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HEADQUARTERS EUROPE, MIDDLE-EAST, the EMEA Magazine for Association Executives Supported by ESAE, European Society of Association Executives, and UIA, Union of International Associations, Brussels

Meeting Media Company Meetings Industry Publishers () Afgiftekantoor 2800 Mechelen 1 Bureau de Dépôt 2800 Malines 1 47 Published 5 times a year: March, April, June, September & November Edition November 2011 - P3A9029

MONTPELLIER, NANTES, AND 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS, 1 BEATING HEART

ESAE & UIA THE ART OF LOBBYING HQ> 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS © Christophe Hamm © Christophe

La Petite , Strasbourg , NANTES, STRASBOURG AND TOULOUSE 4 French destinations, 1 beating heart

Toulouse IT MIGHT SEEM A BIT ARTIFICIAL TO DO A FEATURE OF FOUR DIFFERENT FRENCH CITIES, ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY USUALLY COMPETE TO HOST THE SAME KIND OF EVENTS. BUT, THOUGH MANY THINGS DRAW THEM APART, THEY’RE MORE SIMILAR THAN YOU THINK. CONSTANTLY DRIVEN BY INNOVATIONS, WITH A WILL TO MOVE FORWARD AND NOT REST ON THEIR LAURELS, MONTPELLIER, NANTES, STRASBOURG AND TOULOUSE ARE ASSOCIATION DESTINATIONS PAR EXCELLENCE - HERE THEY JOIN FORCES TO OFFER ASSOCIATIONS A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS. TEXT RÉMI DÉVÉ © Patrick Gérard © Patrick © Ville de Montpellier © Ville

Montpellier Anneaux de Buren, Nantes

HEADQUARTERS 46 > 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

In a market where events of all sizes have Take Toulouse for example: all scientifi c fi elds become commonplace, you have to be visible. are represented in the destination, from re- Today Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and search in medicine, biology and agronomy to 10 GOOD REASONS Toulouse have come together for a feature mathematics and IT/communications, physics, TO CHOOSE MONTPELLIER, establishing a more effi cient marketing, at the chemistry and engineering, earth sciences NANTES, STRASBOURG initiative of Headquarters and for this purpose and human and social sciences. Strasbourg AND TOULOUSE only. With a high awareness of four distinct also fares fairly good, with fi elds of expertise French destinations, the aim is to meet the ranging from healthcare, chemistry, textile, 1. HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE CITIES congress organizer’s high demands. ICT, imaging to photonics and optics, materi- + Over the years, the population of these cites has grown exponentially als. No wonder the coming of high-profi le + Thousands of researchers Think about this: if you’re a pan-European as- events in these cities have contributed and sociation whose events have to rotate between will contribute to fascinating experiences! 2. EASY ACCESS AND SUPERB HOTEL FACILITIES destinations, this feature is made for you. In + European and international fl ights to a way, Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and TAILOR-MADE and from many destinations Toulouse proudly stand in the four ‘corners’ of In this report, Montpellier, Nantes, + High-speed train station in the heart of city centres France and going to each of them - maybe not Strasbourg and Toulouse will get the same + Several thousands of hotel rooms, one after the other! - just makes sense, if you for all kinds of budgets, with more to come consider France as a destination of choice. + Effi cient systems 3. EXPERTISE IN INNOVATION ALWAYS ON THE MOVE In a market where events + World-renowned competitive clusters Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse of all sizes have become + Dynamic students’ population never seem to stand still. Current events are commonplace, you have to 4. GREEN AS IT GETS always at the top of the list. Take accom- + Eco-commitment and sustainable destinations be visible. Today Montpellier, + Dozens of parks and gardens modation for example. There always seems Nantes, Strasbourg and 5. A UNIQUE MIX OF to be a new addition to the local portfolio. Toulouse have come together In Nantes, for instance, a Radisson Blu hotel PEOPLE-BASED EXPERIENCES for a feature establishing + City centres moulded by history with more than 140 rooms will open in the + Places that have always welcomed foreigners very heart of the city in 2012, on the histori- a more effi cient marketing + Cultures of humanism cal site of the old courthouse. In Montpellier 6. CITIES OF HISTORY AND DISCOVERY as well, things are moving: the opening of + Dozens of pre- or post-conference possibilities, the Crowne Plaza has added some useful treatment and the same opportunity to with UNESCO world heritage sites + Strategic locations at crossroads rooms to an already rich accommodation introduce themselves. The specifi cities of + Between the Mediterranean and the offer; the inauguration of the Park&Suites each destination, its meetings capacities and Atlantic, between mountains and oceans, Arena, a brand-new multifunction facility, has facilities, a short list of association events between different countries also added a to an already rich porfolio of and the testimonial of a foreigner will be 7. A REMARKABLE HERITAGE meetings venues. highlighted, explaining the reasons why go OF CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY there… or not! All of these four French cities + Zauerkraut, cassoulet, magret, foie gras, award-winning wines… Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse have qualities and assets: your turn to judge + Dozens of major museums are also attracting high-level researchers which one best suits your needs. + Festivals and fetes galore coming from the world over. Whether it be in 8. PLEASURE AND FRIENDLINESS ICT, aeronautics, the space industry, they all Of course, local convention bureaus or cen- COME HAND-IN-HAND occupy today merited positions among the tres are here to help. With years of experi- + Thousands of restaurants top ones in France, and this tendency that ence, they can offer services well suited for + Endless shopping options started few years ago is now intensifying. It all those planning on bringing together their 9. A CONTRACT BUILT ON TRUST is diffi cult to predict the scientifi c scenario clients, partners or members. As meetings WITH HUNDREDS OF SUPPLIERS + Hundreds of companies supplying top-quality, with a perspective of few years, but the professionals, they have the indispensable high-tech services, with just one aim - to make clever and open mentality of the people con- know-how and resources to help you achieve your event a success. ducting research allows to expect the best. success. They will act as one-stop shops 10. SPECIAL OFFERS FOR YOU and will put a network of partners at your + Tailor-made proposals by convention bureau Business tourism is also visible because disposal for planning and organizing your and/or centres Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulouse event. You usually will deal with a single + Free urban public transport (under certain conditions) have attracted and are attracting leader in- liaison representative while benefi ting from + Free culture pass (in certain cases) dustries of high technology: aerospace, nauti- the expertise of an entire team… You could cal, transport, energy… and many others. hardly ask for more.

