Cushman & Wakefield has withdrawn from the upcoming MIPIM property conference, amid mounting concerns around the global coronavirus outbreak.
C&W stated: “The health and safety of our employees and our clients is our priority. With the rapidly increasing number of cases of coronavirus in Europe and the elevated industry-wide concern around attendance at large multinational events, we have decided to withdraw from MIPIM.”
Last week there were 133 people from the agency listed as attendees for the event, which is set to be held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 10-13 March.
See also: More big property players drop out of MIPIM over coronavirus fears
C&W was an exhibitor at the event and had last week named 26 attendees from the UK alone, including Colin Wilson, chief executive of its EMEA business.
There were 20 delegates from France; 18 in Germany; 13 in the Netherlands; and seven in Spain.
US delegates included Rick Swartz, who is the agency’s vice chairman, an executive managing director and head of its senior housing capital markets group.
In its latest update to the market, MIPIM yesterday confirmed it remained “open for business on March 10, in Cannes”.
It stated: “We are monitoring the situation continuously, including the developments in Italy, to ensure that MIPIM attendees have a safe and productive stay in Cannes.”
Other major agencies and landlords are reviewing whether to attend the conference.
CBRE stated: “Amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the health and safety of our staff is our primary concern and we continue to monitor and assess CBRE’s attendance at upcoming events and associated travel.”
Avison Young said it is “closely monitoring the situation and now reviewing our position”. British Land, JLL, Knight Frank and BNP Paribas Real Estate are also reviewing the situation.
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