PRESS FILE. Conferences and Corporate Events Nord-Pas de Calais: a recognised business destination

Transcription

1 PRESS FILE Conferences and Corporate Events Nord-Pas de Calais: a recognised business destination

2 Press Contact Person Isabelle DUBAR Press relations Mobile: + 33 (0) Nord France Convention Bureau Laurence PÉAN-COUSIN Director laurence.pean@nord-france-convention.com Tel: + 33 (0) Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

3 Contents THE NORD-PAS DE CALAIS REGION S DESIRE TO INCORPORATE CORPORATE EVENTS AND CONFERENCES INTO ITS ECONOMIC STRATEGY 4 NORD-PAS DE CALAIS: A RECOGNISED BUSINESS DESTINATION 6 TYPES OF CONFERENCES AND CORPORATE EVENTS IN THE NORD PAS DE CALAIS REGION 8 STRATÉGIC PLAYERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION S BUSINESS TOURISM SECTOR 11 NORD FRANCE CONVENTION BUREAU: PROMOTING FIVE DISTINCT YET COMPLEMENTARY DESTINATIONS AND WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE NORD-PAS DE CALAIS Appendices CONFERENCES AND CORPORATE EVENTS IN FRANCE* 25 THE NORD FRANCE CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM 27 Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

4 THE NORD-PAS DE CALAIS REGION S DESIRE TO INCORPORATE CORPORATE EVENTS AND MEETINGS INTO ITS ECONOMIC STRATEGY The Nord-Pas de Calais Region has always had a pro-active approach to developing tourism. Not only have determined policy actions contributed to the international renown of the region, but they have also leveraged economic development and served as a land-planning tool. Since 2010, the Region has tried to galvanise its tourism policy. In conjunction with the Regional Tourism Board (Comité Régional du Tourisme), Regional International Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Boards etc. the Region has launched a project committed to meaningful tourism. The project takes a new approach to tourism policy and introduces the principle of solidarity into the mix of regional promotion, economic considerations and organisation. We aim to support residential tourism, create useful, innovative and meaningful activities by fostering community involvement and social ties and creating high quality jobs that cannot be off-shored. The work on Tourism that we began three years ago in conjunction with all regional partners and territories (both leisure and business tourism) is beginning to bear fruit. 1,000 jobs have been created per year in the Nord-Pas de Calais Region since 2010, up from 36,000 to 39,000 non-offshoreable jobs, across the spectrum of tourism-related employment. Each year our region hosts to 70 million people. If we can attract even 1% more, that would be a major opportunity for the future of tourism in our region Christine Batteux, Vice-President of Tourism for the Regional Council. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

5 BUSINESS TOURISM: A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING REGIONAL TOURISM Business tourism is of utmost strategic importance in the new regional tourism policy and is the key to the economic development of the region. National evidence shows that business travellers spend 3 times more during their stay than leisure tourists. A pro-active business tourism strategy seeks to attract conferences and corporate events using the economic selling points and values embodied in the region: authenticity and an anti-bling attitude, genuine hospitality, and a low carbon footprint given its central location and local support due to the competitiveness clusters. Together, all these aspects contribute to the reputation and notoriety of the region in France and abroad. The Nord-Pas de Calais Region therefore remains a prime destination for business tourism, drawing more visitors every year: in 2012 close on 17,000 events were organised in which some 800,000 people participated. Today we see the results of our Region s committed Tourism policy which draws on the co-building and co-organising that we have undertaken in conjunction with the various territories.. Christine Batteux, Vice-President of Tourism for the Regional Council. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

6 NORD-PAS DE CALAIS: A RECOGNISED BUSINESS DESTINATION The Nord-Pas de Calais Region confirms its position as a truly welcoming leading destination. It is located in the heart of Europe, is less than two hours away from the major European capitals (London, Paris, Brussels) and remains a destination of choice for entrepreneurs and managers, due to its economic and scientific potential. With some 100 million consumers within a 300 km radius, the Nord-Pas de Calais Region has the largest pool of consumers, after Tokyo*. * Experiam Survey, 2010 In 2012, the Nord-Pas de Calais hosted around 17,000 events, including 362 conferences, involving some 800,000 participants. These figures confirm the attractiveness of the region and its easily accessible central location in the heart of Northern Europe and between major European business districts. The figures also highlight the region s vibrant economic, academic and scientific fabric, including e-commerce, retail, innovative textiles and digital industries In order to convince and attract new visitors and enhance our international reputation, our public relations policy focuses on the emblematic Lille Région cœur d Europe brand. This new international geographic brand, Lille Région cœur d Europe is the brainchild of the Region s economic development community, who strive to promote the region. The use of the English word universal ensures broader international understanding and is important for increasing our renown. Luc Doublet, Chair of the Nord France Convention Bureau Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