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Auditorium Berlioz, Le Corum Congress Centre Park&Suites Arena Agropolis International © Laurent Vilarem © Laurent © L. Martorell © JL. Girod

MONTPELLIER NEVER STANDS STILL

A CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH WELL KNOWN FOR ITS PROGRESSIVE APPROACH, FLOURISHING BUSINESS PARKS, PRESTIGIOUS SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, OUTSTANDING TOURIST RESOURCES, THE CITY OF MONTPELLIER OFFERS A HOST OF OPPORTUNITIES. RENOWNED FOR ITS DYNAMISM AND FOR ITS UNIVERSITY FACULTIES, INCLUDING THE OLDEST FACULTY OF MEDICINE STILL IN OPERATION IN THE WESTERN WORLD, THE CAPITAL OF LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON IS ONE OF THE LEADING UNIVERSITY TOWNS IN FRANCE AND ONE OF SOUTHERN EUROPE'S MAIN BUSINESS CENTRES. FOR ASSOCIATIONS LOOKING FOR LINKS WITH A FRENCH CITY WITH A CLEAR-CUT IDENTITY, IT COULD WELL BE THE PLACE TO BE.

Montpellier is a city that seems to never tion and research establishments working it has a wonderful diversity of peoples and stand still. In the last ten years, the city has in the food industry sector, particularly the cultures. For a relatively small city, it offers an not only seen France's highest growth in stra- tropical and Mediterranean sectors, Montpel- amazing number of concerts, theatre, dance tegic jobs but it also boasts an excellent situ- lier also plays a major international role in performances, wine tasting (Estivale), festi- ation, especially for the 60,000 students in North-South development and cooperation. Montpellier's three universities, engineering and business schools. An outstanding centre Those different scientifi c sectors have Montpellier is a city that for research, in ICT, medicine, pharmaceuti- attracted a whole host of researchers, seems to never stand still. cal industry and biotechnologies, agronomy including internationally famous specialists, In the last ten years, the city and water management, Montpellier is at the who sometimes serve as ambassadors when has not only seen France's cutting edge of innovations of all kinds. Enjoy Montpellier, the organization managing highest growth in strategic the main congress venues in Montpellier and jobs but it also boasts MEDICAL AND MORE promoting the city as a business destination, an excellent situation Its medical sector has risen out of the city's bids for a conference. ancient traditions. A large number of leading- edge research centres and laboratories have New York native Naomi Taylor is one of vals, open-air movies and more; it’s impossible set up here, confi rming Montpellier's reputa- them. After pursuing studies in medicine and to take advantage of all of them but it’s fun tion in the fi eld of public and private science biology at Princeton, Yale and the Weizmann just seeing what’s available. The large number and medicine, with private leading-edge Institute and working in Connecticut and of students also adds a lot to the vibrancy, research centres aplenty. California, she decided to continue her medi- and positive “craziness” of Montpellier, a cal research career in Montpellier and has place where there is a real creative spark.’ The biotechnologies sector is also growing now directed a scientifi c research group for rapidly with the emergence of companies the past 15 years there. According to Naomi, Montpellier is more than specialising in the fi eld of health, agronomy just the city itself though. It is an incredible and the environment. With major institutions She explains her life in Montpellier: ‘Living in location from which to explore the Medittera- in contact with some twenty higher educa- Montpellier is wonderful and like New York, nean Sea, exquisite vineyards and beautiful

