The giant MIPIM property fair that was due to take place in Cannes, France from 10 to 13 March has been postponed until 2-5 June due to coronavirus.
Organiser Reed MIDEM said it was postponing the event due to "growing concerns related to the coronavirus".
?The well-being of our clients and staff is our priority," said Reed MIDEM chief executive Paul Zilk."Given the evolving context, the best course of action is to postpone MIPIM to June."
The annual fair, which is attended by thousands of architects and property professionals, declared only yesterday that it would go ahead despite ongoing outbreaks of the Covid-19 strain of coronavirus in Europe.
Attendees cancelling trips
However, up to ten per cent of participants are thought to have pulled out of the event, citing fears of the virus. Architects including HOK and Austin-Smith:Lord are among those who withdrew from the event ahead of the postponement. HOK cancelled its delegation on Thursday. "Due to the ongoing concerns with the spread of the Coronavirus, HOK?s London Studio has decided to withdraw from #MIPIM2020," the firm's London office tweeted.
"HOK places a priority on the health and wellbeing of its staff hence this challenging decision, which sadly is affecting so many people and organisations."
London architects Morrow+Lorraine announced on Friday that they had cancelled their trip. "We felt it was inappropriate to risk exacerbating what is already a global emer...