France, the incentive destination par excellence

In France, anything is possible ! "says Thomas Faizant, co-founder of Prochaine Escale. The country is full of secret places, with a wide variety of landscapes and an incredible wealth of culture... In just a few hours, you can go from mountain peaks to sandy beaches, from hectic city life to the peace and quiet of the countryside...." Playing on this diversity, Thomas Faizant aims to provide business groups with original experiences. Some of the latest on offer include a Peking Express-style seminar where participants, with just one euro in their pocket, have to find their own way to the next stage of the journey, a survival course in the Vexin region of France, an immersion into the life of a permaculture farm in Mayenne, a walk in the forest with wolves or a day on a privatised island paradise...

At DefiPlanet', the unusual happens in the heart of the Vienne, perched high in the trees. "We offer accommodation and a meeting rooms in cabins perched in the middle of 50 hectares of nature. For those with a fear of heights, we also have yurts, caravans and wooden chalets of various shapes and sizes."says Yann Decker, Sales Director. There are around twenty outdoor activities on offer, including accrobranche (tree climbing), hot-air balloon flights, bee-keeping courses and dog-sledding.

This originality, in particular the country aspect, appeals to French companies now prefer to play at home for their incentive events. Christophe Lapouge, Director of Novabox, agrees. "Once the organisers had been reassured that the health protocols and cancellation clausesThe calls for tender we receive are mainly for France, and even Europe.." The agency, which is an incoming agent for the Tour de France, has put in place rigorous measures to welcome groups, creating the "Seff Tours" label for the occasion.

Alongside health safety imperatives, another major trend is emerging, in line with thedevelopment of teleworking during confinement: the growing role of the virtual in professional events. In this context, the members of theUNIMEV (Union française des métiers de l'événement) are developing formulas combining digital and physical presencePierre-Louis Roucariés, deputy chairman of the trade association, confirms: "The crisis is accelerating the use of digital technology. However, as physical contact remains an essential human need, we are looking at ways of making it possible for people to meet in person. phygital eventscombining face-to-face and virtual sessions." The convention centre Mandelieu-La-Napoule is offering two innovative and exclusive services to complement its conference room: StudioAzur by Novelty and the Social Network Room. While the former is dedicated to hosting and setting up virtual events, the latter helps to expand the audience for physical events. The same approach was adopted at the Centre International de Deauville which has equipped one of its rooms with a videoconferencing system.

According to Christophe Lapouge, from Novabox, "The regions have a role to play, because metropolises scare groups a little. This is an opportunity they need to seize.". In the Grand Est, all the players in the industry are working hard to welcome MICE customers, including Strasbourg Eventswhich manages the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès and the Exhibition Centre. "The region has dedicated a platform to all our businesses in order to work together to relaunch the events business. This is an opportunity to give the destination a real marketing boost in terms of business tourism"says Albane Pillaire, Managing Director of the company, which is part of the GL Events. At the same time, Strasbourg Évènements is looking at hybrid formats between face-to-face and multiplex/digital.

At the same time, Alsace is showcasing its distinctive features: art de vivre, a change of scenery and a wealth of culture. Among its seminar offersFor example, the Secrets du Chocolat, a museum dedicated to cocoa, where groups can take part in a gourmet and experiential treasure hunt, solve riddles, compete in sweet workshops and sample chocolate treats in an authentic dining car from the legendary Orient-Express. Another example is the hotel-restaurant Le Relais de la Poste, in La Wantzenau, where chef Thomas Koebel leads refined culinary workshops.

In the Loire region, Nantes is building on its reputation as an eco-responsible destination to encourage groups, particularly national ones, to choose the destination. "Sustainable development is part of our DNA"says Olivier Le Floch, Commercial Director of the Convention centre. This commitment is infused into the organisers by the City, which supports them in this approach. "We are also working on new services, including hybrid events. Digitising some of our events will make it possible to reduce carbon footprint." The Cité is also forging partnerships with local players to develop a strong joint offering.

