essay submission for the Challengers Programme, where I explored how diversity and inclusion in real estate—particularly the mainstreaming of gender considerations into planning policy—can address critical challenges posed by urbanisation. It was encouraging to discover that a fellow Challenger, also a planner, had written her essay on the same topic. The selection of both essays underscores that gender equity is firmly on the agenda.
Seeing the momentum around DEI at MIPIM firsthand was inspiring, especially the focus on gender equity and talent retention. The Avison Young x Real Estate Balance survey results presentation was a standout moment for me. The survey highlighted progress in addressing gender imbalances in real estate while also emphasising the work still needed. It reinforced the importance of measurement as a foundation for meaningful change—after all, “you can’t change what you can’t measure.”
Other events further cemented the focus on DEI, such as “The Battle for Talent: Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Talent in Real Estate” (with JLL, Knight Frank, and Savills) and “Equality of Opportunities in Real Estate”. While I had heard much about the prevalence of the “Blue Suits” at MIPIM, I was reassured to see a growing presence of young and diverse professionals—a clear testament to the impact of the Challengers initiative.
Despite these promising developments, there’s still room to broaden the conversation. Future discussions should encompass other vital aspects of diversity, such as age, neurodiversity, and cultural representation. While this year’s panels and content on gender equity were encouraging, the industry would benefit from adopting a more intersectional approach. Diverse perspectives across all levels of decision-making are essential to fostering creative, inclusive, and resilient urban development. DEI cannot remain a peripheral “add-on” or a checkbox exercise, but instead it must be embedded at the heart of everything we do to ensure the future success of the industry.
Jessie:
I attended the two Real Estate Balance events Charlotte mentioned and was able to contribute some ideas in the roundtable chat on the value of mentorship and sponsorship. I also met the brilliant ambassadors of Regeneration Brainery which is an organisation to support bright young minds joining the property industry. In short, there is enough opportunities to discuss the topic, yet I observed that the attendees at these events are very unrepresentative of the mainstream MIPIM delegates – there are more female and young professionals. Discussion is important but until we can get more decision-makers to listen and make actual action, the sea of blue suits will remain the same at MIPIM.
Moreover, the DEI Scope largely remains on the level of gender, race and age at MIPIM and there is not enough focus on social mobility, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, caring responsibilities, workplace mental health and other aspects. I believe intersectionality is vital in promoting DEI and stimulating new solutions, as the built environment is multi-disciplinary, and we live in a three-dimensional world. If we want to attract and retain the right talent, we need to make sure they feel comfortable to be themselves in the work environment.
What I hope to see at MIPIM in the future, is a re-branded MIPIM Challengers programme, where senior leaders across the regions from both the public and private sector, big corporates and SMEs, pitch on the efforts and innovative ways their firms have addressed DEI in the past year, and then the audience can vote for the best company!
A lasting influence
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Images courtesy of MIPIM
3. What’s one change that you’ll implement at work/career life after the whole MIPIM Challengers experience (from when you’re selected in December to the post-MIPIM week)?
Charlotte:
After the MIPIM Challengers experience—and the much-needed week to recover (!) —one key change I’m committing to is embracing opportunities for public speaking and thought leadership more intentionally. The programme highlighted the value of stepping forward to share ideas and perspectives, even when they feel unfinished or imperfect; I strongly believe that the pursuit of perfection is one of the biggest barriers to growth and innovation. Having completed my first ever panel at MIPIM, nothing else feels quite as daunting!
Seizing these moments is not just about amplifying vital messages—such as decarbonisation, climate resilience, and inclusivity—but also about forging connections and collaborations that last throughout your career. In an era of technology and artificial intelligence, the MIPIM experience reinforced the value of these spontaneous in-person interactions for unlocking opportunities with the best and most influential minds in the industry. I’m looking forward to crossing paths with these connections again as my career unfolds!
Jessie:
MIPIM only lasts a week but the impact of being on the Challengers programme went way beyond. It gave me the opportunity to build connections outside of my city, boost confidence in public speaking and networking, and learn from the very different experiences of people from all walks of life. Like the debate on the big return to offices, there is high value for early careers professionals to learn through listening to conversations and how senior leaders present themselves.
The one change I’ll implement after being a Challenger is to bring someone along my journey of growth every step of the way. The Challengers programme has been an accelerator to my career and personal development, and I have been inspired by so many strong women at and outside of MIPIM. The motto of my alma mater is ‘as one lamp lights another, nor grows less’, which rings especially true in the context of mentoring and supporting the next generation of young talents. I am keen on passing on the opportunities that I have been given for the ripple effect to spread on. For example, the first thing is to shout about the Challengers programme so more young professionals from diverse backgrounds can apply and get an opportunity to experience the same. Cascade mentoring is another good idea where you have to be a mentor and mentee at the same time to pass on the positive influence.
