Each March, the MIPIM property forum in Cannes kicks off the spring season of international investment events and serves as a barometer of not just the global real estate sector but the general economic climate as well. As fDi editor Courtney Fingar explains, between 2004 and 2008, greenfield crossborder investment in real estate and construction sky rocketed, as evidenced by the big crowds and even bigger budgets on display at MIPIM; but these boom times were followed by the spectacular bursting of asset bubbles in markets worldwide and a smaller, more subdued gathering last year. As property developers, investors, corporate end-users and economic development bodies prepare to flock to the south of France for this year's forum, will they bring with them a return to pre-crisis exuberance, a more sober reflection of lessons learned, or something in between? Douglas Clark, fDi's View from Europe columnist, helps weigh in.