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2011 FO Congress in Exhibition Centre

MONTPELLIER THE HARD FACTS

1. ACCESSIBILITY + Montpellier Méditerranée international aiport 10 minutes away from Le Corum and 2 minutes from the Park&Suites Arena and the exhibition ground + High-speed train station ten minutes walk from Le Corum 2. 7,835 HOTEL ROOMS IN ALL CATEGORIES Pont du © OT. Montpellier - Céline Escolano © OT. Jennepin © Luc from budget to fi ve-star hotels 3. LE CORUM CONGRESS CENTRE + 3 auditoriums (2,000, 745 and 318 seats) + 6,000 sqm for exhibitions + catering space for up to 1,000 delegates mountains. Within a half hour, you can be Congress Centre by a footbridge, or which at luscious beaches, tasting wines from Pic are set to, like Courtyard Marriott (4 stars, 4. PARK&SUITES ARENA AND EXHIBITION CENTRE Saint Loup vineyards and even climbing the 125 rooms), Park Inn (3 stars, 110 rooms), + 1 modular auditorium up to 7,500 seats Pic Saint Loup for breath-taking views. Holiday Inn Express (3 stars, 90 rooms), + 135,000 sqm of exhibition space She continues: ‘Montpellier, as the largest there are two main novelties in Montpellier + 10 modular halls from 1,800 to 6,600sqm + 75,000 sqm of outside space growing city in France, and the city planners which are worth settling on a bit. + modular conference centre with up to though have done a great job at making 15 meeting rooms many more areas of the city pedestrian- The second biggest of its kind in France, the friendly and the bike sharing scheme works Park&Suites Arena is a brand-new multifunc- really well. The big change, on a logistics and tion facility - unique, innovative and exempla- PAST AND FUTURE esthetics level, is the tram.’ ry in terms of sustainable development with ASSOCIATION EVENTS 11,000 sqm of solar panel on its roof. Acting IN MONTPELLIER As an organizer of scientifi c meetings, she’s as a reference for multifunction facilities, interested in taking advantage of some it was just inaugurated in September 2010 + 11th World Congress on Endometriosis (WCE), of the centrally placed venues: ‘I had the on the Exhibition Centre area. As of 2012, it 600 delegates, September 2011 + EUROMAT – European Congress and Exhibition good fortune to work together with “Enjoy will be linked by tramway to the city centre on advanced materials and process, 2,000 Montpellier”, the organization that facilitated and is already set to host one of the biggest delegates, September 2011 and coordinated our efforts. Their input congresses Montpellier has ever seen, with + Annual Conference of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, 600 delegates, September 2011 clearly goes a long way to fostering business 2,500 participants expected in June 2012. + 6th EU-China Business and Technology tourism.’ Cooperation Fair, 300 delegates, September 2011 Talking about tram lines and accessibility, + 33th IDATE (one of Europe's leading market NOVELTIES Montpellier will boast two news tram lines analysis and consulting fi rms for the telecom, Internet, and media industries) International In addition to new hotels which have just as of April 2012, bringing the total of lines to Conference, 600 delegates, November 2011 opened in 2011, like the four-star 146-room four and making the tram network the long- Crowne Plaza directly linked to Le Corum est in France.

Park&Suites Arena Gala Dinner St-Pierre Cathedrale Le Corum Congress Center © St. Pierre © St. © M. Guyonnet © Laurent Vilarem © Laurent © Lilian Martorell

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La Cité Nantes Events Center Château des Ducs de Bretagne © P. Bassen © P. © V. Garnier © V.