7 A REGIONAL OFFER IN LINE WITH THE TIMES At a time of economic austerity, companies and organisations focus their attention on venues that reflect specific cultural, social and societal values. Their primary concern is to ensure that their events are not devoid of content and meaning. The Nord-Pas de Calais Region therefore provides quality facilities and venues, genuine hospitality and quality services, in addition to its unchallenged cultural heritage and experience in events organisation. What our Region has to offer perfectly matches the expectations of authenticity and meaning. Our clients are drawn by the beautiful Flemish architecture and clock towers that are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites, but also by the quality of our infrastructure (hotels, convention centres, reception halls, cultural attractions). We regularly offer unique discovery programmes as post-seminar events, giving true regional added value. Some examples include land sailing on the long stretches of Côte Opale beaches, beach walking in Dunkirk, regional cooking workshops (waffles, cassonade brown sugar ), regional beer tasting and beerology courses, historical and heritage tours etc. The majority of our customers are national or regional visitors (65%) dealing with the dense fabric of local companies operating in the regional. As we are located in the heart of a strategic geographic triangle we can draw both Belgian and British visitors for corporate events or seminars. Laurence Péan-Cousin Director of the Nord France Convention Bureau. A return to values of hard-work and dedication Money saving does not always involve cutting costs but rather adopting a more rigorous and hard-working attitude. That is why companies seek out venues which are not ostentatious and only require limited leisure activities or celebrations. This message is in keeping with corporate austerity. Source: Coach Omnium 2012 and Second Axe barometer Ract Madoux for CRT Nord-Pas de Calais 2012 Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

8 TYPES OF CONFERENCES AND CORPORATE EVENTS IN THE NORD PAS DE CALAIS REGION DESTINATION: NORD-PAS DE CALAIS, A 1% INCREASE IN VISITOR LOYALTY IN 2012 * 67% of the conferences and corporate events organised in the Nord-Pas de Calais are organised by loyal customers. The reigning economic climate has increased customer loyalty. Trade fair, conference and seminar organisers are less inclined to risk a completely new destination in times of economic hardship and prefer to host corporate events in tried and trusted venues. *Source: CRT Nord-Pas de Calais Second Axe D Survey. Ract-MArdoux / 2012 annual survey SUCCESSFUL SALES TECHNIQUES: 75% OF QUOTES ACCEPTED IN 2012* The Region has learnt to adapt and better respond to market changes and the expectations of corporate visitors. Our conference venues are equipped with the latest technology, we respond quickly to any requests, both in terms of sales and services, are sensitive to our customers needs and keep in regular contact with the single contact point. We also tailor our offer to the requirements of each type of customer... Our 2012 statistics are proof: 75% of quotes were accepted. Moreover, the Lille metropolitan area is not all the Region has to offer. We have many other interesting locations to host corporate meetings or events. Our customers regularly choose the city of Valenciennes, the Opal Coast or Artois. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

9 Business Tourism in the Nord-Pas de Calais Region Key figures and information for 2012* Over 17,000 events catering to over 800,000 participants A 1% increase in customer loyalty as compared to 2011: 67% are return or loyal customers 71% of events are organised by private companies Over 60% of corporate events are hosted in hotels and 20% in specific conference venues. While hotels host the most events, convention centres and trade grounds attract the most participants Conferences 362 events in the Region s 5 convention centres / 282,120 participants (i.e. 33% of total participants) / 86% of events last 1-3 days / 48% of Conferences count more than 300 attendees Corporate Events 55% of events last one day (out of a total of 17,389), which represents 111,723 participants In the Nord-Pas de Calais, 15% of events are organised by foreign companies (Belgian, British), Out of 349 foreign corporate events organisers: o 49,3% are located in Belgium - 35,5 % in the UK - 4,5 % in Germany o 4,4 % are located in the Netherlands - Others: 6,3%. *Source: CRT Nord-Pas de Calais Second Axe D Survey. Ract-MArdoux / 2012 annual survey Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