Fun at MIPIM
4. What was the most fun part of attending MIPIM?
Charlotte:
Without doubt, the most fun part of attending MIPIM was being part of the Challenger’s programme, and being surrounded by like-minded and innovative peers. It was a pleasure to engage in lively discussions with people who are passionate about pushing boundaries and rethinking how we approach urban development.
The programme’s interactive format, from pitching ideas to exchanging perspectives in the Challenger’s workshop, made the experience not only intellectually stimulating but also genuinely enjoyable. Speaking on the panel was one of the best parts of the experience for me, as it was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation, and I felt that I was a part of a unique and special opportunity. Not many people can say they have been a panellist at MIPIM so early on in their career – and I am genuinely proud to have been a part of it and to have made friends for life with both cohorts of Challengers. I hope to lean on the Challengers network and continue our peer-to-peer mentoring for years to come.
Jessie:
The highlight of this year would be reuniting with my 2024 cohort of Challengers! It’s a pleasure to witness their growth in the past year, talk about changes in our life, and generally it is just good to be with people who are at similar career stages. Also, it was refreshing to meet the new 2025 Challengers as everyone has such different ideas! I met up with Charlotte twice before MIPIM as we are both based in Bristol. It was great to connect with fellow women in property and her passion to bring forward changes in the industry really shines through. I am excited to follow her career journey after MIPIM, and of course the other 15 Challengers on the cohort!
Another fun part is realising my social battery is higher than I thought – you will not know your limit until you are pushed! Who would have thought an introvert can also enjoy MIPIM 100% and make the best out of it, as long as you still carve out some downtime for preparation, thoughts and reflections.
Advice
5. What’s your advice for the next cohort of MIPIM Challengers?
Charlotte:
My advice for the next cohort of MIPIM Challengers would be to embrace the opportunity, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. While going to MIPIM is a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally, one of the main highlights for me was having the opportunity to develop personal skills such as public speaking and self-confidence. I felt incredibly supported by the organisers, my fellow Challengers and by Avison Young, so my advice would be to seize every opportunity; even if you think you are underqualified, the likelihood is that you are more capable and knowledgeable than you realise.
But most of all, I would say try to relax, enjoy the experience and engage with the content – it is a privilege to be there at such a formative stage in your career, so try and soak it all up and not put too many expectations on yourself.
Jessie:
It will be chaotic, but it is all part of the fun. Try to plan for what you want to achieve; at the same time be ready that MIPIM will always ‘challenge’ your plans, so be adaptive and welcome the surprises that come at you. Connect with your fellow Challengers before MIPIM – it’s always good to have the network of support before and during the week!
Also, take every opportunity you can to advocate for yourself throughout the programme. It is an underrated skill to recognise your own achievements and to be able to explain yourself and what you do to new connections, and the more you talk about it the more you feel truly a part of this wonderful industry. I am grateful to my JLL team for supporting me to go to MIPIM again and given me the freedom to arrange my diary and meetings. Business development is not usually something young professionals can learn from formal training, but it is experience like this that gradually builds up your skills and external relationships.
Senior leaders’ support
6. How do you think senior leaders can support young professionals in networking events beyond MIPIM?
Charlotte:
Senior leaders can make a big impact for young professionals at networking events by introducing them to key contacts, highlighting their contributions, and sharing practical advice to make networking less daunting. For example, this could be achieved by a ‘bring a younger colleague’ initiative where young professionals are invited to networking sessions so that we are included in conversations that are often reserved for the C-suite. Facilitating cognitive diversity means creating opportunities for young professionals with different life experiences, perspectives and skills that might otherwise be overlooked due to generational gaps. Regeneration Brainery is a fantastic example of this in action. Their work inspires young people to enter the property industry by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that builds confidence.
Another key learning point from MIPIM is that internal networking can be as valuable as external networking. I travelled to the event on the Avison Young train carriage; as someone who is fairly new to the company, this provided an invaluable opportunity to forge connections internally with colleagues from different offices and teams, which helped me to feel supported and confident going into the event!
Jessie:
The reason I knew of MIPIM Challengers programme was when a senior leader forwarded the opportunity to me. Therefore, first is to share any kind of networking or learning opportunities you know of to the junior members of the team. Second is bring them to client meetings or events wherever possible and proactively introduce them to your existing connections. This is particularly valuable for young professionals who come from less represented background who may not have the role models from their family or social circle to show them the value and impact of effective networking. Third is encourage them to organise their own networking events with young professionals and sponsor the event if appropriate or provide any resources.
Networking should almost become a part of the structured training for graduates. Also, hosting an external event in the office or a familiar setting can reduce anxiety, or coordinating internal networking initiatives such as coffee roulette (our teams in JLL are giving very positive feedback!) The gist is to give young professionals the opportunity to try new experiences and encourage them to start early. Networking is just as important as building the knowledge foundation – after all property is a people industry. Meaningful connections can go a long way.
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