MIPCOM underway as clear-up continues

MIPCOM began in earnest this morning, though the traditional opening night red carpet event was cancelled yesterday due to the weekend’s flooding in Cannes.

MIPCOM was underway despite the various logistical challenges thrown up by the flooding, which soaked the lower-floor areas of the Palais des Festivals.

Maintenance staff worked through the night, allowing exhibitors to begin their meetings as normal. Some work is still on-going, but all thoroughfares at the conference centre are accessible.

However, the red carpet at the the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, which saw its MIPJunior event disrupted on Sunday due to the weather, had to be cancelled.

“MIPCOM announces today that the traditional Opening Night Red Carpet has been cancelled for logistical reasons,” read a statement Reed MIDEM issued yesterday. “Following the heavy flooding over the weekend, the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez is not in a position to host the red carpet. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the exceptional circumstances that are beyond our control.”

Reed MIDEM yesterday confirmed MIPCOM would go ahead despite the tragic events of the past 48 hours, which has seen at least 17 people in the French Riviera die in heavy flooding.

Executives were stranded around town on Saturday night as rain battered the streets, with many eventually forced to brave the elements to get home.

The heavy rain has since subsided and the weather has improved, though a thunderstorm is predicted for tomorrow afternoon. Wifi is still intermittent around town and full power has still not returned in all hotels.