This November, MAPIC returned to Cannes for its milestone 30th edition. With a more focused structure, this year’s gathering of global retail, property and leisure leaders brought together 4,000 attendees from 75 countries for business meetings, industry insights and a celebration of progress.
Rather than following a traditional multi-day trade fair format, the event featured a redesigned venue layout and a condensed schedule with a clear purpose: to become the international centre for retail leasing and brand expansion.
A Format Built for Focus
MAPIC 2025 took place on 4 and 5 November, followed by a special invitation-only “NextGen Retail Day” on 6 November. All exhibition stands were located in Riviera 7 of the Palais des Festivals, while the new Riviera 8 networking zone offered sea-view meeting tables, hospitality suites and private catering services.
Organiser RX France introduced the tagline “The International Retail Leasing Hub” to highlight the event’s new focus. By streamlining the space and schedule, MAPIC became a setting for purposeful meetings and strategic development discussions.
Conversations With Purpose
Networking remained central to MAPIC’s mission. The Riviera 8 hub enabled uninterrupted business conversations in a relaxed setting. Delegates took advantage of the location by booking private tables and hospitality areas for meetings overlooking the Mediterranean.
The agenda featured exclusive invitation-only events such as the Outlet Networking Lunch, Retail & Urban Regeneration Summit, International Retailers Networking Event, and the Women in Retail Property breakfast. These gatherings allowed asset owners, developers and retail brands to engage in focused discussions about current projects and future opportunities.
With 1,700 brand representatives in attendance and 60 percent planning to open up to 10 new stores within a year, the event reinforced its value as a springboard for expansion and collaboration.
Celebrating Retail’s Rising Stars and Industry Legends
The MAPIC Awards 2025, held on 4 November, combined the welcome reception and award ceremony into one inclusive event at Le Grand Auditorium. This new open-access format invited all participants to attend, regardless of registration level.
Awards were presented across 12 categories, including two commemorative ones for the event’s 30th anniversary: Most Influential Retail Brand of the Past 30 Years and Most Influential Retail Property Project of the Past 30 Years. These honours recognised enduring impact, innovation and leadership across global retail and property sectors.
After the ceremony, guests moved to the Majestic Hotel Cannes to celebrate MAPIC’s three-decade legacy. The evening unfolded poolside with cocktails, food stations and fireworks. The atmosphere was lively and upbeat, creating a memorable end to the day filled with both business and celebration.
Themes Shaping Tomorrow
This year’s content programme focused on four main themes: Retail Property Assets, New Retailers, Networking and Innovation. Across panel sessions and presentations, delegates explored topics such as the redevelopment of urban retail assets, sustainability, and emerging experiential formats.
There was also a strong emphasis on global retail trends, including the entry of new American and Asian brands into European markets. Companies like Paris Baguette, Xiaomi, Alo Yoga and Costco highlighted international interest in European expansion.
The new NextGen Retail Day brought together senior leaders and students to discuss innovation, career development and the future of the sector. This initiative aimed to build long-term connections and open new conversations between generations of retail professionals.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this refreshed format, MAPIC is confirmed to return from 3 to 4 November 2026. The event will continue to focus on international leasing, growth and deal-making, while building on its curated networking and new talent discovery programmes.