10 NORD-PAS DE CALAIS HOTELS ATTUNED TO MARKET NEEDS Hotels in the Nord-Pas de Calais play host to the majority of events (over 60% v. 20% held in specific facilities). Therefore, to ensure that our hotels meet quality needs across the region, we have launched various projects for the renovation, transformation and building of hotels: The 5-star Hermitage Gantois hotel in Lille will be enlarged by Autumn 2014: 17 additional rooms will be built, as well as a Spa. A former military hospital in Valenciennes is to be transformed into a 5-star hotel with a Spa by A future 4-star hotel at the Louvre-Lens by A future Mamma Shelter hotel by 2016 in Lille. All these future hotels and hotel enlargement initiatives will change the face of the high-end hotel offer in the Nord-Pas de Calais and in this way meet the quality needs of both French and foreign customers. There has been a boom in the high-end hotel industry over the past 15 years in the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, which now counts some 40 4-star and 2 5-star establishments. In 2013, the majority of the business tourism market in the Nord-Pas de Calais are French customers organising seminars and corporate conferences for around 50 participants. Events organised in the region typically last a full day, as is the case across the country. On the whole, the same number of corporate events are organised everywhere, but their nature has changed somewhat: fewer participants, shorter, closer to the corporate headquarters and on a tighter budget than before. Nowadays we also see more companies seeking to cut down on travel, which is why we continue to promote the region both nationally but also among on the closest European markets. Laurence Péan-Cousin, Director, Nord France Convention Bureau. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

11 STRATEGIC PLAYERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION S BUSINESS TOURISM SECTOR Business travel is a strategic priority in our plan to develop the regional tourist economy and has, as such, been included in the State-Region Project agreement. Our approach to regional development is 4-pronged: Coordination and Monitoring of the tourism Industry: This falls under the responsibility of the tourism steering committee, made up of the Regional Council, the State, the Nord de France Region ICC, the Regional Tourism Board and the Regional Convention Bureau Nord France Convention Bureau (industry representative). Observation: headed up by the Regional Tourism Board Assistance to Businesses via the Seminars and Performance project, run by the ICC of the Nord de France Region, Promotion and communication for conferences, seminars and corporate events, managed by the Regional Convention Bureau Nord France Convention Bureau. STRATEGICS TARGETS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE REGION Encouraging more diverse types of tourism in the region, by playing on its strategic geographic location and rich patchwork of companies, which is constantly evolving. Positioning the region on this market segment. Developing and optimising revenue generated by business travel. Contributing to overcoming seasonal travel and evening out accommodation demand on a weekly and annual basis. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

12 NORD FRANCE CONVENTION BUREAU: THE REFERENCE FOR BUSINESS TOURISM IN THE NORD-PAS DE CALAIS The Nord-Pas de Calais region s convention bureau, the Nord France Convention Bureau is in charge of the development and organisation of the business conventions and corporates events industry (business tourism) to meet the Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Council s priority to grow this sector of the tourism industry. The Nord France Convention Bureau is a single liaison point for the organisation of conferences and corporate events (known as business tourism ) in the Nord-Pas de Calais region. The Nord France Convention Bureau provides a free an unbiased service, while marketing the region, and therefore can best advise its customers. It also offers assistance for the organisation of corporate events. From the region s point of view, it draws customers for the tourism industry and directly contributes to the regional economy. From the public and private sector s point of view, its role is also to provide structure and an enhanced professional approach to the industry. From the point of view of events organisers: as an expert on each local destination, the Bureau acts as an intermediary contact point for networking and liaising with the key players in the Region. The Nord-Pas de Calais region s traditional hospitality, solidarity and friendliness are unanimously recognised. It was therefore logical to want to take this reputation a step further and create a professional industry for corporate events in the region, with one underlying objective: incorporating regional tourism into the regional economic plan. At present, the Nord France Convention Bureau focuses on promoting 5 major conference destinations, as well as the key components of the industry: hotels, museums, reception venues, convention centres which have chosen to include the business tourism sector through the quality certification approach of Seminars and Performance. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