the Radisson Blu hotel in 2012

NANTES AT FULL SAIL

A LEADING URBAN LOCATION IN WESTERN EUROPE, ON THE RIVER AND CLOSE lishments that contribute to local excellence: TO THE , NANTES IS A FIRST-RATE DESTINATION OFFERING AN Nantes University Hospital, the Ecole Centrale de Nantes and Ecole des Mines de Nantes EXCEPTIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR EVENT. AN UNPRECEDENTED engineering schools, the marine PROGRAMME OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IS BRINGING A NEW DIMENSION TO THE NATURAL research institute, the IFSTTAR - French ASSETS OF THE REGION OFTEN PRAISED FOR ITS HERITAGE AND NATURAL ENVIRON- institute of science and technology for MENT. WITH EXTENSIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY LA CITÉ NANTES EVENTS CENTER AND transport, development and networks, the ONIRIS agrifood and veterinary school and THE LIKES, NANTES OFFERS ALL THE CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL EVENTS. SELECTED Nantes University. La Cité also works closely AS THE EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL IN 2013, IT’S ALSO A DESTINATION PROUD OF ITS together with the seven competitiveness ‘ECO-ATTITUDE’. clusters based in the region: in biotechnolo- gies/healthcare, materials/microtechnology/ Very accessible, Nantes, the sixth largest As a true where was mechanical engineering, ICT, agrifoods, city in France, is becoming a truly interna- born, Nantes is one of the major artistic transport, chemicals/materials, civil tional city boasting remarkably dynamic and creative poles in France, a place where engineering and eco-building. industrial, economic and scientifi c activities. imaginary journeys have pride of place. It’s a very attractive, historical destination, The cultural offering is almost expanding as with a great drive for innovation, for moving we speak: under the umbrella of ‘Voyage à One thing is obvious forward. Promoting the city and hosting Nantes’ (a journey to Nantes), it’s a whole in Nantes: the research, international events are the fi rst and new experience that’s on display, with the fundamental and applied, foremost important objectives of the people unique Ducs de Bretagne castle, the famous is increasing in quality and working at La Cité Nantes Events Center, giants of the Machines de l’île, the memorial magnitude, with steps of giant the convention center. museum dedicated to the abolition of slavery, the artistic laboratory called ‘la Fabrique’ or INNOVATIVE & CULTURAL the Nantilus, the atypical fl oating barge. Today, these initiatives have been taken In 2010, Nantes was named a Hub city for even further by an ambitious ambassador innovation in the Innovation Cities Index by LOCAL KNOW-HOW program, dedicated to local scientists who innovation agency, 2thinknow. And Nantes Ideally centrally located, La Cité Nantes Events promote the excellence of Nantes and its doesn’t stand still… Nantes St Nazaire Inter- Center is an unmatched forum for the demon- region both in France and abroad. national Agency was launched last October stration and exchange of the region's cultural, to strengthen the promotion of the destina- economic and scientifi c skills and know-how. A SPANIARD IN NANTES tion at an international scale, notably thanks Francesco Chinesta is one of Nantes’ to the creation of a convention bureau and a Since 2006, La Cité has entered partnerships prestigious amabassadors. He is currently website www.nantes-just-imagine.com. with the main research and educational estab- Professor of Computational Mechanics at the

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Le Grand Auditorium, La Cité Machines de l'île - OTNM Passage Pommeraye

NANTES THE HARD FACTS

1. ACCESSIBILITY + 45 international routes (with direct fl ights) operate out of Nantes International Airport, recently awarded ‘Best European Airport’ by European regional airlines + 2 hours from with 23 high-speed

