The 25th MIPIM exhibition and conference takes place in Cannes next month, with smart cities being one of the talking points and new technologies for sustainable building being exhibited.

The conference programme includes a presentation from the European Commission about financing plans to support the development of smart cities.

There will also be talks on the latest architectural designs and innovation, including positive-energy buildings, which are designed to produce more energy than they consume.

The winners of the MIPIM Awards 2014 will be announced on 13 March. Finalists include the InterContinental Marseille, which was renovated to its original nobility and involved archaeological excavations when it became a five-star hotel. Also the Estonian Maritime Museum, which was created from seaplane hangars needing a great deal of restoration work.

Organised by Reed MIDEM, the international property exhibition is being held from the 11-14 March.