As I blogged yesterday Wednesday was a busy day – an early breakfast with Derby was followed by a few meetings with an Investor and Architect. I had lunch with my colleagues in a small restaurant in the old town.

My afternoon was part marketing and part fact finding.

The first part was a trip to see the Mayor of Krasnodar who we met at last years MIPIM. As we found last year they have an affection for Nottingham – and were keen to show off some of their new technologies – particularly their 3D hologramic modelling of buildings. It was impressive. They are also using a form of QR codes in their literature – although this was not the same as ours. They are also preparing for the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 – some of the Images and models look amazing. It was good to see them and I came away with another invite to go and see them…

Then my fact finding. I went to a discussion panel run by Argus software – this is the principle software we use in preparing valuations. They are launching a new product shortly – only in the USA, but hopefully, in the not too distant future in the UK too. It will benchmark property valuations against published date. A delegate arrived late and sat next to me. I was talking to him after the main event about the role of the RICS in valuation in the UK. It turned out he was the President of Argus!

The Nottingham Drinks reception followed and we had a fantastic turnout again – more great contacts and genuine interest in a number of really interesting opportunities.The room was full for around two hours – and Team Nottingham worked the floor!

Then the was completed by a private VIP Dinner with Adam Wilkinson and his colleagues from Derby City Council. The food was superb (not lamb). I thought the event went well, but some of my colleagues were concerned about the apparent ‘Baaa’ noises heard during the meal….

Today is our last day in Cannes before we head home tomorrow morning.