© V. Garnier © V. © Nautilus Nantes Plard © La Cité - D. trains / day + Train station 5 minutes walk from La Cité Nantes Events Center + Eco-friendly public transport network Ecole Centrale of Nantes and titular of the The city is attracting high-level researchers 2. 7,000 BEDROOMS European Aeronautics, Defense and Space – coming from everywhere in the world. for all kinds of budget EADS - Corporate Foundation International Nantes occupies today a merited position 3. LA CITÉ NANTES EVENTS CENTER Chair on Advanced Modeling of Composites among the top ones in France, and this + 3 auditoriums (2,000, 800 and 450 seats) Manufacturing Processes. tendency that started few years ago is + 16 meeting rooms for up to 300 people now intensifying more and more. + Total exhibition space: 6,000 sqm He explains: ‘I appreciate enormously this 4. EXPO NANTES ATLANTIQUE city with human dimension, vibrating at all As far as the meetings industry is concerned, + 63,000sqm of usable space, including 30,000 sqm of covered exhibition areas, the frequencies, in science, business, tour- Francesco praised La Cité as it develops a 37,000 sqm from March 2013 ism, shopping, cultural offer, captivating all key role. He says: ‘People involved in these + 6 exhibition halls generations, a city where all religions, social meetings appreciate very much the offering + maximum capacity: 5,000+ people classes, traditions and modernity, architec- of the city, walking in the large pedestrian for a conference tural styles including the impressive Loire quarter, visiting its museums, the castle… 5. ONE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS castles, folklore and vanguardism, Britain and enjoying shopping opportunities aplenty and PER MONTH AT LA CITÉ cultures, rivers and beaches, the great variety of regional and international 6. TWO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS coexist harmoniously creating a captivating cuisine. The professionalism and friendliness La Folle Journée de Nantes ( festival) and the International Festival of Science- present in which past and future melt. Life is of La Cité make possible, simple and easy the Fiction (the ‘Utopiales’) every year at La Cité pleasant, rich and vibrant, it’s a destination organization of any event, independently of that creates strong attachments.’ its dimension, size and horizon.’ PAST AND FUTURE He has personally witnessed Nantes’ GREEN AS IT GETS ASSOCIATION EVENTS scientifi c and technological leadership, with La Cité Nantes Events Center operates at IN NANTES the creation of Technocampus EMC2 for the heart of a territory that has, for the past + 22nd EAIE Conference 2010 - European instance. He explains: ‘From a political point twenty years, shown a strong commitment to Association for International Education of view it was necessary to strengthen the sustainable development. As for the matter, (September 2010) Nantes’ place during the Power 8 the has recognized + 7th EADO Congress - European Association of Dermato-Oncology (June 2011) plan aimed at minimizing the dispersion of the city’s ongoing commitment and selected + 11th Biennial Conference on Engineering Systems activities of Airbus in Europe. Scientifi cally Nantes as ‘the 2013 European Green Capital’. Design and Analysis - ESDA 2012 (July 2012) this was an opportunity for us (i) to become + 2012 (November 2012) a centre of excellence in composites As an infl uential player in the development + International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Archti Engineering - OMAE 2013 (June 2013) materials forming processes and (ii) to of the territory, La Cité has committed to + 6th Annual meeting of the European Association enlarge the number of applications in ambitious goals for Corporate Social Respon- for Animal Production - EAAP 2013 (August 2013) addressing all aspects of composite forming sibility. Besides its ideal location, its teams’ + EcoCity 2013 (September 2013) + XVIIIth Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry including their applications to automobile eco-friendly behaviour and the optimized Association (August 2013) industry, energy and transport. Located near management of its facilities, La Cité is com- + The 64th CIRP General Assembly 2014 (August 2014) the airbus site, the Technocampus enables to mitted to offering environmentally responsi- test demonstrators on a scale of near to one.’ ble services at each stage of an event. This is made possible with the assistance of an eco- One thing is obvious in Nantes: the research, consultant, specialized in corporate sustain- one of the leading convention centres in fundamental and applied, is increasing in ability and footprint audit (ADEME certifi ed). France for its carbon footprint practices quality and magnitude, with steps of giant. La Cité has taken a step further and become towards event organisers.

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STRASBOURG KEEPS SURPRISING

Place des Tripiers © C. Fleith © C. Fleith

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle © Strasbourg Evenements - Philippe Stirnweiss Evenements © Strasbourg © L. Stadler

