Ladies Who Cannes was created by Anastasia Ttofis, CEO and co-founder of iLA (above, right), Kim McGinley, MD at VIBE Finance (above, bottom left), and Rosalia Lazzara-Tilley, CEO at Manuka Media (above, top left).

The initiative’s mission is to change the “blue gilets and beige chinos” face of MIPIM which the group said has often portrayed as a male dominated environment — the group also aims “to provide a safe and inclusive community for networking, learning and growth”.

To mark the official launch, Ladies Who Cannes is hosting a discovery event on Wednesday, 23rd October, at Megan’s at the Sorting Office in London from 9am to 11am — the event is open all women looking to learn about next year’s MIPIM event while joining a new supportive community.

At the event, which is sponsored by HTB and JMW Solicitors, the founders are set to unveil details about upcoming initiatives such as a champagne breakfast event at a Villa in Cannes, scheduled for March 2025.

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Commenting on the initiative, Anastasia said: “We created ‘Ladies Who Cannes’ because we saw a real need for a community where women could come together, support one another, and make the most out of their MIPIM experience.”

“Our goal is to build a network that not only helps women prepare for MIPIM 2025 but also provides them with the confidence and connections they need to thrive.”

Kim added, “We want to ensure that every woman who attends our events feels included, supported and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that MIPIM presents.

“This is about creating a space where we can lift each other up and succeed together.”

Rosalia set the stage for what was to be expected for the upcoming initiative: “Our events in Cannes next March will be the perfect mix of professional development and enjoyment, setting the stage for a truly memorable and beneficial experience at MIPIM 2025.”

Jodi Lund, head of real estate finance at launch event sponsor, JMW praised the project.

“I am delighted for JMW to sponsor Kim, Rosalia and Anastasia in their collaboration on this initiative which has the potential to reach and elevate those areas of the specialist finance space that still need a spotlight, and which will benefit from their energy and experience”