13 NORD FRANCE CONVENTION BUREAU: PROMOTING FIVE DISTINCT YET COMPLEMENTARY DESTINATIONS LILLE, CAPITAL CITY OF A TOURIST AND CULTURAL METROPOLIS: A TRUE REGIONAL DRIVER Regional capital of around 2 millions inhabitants, Lille has become a cultural hub and major tourist destination since it was named European cultural capital in Lille is located a mere hour from Paris, 35mins from Brussels and 80mins from London, and counts 115 hotels including two 5-star hotels and 7,000 rooms of which some 4,500 are within walking distance from the convention centre and the train station in the city centre. Given its almost 100 million consumers within a 300 km radius and the lowest carbon footprint in Europe (Ernst & Young 2009) associated with business activities, Lille is a natural magnet for headquarters of large multinationals: retail (Auchan, Decathlon), catalogue sales (La Redoute, Redcats), ITC (OVH), agri-food giants (Heineken, Bonduelle and Holder/boulangeries PAUL/macarons LADUREE) and pharmaceutical companies (Bayer-Schering). Lille is European market leader in textiles and also the European e-commerce capital. With 100,000 students per year and over 3,000 researchers in some 300 laboratories, 18 prestigious academies (EDHEC, SKEMA...) and the largest teaching hospital in Europe, Lille is truly training the next generation of scientists. 5 scientific research clusters work on an on-going basis with the leading companies in their fields, such that Lille is at the cutting edge in the following sectors: technical textiles (UpTex); health/nutrition/longevity (NSL); trade industries (Picom); materials for use within the home (MAUD) and the global cluster dedicated to sustainable overland transportation ad logistics (I-Trans). Lille Convention centre, Lille Grand Palais Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

14 Lille Grand Palais: A unique convention centre in Europe: In the heart of the Euralille business district and a short walk from the two TGV train stations, the Lille convention centre, Lille Grand Palais, is unique in Europe. It houses under one roof: A 20,000m² exhibition hall, A convention centre with 27 conference rooms, 3 auditoriums (seating 300, 500 and 1,500) with a total capacity of 20 to 5,000 delegates, A 7,000-seater concert hall, Multifunctional, fully equipped areas (Wifi, interpretation booths, video ). Each year Lille Grand Palais hosts over 300 events of varying magnitude and more than 1 million visitors. The Lille Metropolitan area also offers: Large facilities: Lille Grand Palais - La Cité des Échanges Pierre Mauroy Stadium Lucien Barrière hotel and casino... Museum and cultural attractions: The Lille fine arts museum, Palais des Beaux-arts - LaM, A Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art at Villeneuve d Ascq La Piscine Museum in Roubaix - La Condition Publique, an exhibition and concert hall in Roubaix The Lille Opera House - Gare St Sauveur, a cultural and leisure centre - Tri Postal, a contemporary creative centre... Hotels with conference facilities: ACCOR hotels (Mercure, Novotel, Ibis Styles, etc.) SLIH, a local Lille hotel group (Hermitage Gantois, Couvent des Minimes, Bellevue, etc.), Carlton, IHG group (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza)... New hotels in 2012/2013: Park Inn (3-star) 127 rooms and b&b (3-star) 99 rooms, both near the Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Best Western Premier 46 rooms, in the heart of the city of Lille. Campanile (3-star) 108 rooms in Euralille/ La Madeleine, right in the centre of the business district, opposite the Lille Europe train station. Original locations: the STAB velodrome in Roubaix, Kinépolis, Le Carré du Hélin, La ferme des Templiers, Le Domaine des cigognes, L'Atelier des chefs etc. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

15 ARRAS AND ARTOIS: A PRIME DESTINATION FOR COSIER EVENTS Arras, with its interesting history is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and is ideal for mid-sized, regional or national corporate meetings, team building events or smaller gatherings. Hotels cater for up to 800 rooms (300 in 2-star hotels and 420 in 3 or 4-star hotels), making Arras a choice destination for confidential conventions. Arras is also famous for its Main Square music Festival, as well as its film Festival. Arras and Artois are home to a flourishing economy centred around the agri-food industry: Mc Cain produces McDonald s French fries while Häagen-Dasz makes ice cream for the whole of Europe. Transportation and logistics companies have established their headquarters here to benefit from Arras strategically central geographic location and are backed by the I-Trans (Intelligent overland Transport) global research cluster. Artois Expo: a genuinely versatile convention centre The Arras convention centre and exhibition grounds are the perfect locations for customised events. Their major strength are the versatile facilities: A one-of-a-kind auditorium in Nord-Pas de Calais, with a capacity of up to 1,000 people in conference mode, 6,000 m² total exhibition space, i.e. two areas sized 1,500 and 4,500 m² 5 conference rooms varying in size from 40 to 250 m², Total hosting capacity of 10 to people. Since its renovation in 2013, to the tune of 3 million, (provided by the State/Region/ Arras Urban Community/Artois ICC), Artois Expo is a true convention centre. Arras convention centre, Artois Expo Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