Erasme Auditorium, Strasbourg Convention Centre European Parliament

STRASBOURG IS KNOWN BY MOST PEOPLE AS THE SYMBOL OF EUROPE. IT’S TRUE OF faith in terms of its competitiveness in areas COURSE, THANKS TO THE PRESENCE OF MANY PRESTIGIOUS EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS, aplenty. This positive, pro-active attitude also involves Strasbourg Convention Bureau and BUT IT’S MUCH MORE THAN THAT. WITH A HISTORIC CENTRE LISTED TWENTY YEARS the local players of the meetings industry. AGO AS WORLD HERITAGE BY THE UNESCO AND A ‘COMMUNAUTÉ URBAINE’ OF 470,000 As a one-stop booking offi ce to draw up your INHABITANTS, STRASBOURG HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT A CROSSROADS, WHERE FIELDS OF specifi cations, the Bureau is like a guide that will ensure the best possible outcome of your EXCELLENCE HAVE PRIDE OF PLACE, WHERE MANY DIFFERENT INFLUENCES ARE event. It federates synergies and provides COMBINED TO MAKE A UNIQUE DESTINATION. assistance, thanks to its extensive network of partners offering a comprehensive raft of Walking through Strasbourg you immediately as a whole wants to strengthen its customized solutions to your needs, and a feel it’s fused into the Franco-German culture fi ve fi elds of excellence through economic unique set of skills and services. and although violently disputed throughout clusters that should help the transfer of history, has been a bridge of unity between knowledge. Alongside those clusters settled A EUROPEAN IN STRASBOURG France and for centuries, espe- in Alsace - Alsace Biovalley, Vehicle of the Originally from Madrid, Rafael Benitez is the cially through the University of Strasbourg Future, Fiber Innovative Cluster, Alsace Director of Programme and Finance with currently the largest in France, and the co- énergivie, Hydreos - there are additional the Council of Europe where he has been existence of Catholic and Protestant culture. centres of expertise which include chemistry, working since 1994. Prior to his current Strasbourg is like a symbol for the German textile, ICT, imaging, photonics and optics, position, he had other assignments including and French reconciliation and also the - materials, and home design and fi ttings. For Head of the Counter-Terrorism Division, pean capital of human rights. an association looking for specifi c links with and of Protocol. He’s been a real a destination in which to organize an event, ‘Strasbourgeois’ for more than 17 years now. FIELDS OF EXCELLENCE Strasbourg boasts assets that will make Economically, Strasbourg is an important some of its competitors blush. He explains: ‘Strasbourg is a city with a very centre of manufacturing and engineering, high quality of life. Life is easy and everything as well as of road, rail, and river commu- No wonder the city has recently reaffi rmed works. There is a wide array of things to do nications. The port of Strasbourg is the its confi dence in a bright future. The new and a signifi cant cultural offer, outstanding second largest on the Rhine. In terms of city brand ‘Strasbourg the Europtimist’ clearly gastronomy and a beautiful countryside. The rankings, Strasbourg has been ranked 3rd in stresses the city’s European and interna- city has a well-preserved heritage and a lot France and 18th globally for innovation. tional dimension and Strasbourg’s renewed of history to it. Germany and are

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nearby and Paris can be reached in a bit over of professional events, fairs and congresses two hours. People are friendly and open and add to it. This is an important dimension willing to share and there is also an important to Strasbourg’s business and international STRASBOURG expatriate community due to present of a projection.’ THE HARD FACTS number of international organisations and 1. ACCESSIBILITY companies.’ NOVELTY WAVES + Strasbourg International Airport 15 minutes Strasbourg won’t of course rest on its laurels. away from downtown Strasbourg (in addition, According to him, Strasbourg has become In addition to a few hundreds hotel rooms EuroAirport Basel//Freiburg and Baden-Baden are just an hour or more and more cosmopolitan over in the forthcoming three years, thanks to so away) the years. The city always had the aspiration Marriott and aparthotels, the + High-speed train station 15 minutes from to be a crossroads but, now more than ever, main development of the local meetings the Convention Centre and 10 minutes takes pride in a clear-cut on the interna- industry will concern Strasbourg Convention from the iconic cathedral tional map, as a lot of people from different Centre. Situated in the heart of the prestig- 2. TWO HIGH-SPEED TGV LINES countries visit it and some stay to work or live. ious European district, the facility already TGV Est (Paris 2h20), new Rhin-Rhône TGV ( 3h30) offers a total area of 50,000 sqm spread over In terms of business tourism, Rafael Benitez two levels. Organizing or hosting about 350 3. 8,000 HOTEL ROOMS in all categories, from budget to puts it like this: ‘The business of congress events a year, it is managed, along the exhibi- four-star hotels and events has signifi cantly developed over tion centre, by Strasbourg événements, which recent years. Some major offi cial events over recent years put a lot of emphasis in 4. 6 TRAM LINES the hosting of association congresses, with 5. STRASBOURG CONVENTION CENTRE many cross-border (namely French and Ger- + 2 auditoriums (2,000 and 900 seats) + 11 meeting rooms (20 to 450 pax) Strasbourg has recently man) ones. + 15 breakout rooms reaffi rmed its confi dence + 9,000 sqm for exhibitions + Catering space for up to 1,890 delegates in a bright future. The But huge works are appearing on the 2014 horizon, as the restructuring and the exten- 6. 2014: EXTENSION OF new brand ‘Strasbourg the sion of the venue have been agreed on. THE CONVENTION CENTRE Europtimist’ clearly stresses When completed, the new Convention Centre 8,000 additional square metres, 1 auditorium of 600 seats, 6 meeting rooms, catering space, the city’s European and will boast some additional 8,000 sqm, a third exhibition space of 3,000 sqm international dimension auditorium and more meeting rooms. Worth noting is also the new project of the Exhibi- 7. CAPACITY OF THE ZÉNITH: 10,000 pax tion Centre, with 50,000 sqm to be ready 8. HOME OF NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS including the NATO Summit and the Council in 2016. Directly linked to the Convention of Europe Summit have taken place here. Centre, it will increase Strasbourg’s ability Together, the permanent presence of interna- to host prestigious, large congresses. A new SELECTED LIST OF tional organisations - the Council of Europe, opportunity that Strasbourg événements is EVENTS AT STRASBOURG the European Parliament, the European Court already actively preparing. To revitalize the CONVENTION CENTRE of Human Rights, the Eurocorps - has given European quarter, an international business 2010 additional visibility and attraction to the city district will also be integrated to this area in European Material Research Society (2,200 pax), as a place of choice for business tourism. several phases, from 2018 to 2025, welcom- returning in 2012 European Pesticide Residue Workshop (500 pax) Music festivals, the European Fair, the mod- ing luxury business hotels, multinational Eur. Society of Contact Dermatitis (800 pax) ern art fair START and a signifi cant number companies, international organizations… 2011 Spie Europe - Green Photonics (300 pax) 2nd International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials (1,200 pax) 12th International Conference on Methods and Applications of Fluorescence (400 pax) 2012 Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (900 pax) 22nd annual meeting of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (500 pax) 2013 Advanced Automotive Batteries (500 pax) Amnesty International France (800 pax)