Mobilising and federating is also the path chosen by OnlyLyon Tourisme & Congrès. "We created the 'Serenity CharterTogether to take care of you', signed by nearly 700 players in the Lyon metropolitan area."says Valérie Ducaud, Director of OnlyLyon's Convention and Exhibition Bureau. France's third-largest metropolis, recognised for its efforts in the area of sustainable developmentThe city has many facets. Indeed, built on confluences and contrasts, it oscillates between past and modernity, urbanism and countryside. It's also a gateway to the wide open spaces that only the mountains can offer.

Just two hours away in Haute-Savoie, the family resort of Les Carroz has done everything it can to welcome companies in complete safety. "Our animations are available via applications, and the reservations are made remotelyOur objective is to limit expectations and exchanges. Groups can enjoy snowshoe outings, treasure hunts, skiing, sleeping in a teepee or listening to a concert on the mountain top..."says Philippe Poettoz, Director of the Tourist Office.

This crisis has enabled us to be inventive

Just two ski runs away, Chamonix offers a relaxing change of scenery. "This crisis has allowed us to be inventive. Over the next six months to a year, we will be putting forward new proposals, particularly on flexibility."says Romain Trollet, Chairman of the Assas hotel group. For the moment, its mountain hotels in Chamonix, La Plagne, La Clusaz and Val Thorens are receiving requests for small groups of 15 to 20 participants. For its Paris establishments, on the other hand, it's business as usual...

Yet Paris remains an attractive city according to Corinne MénégauxGeneral Manager of theParis Convention and Visitors Bureau (OTCP): "According to our June barometer, 41 % of companies surveyed plan to organise one or more events in the capital in the near future. This is particularly true of Chinese and Italian customers. Half of these events had between 25 and 100 participants.." Here again, the health reinsurance and the booking flexibility are the conditions sine qua non for a recovery. This is why the OTCP has launched the Caring Attitude charter and put in place a reassurance customer pathway. At the same time, this crisis has brought to light a number of unusual spaces of the capital, and which meet the expectations of companies for original meetings.

These include new venues, museums and rooftops. This is the case at Porte de Versailles with Le Perchoir, a 250 m² with a terrace of 489 m² and a 14,000 m² urban farm, all perched on the roof of pavilion 6 at the exhibition centre. Ideal for country-style team-building in the heart of Paris!

More intimate, for events not exceeding 250 guests, the Keys group is opening the doors of the Palais Vivienne, a private mansion built at the beginning of the 18th century and restored by Pierre-Jean Chalençon, a Napoleon enthusiast who has installed his private collection there. As for Keys' latest venue, the Hôtel de Montgascon, it's playing the exclusivity card. Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the hotel, which was Françoise Sagan's last Parisian home, can accommodate 80 people. "These two establishments receive many requests from small management committees of around ten people."says Alain Mollé, co-founder of Keys.

Almost on the outskirts of Paris Hauts-de-France intend to take advantage of the refocusing of operations in France to capture Parisian customers. "We're highlighting our strengths: efficiency, professionalism, a change of scenery, conviviality, cultural heritage, a dynamic economic fabric with centres of excellence and competitiveness, etc."Clémence Blanchegorge, Business Developer Seminars & Conventions at the Regional Tourism and Convention Committee, who also notes a need to disconnect and recharge one's batteries in the great outdoors.

And the Hauts-de-France region fits the bill perfectly. Bordered by the North Sea and the English Channel, the region boasts a diverse coastline and large protected natural areas such as the Bay of the Somme and the Deux-Caps, which have been awarded the Major sites in France. Small, charming châteaux - Couturelle near Arras, Flixecourt near Amiens and Tilques in the heart of the Capes et Marais d'Opale Regional Nature Park - are also ideal for groups. In addition, the region's towns and cities, including LilleAll of our venues, including Amiens, Arras, Laon and Beauvais, are on a human scale, which is appreciated by organisers. Finally, for larger events, Chantilly offers the space needed for a peaceful get-together in a green setting.

The region is also ideal for outdoor activities. The immense beaches of the Baie de Somme, the Côte d'Opale and the Dunkirk area are ideal for chariot races, horse riding, Olympics or, even more surprisingly, yoga classes. It's also a land of epicureans, with its many breweries and even Champagne cellars, notably those of Pannier, in Château-Thierry, in the Aisne department.