16 Arras also offers: Large facilities: Atria-Mercure convention centre (300-seater auditorium, 1,200 m² exhibition hall and 7 conference rooms all within walking distance of the train station - The Liévin regional indoor arena, which plays host to international sporting events (300-seater amphitheatre, 4 reception halls and 12 meeting rooms The Bollaert stadium in Lens, (16 reception halls for 50 to 350 people). Museums and cultural attractions: The Louvre Lens Arras Fine Arts Museum The Citadel etc. Unique attractions: Lewarde mines Les Boves d'arras, an underground tour of the city the Belfry and City Hall - Arras Golf Resort etc. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

17 DUNKIRK AND THE OPAL COAST: THE NEW FACE OF A SUSTAINABLE CITY On the Northern Sea coast, Dunkirk is a friendly and festive city of 300,000 inhabitants, well known for its annual carnival. The beaches border on 700 hectares of untouched and unspoiled dunes: an athlete s paradise! Dunkirk s LAAC Lieu d Art et Action Contemporain (Place of Contemporary Art and Action) and the FRAC Fonds régional d art contemporain (Regional Fund for Contemporary Art) make it a key attraction for contemporary art lovers. In 2013, Dunkirk was elected Regional Cultural Capital and hosted over 5,000 artists and 600 events, including parades, fanfares, concerts and exhibitions. This seaside resort and its Marina was awarded the 1 st sustainable city prize for the quality of life for of its inhabitants and the 6,5 million visitors it receives every year. The city also counts some excellent hotels, including two 4-star establishments. In addition to the 1,800 hotel rooms a cruise ship docked in the harbour or sailing on the Channel can be privatised to accommodate a minimum of 1,000 people. Dunkirk s economy is booming in three sectors: 3 rd largest French port, (95,000 employees), a petrochemicals cluster, chemicals (BASF) and pharmaceuticals industry (Astra Zenaca). An agri-food cluster (Coca-Cola); steel and metal-works (Arcelor-Mittal) and energy cluster (Veolia), and the largest energy cluster in Europe (nuclear and wind power, refinery). With a young, active and dynamic population (40% under age 30) Dunkirk remains ambitious: 6,000 companies operate in port services, 2,000 are in the tertiary industry and some 1,000 are industrial companies. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

18 Kursaal, a versatile convention centre with a sea view! The different areas can be adapted to suit the size and format of a given event, whether or not that includes an exhibition on the side 15,000 m² of modular space, AFAQ QUALICONGRES certification, 3,500 m 2 covering various multi-purpose areas 2,700 m² that can be divided into two contained areas, A 500-seater auditorium, Wide skylights providing natural lighting and an indoor patio with a sea view. Dunkirk Convention Centre, le Kursaal Dunkirk also offers: Museums and cultural attractions: LAAC (Place of Contemporary Art and Action) FRAC (Regional Contemporary Art Fund) the harbour museum Unique sites: Le Texel, tour boat PLUS (University and Science museum) UNESCO heritage site listed Belfry Dunes Golf Resort - Casino The Duchess Ann ship etc. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

19 TOUQUET PARIS-PLAGE: AUTHENTICITY AND MODERNITY A seaside town located on the Opal Coast, surrounded by 300 hectares of beach and 250 hectares of pine forests, Le Touquet Paris-Plage is known for its unique blend of authenticity and modernity. Many corporate seminars are held in this resort town, which has come to be synonymous with mental stimulation and team building in an unspoiled natural setting. In a nutshell: exercise and well-being. The Enduropale du Touquet Paris-Plage beach motorcycle race has been drawing crowds for the past 30 years. One weekend a year hundreds of thousands of French and foreign tourists flock to watch the event. Its 1,200 hotel rooms in 2- to 4-star establishments, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury boutiques, a casino and the 400-hectare golf course encompassing both beach and forest, make Le Touquet, the most British of French seaside towns and a favourite destination for almost 8 million visitors per year. The nearby Côte d Opale or Opal Coast also has a thriving seaside economy: the city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, France s largest fishing port is also the leading European centre for fish processing, forming the AQUIMER competitiveness cluster. Not only is Calais a true logistical hub, but the city s traditional, centuries-old lace is still very much sought-after by the fashion industry. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