Modern & Contemporary Art Museum © J.Dorkel © C. Fleith

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Capitole

14 July in Toulouse

Exhibition Park TOULOUSE, A CITY WITH PERSONALITY © Ville de Toulouse Patrick Nin Patrick de Toulouse © Ville

WITH AN IDENTITY BUILT ON A RICH HERITAGE OF 2,000 YEARS, TOULOUSE IS A European Conference on Visual Perception CITY WITH GREAT PERSONALITY: FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIMES, IT HAS INSPIRED in Toulouse. GREAT HUMAN ACHIEVEMENTS. WITH AN INFRASTRUCTURE IN CONSTANT EVOLU- He explains: ‘Toulouse has lot of character. It’s TION, IT NOW INSPIRES GREAT MEETINGS TO CHOOSE THE DESTINATION. EASILY a very laidback, young destination - yet not ACCESSIBLE, TOULOUSE IS BECOMING A BEAMING DESTINATION IN THE EYES OF THE too touristy. The presence of a great number of students and the dynamism of the engi- WORLD. WITH EUROPEAN AND EVEN INTERNATIONAL AMBITIONS, IT SEEMS TO BE ON neering schools add a lot to the atmosphere. THE MAP AS NEVER BEFORE. Toulouse is of a defi nite human size, and yet the cultural offering is vibrant. You don’t actu- Toulouse’s deep roots go way back into the mitted. The great performances of their ally feel deprived of anything when you live past. The city and its region boast many glorious team of the ‘Stade Toulousain’, seven- in Toulouse.’ According to him, Toulouse has important historical sites and some 80 teen times champion of France, bring together changed a lot over recent years: it got bigger, museums labeled ‘Musées de France’. This a team spirit and a taste for adventure. Tucked but the creation of two metro lines made coexistence of strong tradition and constant between mountain and sea, its geographical commuting quite easy. Some congresses innovation makes it a natural site for the suc- location is ideal and its climate a dream! qualify for the “Congress Pass", courtesy of cess of events of any size. A STRANGER’S LIFE PINK, SPORTY AND FRIENDLY IN TOULOUSE The ‘pink city’, as it is The ‘pink city’, as it is popularly known, To live in Toulouse is a privilege and the popularly known, cultivates cultivates the sense of hospitality one only en- destination is highly coveted. With close to the sense of hospitality one counters in Southern France and distinguishes 800,000 inhabitants, the city is experiencing only encounters in Southern itself by its elegance and its legendary hosting a great demographic expansion. For the last France and distinguishes abilities. Toulouse is a colorful city, with tra- 20 years, 7,000 newcomers arrive each year, itself by its elegance and ditional markets, lively outdoor patios where, a record number in France that positions the its legendary hosting abilities when evening comes, generations fraternize. pink city just after Paris. Its gastronomy and famous ‘foie gras’, delight- ful southwest wines (must-eats and drinks Englishman Simon Thorpe is one of them. In the convention bureau - So*Toulouse - that for congress delegates!), the Canal du Midi, France since 1982 and in Toulouse since 1993, gives free access to all public transportation classifi ed as a UNESCO site, and also its 160 he works on brain mechanism and visual rec- to their delegates, thus enabling them to get gardens contribute to the quality of life. ognition as a CNRS research director. His cur- around the city very easily. rent interests are centered on understanding Toulouse, the French and European capital of the phenomenal processing speed achieved Simon Thorpe adds: ‘In terms of meetings, rugby, is also a city where values are trans- by the visual system. He just organized the one of the main assets of Toulouse is the