Less than three hours from the capital, the Normandy The region also uses its coastline, character resorts, famous painters, history and countryside to attract businesses. Le Havre is seizing this opportunity to surprise and break away from its image as an industrial port. The town is a seaside resort with a great beach and an astonishing array of remarkable architecture, making it the first European urban complex of the 20th century.^e century Unesco World Heritage Site. "Groups can enjoy water sports or discover our craftsmen and women, such as a linen farmer from the Pays de Caux or a bison breeder. They can also go back in time on the Côte d'Albâtre, which is dotted with relics of the Second World War, or spend an evening at the Les Bains des Docks aquatic complex designed by Jean NouvelA cocktail party at the Palais des Régates overlooking the Bay of Le Havre, a guided tour of the MuMa, the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art, or a small get-together at the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp to see the cliffs of Etretat, or a visit to Honfleur via the Pont de Normandie..."says Benoit Rémy, director of theLe Havre Tourist Office.

This diversity is also one of the strong points of Bordeauxas noted by Amélie Déchénaisresponsible for Bordeaux Convention Bureau : "In Bordeaux, almost anything is possible!"Set in the heart of one of France's greatest vineyards and just a stone's throw from the coast, the Gironde city offers a blend of urbanism, nature, terroir and wine. It can host large events, thanks to the modularity offered by its exhibition centre - freshly equipped with the Palais 2 l'Atlantique - than more modest operations.

The wide range of activities on offer includes team-building activities exploring the city through cultural tours punctuated by meetings with artists; a gala evening at the Espace Marengo, whose atypical architecture was designed by the RCR Artotec agency, which won the Pritzker Prize in 2017; a dinner à la Française, followed by a classical music concert at the Bernard Magrez cultural institute; a nature day on the Ile de Patiras or a day at the Bassins de Lumières, located in the former submarine base. No less than the largest digital art centre in the world!

But it's not just one town: the whole region is pulling together to welcome businesses. For example, the Bordeaux In French uses local guides to organise activities off the beaten track, including an introduction to street art, a rally through the vineyards in a 2CV cabriolet, or a discovery of the flora and fauna of the Arcachon Basin in a pinasse with oyster tasting... At Château Kirwan, small VIP groups are treated to prestigious tastings of fine wines. The Margaux Gourmet Trail includes a meal accompanied by the 2014 vintage, with each course taken at three different châteaux: Kirwan, Lascombes and Marquis de Terme. Guests reach each stage in a retro sidecar!

Not far away, the Basque Country has set itself up as a rival to Bordeaux. Swinging between the ocean and the mountains, the destination boasts a wealth of traditions and culture. The home of surfing and pelota, Biarritz is also an internationally renowned destination for business tourism, which has earned it the right to host the G7 summit in 2019. "Last year we hosted almost 120 events at our four convention and exhibition centres."says Éric Marchais, Managing Director of Biarritz Tourism. These four sites - Bellevue, Casino Municipal, Gare du Midi and Halla Iraty - have been modelled to enable us to take an immersive tour of the buildings. In the near future, the city centre, from the seafront to the airport, should also be modelled.

The company is also banking on its character and strong personality. BrittanyIn addition to its dynamism and cultural heritage, the region is positioned as a major centre of excellence. major MICE destination at national and European level. "Informally, we have created a group of regional convention centres, because I am convinced that regional alliances are necessary to ensure that Brittany is recognised as a key business destination and to co-host large-scale events."says Jean François Kerroc'h, Managing Director of Destination Rennes. Brittany's capital already has a solid reputation as a responsible, pleasant city with a wealth of cultural attractions and competitive clusters in cutting-edge sectors. By putting in place a regional synergy, its appeal for business tourism would only be strengthened.

In Occitania, Toulouse is capitalising on the attractiveness of theMEET opens this autumnthe new exhibition and convention centre. "Toulouse stands out as a new MICE destination orders for the next five years are falling steadily"says Patrice Vassal, Managing Director Toulouse Events. The proximity of MEET to the aeronautical museum and the Cité de l'Espace means that a wide range of events can be organised. This dynamic range of initiatives demonstrates the ability of the French regions to bounce back from a crisis that has certainly affected them, but which is also stimulating them.