20 Palais de l Europe, the first AFAQ certified convention centre The seaside town s multimodal convention centre is a blend of historical heritage (1930s architecture, typical atmosphere etc.) and technological know-how (wifi, versatile and modular areas, technical facilities). A 450-seater auditorium 7 flexible meeting rooms (capacity of 130 to 750 people in theatre-mode). Renovation and extension of the Palais de l Europe: late 2014/early 2015 a new conference/concert hall will be inaugurated. It will have a capacity of 1,200 1,500 seats. Total cost: 16 million ( 10 million for the new conference hall and 6 million to renovate the existing centre). Touquet-Paris-Plage convention centre. Le Touquet Paris-Plage, also offers: Museums and cultural attractions: Nausicaa, National Marine Centre: a Centre of Excellence (UNESCO-listed in 1998), is the only centre of its kind in all Europe The tropical room can be privatised Nature (les Deux Caps etc.) and out-door activities: horse riding, golf, land sailing, yachting, kitesurfing etc. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

21 VALENCIENNES: A CITY OF CREATION AND INNOVATION Valenciennes has chosen to focus its policy efforts on economic growth. Its strategy is to innovate and anticipate change by providing the right infrastructure so as to draw innovative companies. The metropolitan area has clear economic advantages in the form of its digital and railway facilities. At the same time, Valenciennes is pursuing a strategy to develop forward-looking, large-scale transformational projects to convert and rehabilitate former industrial sites, set up industrial parks, create a tax-exempt urban area (zone franche urbaine). Transalley Technocluster, a 34-hectare industrial park, brings together education, research and innovation in conjunction with the University, consulates, industry and I-Trans (transport) and AIF (automobile) clusters. The Creative Banks of the Scheldt project brings together internationally renowned training programmes (the Rubika group of the Grand Hainaut CCI), fit-for-purpose facilities for digitally creative businesses. The aim of the project is to create 2,000 highly skilled jobs over the next 10 years. The Scheldt Valley Industrial Park sprawls over 350 hectares and is primarily logistics and automobile-oriented. It is home, in particular, to a Toyota plant, as well as auto parts suppliers (Simoldes, Ogura, Toyotomi-Kiko, Toyota Boshoku, Delquignies, Bills Deroo) and companies specialised in logistics, the agri-food industry and others. The Docks Seine Nord Europe/Scheldt union supports river-based logistics, which are an essential component of the local economy. The Scheldt is the main waterway to Europe s second largest port: Antwerp (800,000 tons of goods). Renovating brownfield sites: the aim of this broad-reaching programme is to regain ownership of former industrial sites in order to improve the urban landscape, eradicate existing pollution, curtail urban sprawl and preserve farmlands. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

22 A multipurpose convention/exhibition centre delivered in 2016 The Valenciennes convention centre will be built on the Creative Banks of the Scheldt, at Anzin. It could not be better situated (close to Valenciennes train station and tramway) or more visible and will surely prove to be an asset to the local business travel industry. Construction costs are estimated at 30 million. 5,500 m² useable floor space A modular auditorium for 150 to 850 people (core conference market) An exhibition hall including a dining area, meeting rooms, outdoor areas for temporary marquis for up to 1,200 on flat seating Rooms equipped with moveable walls that can accommodate 20 to 200 people. Valenciennes also offers: Large-scale facilities Le Hainaut Stadium 25,000 seats m² exhibition halls 2011 Recent additions to accommodation supply: Two recent openings have added to the number of rooms available in Valenciennes, bringing the total up to 1,155: Hôtel Mercure 87 rooms June 2012 Résidence de tourisme 87 flats June 2012 Ambitious projects lined up: In 2014, the refurbishment of the former Valenciennes military hospital to convert it into a 5- star hotel with a spa. Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