HEADQUARTERS 54 > 4 FRENCH DESTINATIONS

strong presence and the professional sup- of the international debate on sustainable port of the local hospitality and convention development. industry which share the culture of team spirit TOULOUSE to serve effectively the interest of the events. Other sectors include biotechnology, at- THE HARD FACTS I personally experienced it when the European tracting investments from big international Conference on Visual Perception that was held groups, as well as ICT: with more than 50 1. ACCESSIBILITY in Toulouse. Everybody showed an enthusiasm years of expertise in technology research, + Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, 15 min from Toulouse city centre, a total of 86 routes, that made the difference. I can also safely add Toulouse ranks 1st in France. When it comes international fl ights to Europe, Africa and that, for pre- and post-conference , Tou- to education, the city is the fi rst pole of and to every European capital louse and its surroundings are hard to beat!’ higher education in France after Paris, + Toulouse Matabiau high-speed railway with 4 universities, 14 higher education station right in the city centre WORLDWIDE POLES schools, 5 international schools and 110,000 2. VERY EFFICIENT PUBLIC OF COMPETITIVENESS students. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK 3 metro lines, a new tram line, Toulouse’s economic leadership is of European numerous lines, free electric shuttles level and contributes to the activities of the NEW AND STATE-OF-THE ART 3. 11,700 HOTEL ROOMS destination. The city is #1 in Europe and #2 in IN TOULOUSE ranging from budget to fi ve-star hotels the world in aeronautics. It is also a European Toulouse is acquiring a new tool to achieve leader in the space industry and fi rst in Europe its European ambitions. It is a ‘new genera- 4. MAIN CONGRESS FACILITIES + New congress and exhibition centre in 2015 for space communications, meteorology and tion’ centre that will open its door in 2015 in + Pierre Baudis Congress Centre: 500-seat climatology. With the ‘Aerospace Valley’, the Toulouse and propel the destination to the auditorium, 24 modular spaces (20 to 1,200 pax), destination is the fi rst employment pool when rank of the big European metropolis as far 2,400 sqm of exhibition space + Toulouse Expo: 9 halls, 40000 sqm in total it comes to aeronautics, space and airborne as international congresses are concerned. + Zénith de Toulouse: for up to 1,200 guests systems. It gathers 1,200 organizations provid- Located to the north west of the city, by the dinner style ing 95,000 jobs altogether. airport, the site will be accessible very easily, especially by public transportation. Toulouse also distinguishes itself in the UPCOMING ASSOCIATIONS health industry. The ‘Cancer Bio Santé’ and The building will have great capacities, for EVENTS IN TOULOUSE the ‘Cancéropôle’ of Toulouse are a mixture up to 5,000 people for congress and 8,000 of medical research and innovation in the for live performances, with 100,000 sqm + 15th AOC 2012 & PA3S (July 2012) fi eld. Other spheres of activities include more of usable fl oor space, a modular exhibition + ISPA Conference (July 2012) + Congress of the European Calcium Society than 200 companies, and close to 1,000 hall that can accommodate up to 12,000 (September 2012) researchers: the innovative agriculture and persons, 40,000 sqm of additional halls, + ROCOND'06 (July 2013) agro-industrial pole Agrimip has been desig- 15,000 sqm of welcome and food and bever- + ESMRMB 2013 Congress (September 2013) th nated fi rst French pole of competiveness for age areas, and an outdoor exhibition area of + 20 IFAC World Congress 2017 (July 2017) numerous projects. Toulouse’s water industry more than 40,000 sqm. Be careful what you is also recognized worldwide and at the heart wish for!

National Orchestra Serre volante of Toulouse

HEADQUARTERS 55 UNITED BELGIUM KINGDOM

ENGLISH CHANNEL LUXEMBOURG GERMANY

NANTES STRASBOURG

SWITZERLAND

ATLANTIC OCEAN MONTPELLIER

TOULOUSE

R E TE SEA MEDITERANNEAN

MONTPELLIER NANTES STRASBOURG TOULOUSE

Bertrand Rouanet Elodie Coudre Mireille Dartus François Lafont Business Development & Manager - Marketing and Director Development Manager Marketing Director Development Department

Enjoy Montpellier La Cité Nantes Events Center Strasbourg Convention Bureau So*Toulouse - Convention Bureau Esplanade Charles de Gaulle 5 rue de Valmy, BP 24102 34 rue du Tivoli Arche Marengo A1 BP 2200 44041 Nantes Cedex 1 67000 STRASBOURG Allée Jacques Chaban Delmas 34027 Montpellier Cedex 1 31500 TOULOUSE

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