23 AND WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? WE WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE NORD-PAS DE CALAIS REGION AND MAINTAIN ITS LEADING POSITION IN THE CONFERENCE AND CORPORATE EVENTS SECTOR. The Nord France Convention Bureau shall continue to implement its businessoriented promotion policy in 2011, through various sales and marketing operations: trade fairs, workshops, customer relations through guided tours, website, promotional video clips, seminars and corporate events industry memento The Nord France Convention Bureau is currently looking for prospective clients on four major markets. In France, naturally, but also the Nord-Pas de Calais region s captive markets such as Germany, the UK and Belgium. In time, we hope to also deal with the Netherlands and Scandinavia. We strive to increase the length of stay for our corporate clients. Indeed the fact that we are so close by actually tends to shorten stays and seriously affects the number of nights spent in hotels. Unfortunately, it is precisely in that domain that we provide added value. Secondly, in order to make the Nord-Pas de Calais region ever more attractive, we actively strive to enhance our offer (conference facilities, hotels, convention centres) in conjunction with regional ICCs as part of the Seminars and Performance project. Enhancing the quality of our offer is our top priority and is essential for meeting the expectations of corporate events organisers and the corporate clientele. Lastly, thanks to the the Regional Tourism Board, which is in charge of the business travel statistics in the region, (analyses of the type of customers and their expectations, density of supply), we have quantitative studies which allow us to better evaluate the market and its expectations. Thus, our joint overall approach to the Conference and Corporate Events Industry makes us an important component of the regional economy. Laurence PÉAN-COUSIN Director, Nord France Convention Bureau Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

24 APPENDICES Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

25 CONFERENCES AND CORPORATE EVENTS IN FRANCE * Trade fairs and shows 1,100 trade fairs and shows per year, i.e.: 225,000 exhibitors 23,6 million visitors 700,000 visitors to international fairs Of the top 15 visiting nationalities: US (6th position) Japan (9th position) China (12th position). Conventions 2,800 convention per year 35% Greater Paris region / 65% outside Paris region 1,6 million conference goers 50% Greater Paris region / 50% outside Paris region 355,400 conference goers for international conventions. There was a +2,9% increase in conference attendance in 2012 Convention + exhibition: +6,6% (average number of participants: 1,349) Convention without exhibition: +7,3% (average number of participants: 554). Ever more demanding customers Later participant registration (for all types of events) More focus on content (conventions and fairs) with secondary or leisure spending reduced to the minimum (economic crisis, internal and public corporate image, legislation) Organisers seek to contain technical fees (streamlined budgets) Customers increasingly want package deals or a single contact point With increased competition on the market, the make or break factor is the cost-time-efficiency ratio. * Source: UNIMEV, French Events Industry Union OJS, CCI Paris IDF 2011 Economic impact of trade fairs, corporate events and conferences 7,49 billion, i.e.: 44,5% - Events and related industry Locations and conference facilities Organisers Reception, ticket offices, general installation, decoration, stands, video/sound systems, specialised caterers... 55,5% - Tourism industry Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

26 Hotels Restaurants Transport to region and local public transportation Shops in city centre... Characteristics of conference attendees stays: Average length of stay Length of stay per convention Greater Paris Regions Countrywide French attendee at French convention 2,3 days 2,3 days 2,3 days Foreign attendee (all convention types) 4,3 days 3,2 days 3,9 days * Source: UNIMEV, French Events Industry Union OJS, CCI Paris IDF 2011 Spending per conference goer per convention (Excl. pre/post convention and registration fees but including transport costs to access site) / (conference goer not residing in the départment where convention is held) Spending related to arrival at location and Greater Regions Countrywide the stay during conference / Average Paris Region French attendee at French convention Foreign attendee (all convention types) On average a foreign conference attendee spends 3 times more than a French conference goer during his/her stay: Higher daily expenses Length of stay: 1,5 times longer than a French attendee * Source: UNIMEV, French Events Industry Union OJS, CCI Paris IDF 2011 Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre

27 THE NORD FRANCE CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM 1. Laurence PEAN-COUSIN, Director 2. Alice VENET, Director s assistant 3. Emilie LOPEZ, Promotion 4. Valerie LEFEBVRE, Project manager for conventions organised by associations Nord France Convention Bureau Dossier de presse Décembre