Interview with Cécile Mairaville, Conference Director at the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau (OTCP)

For the second year running, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has named Paris as the world's leading city for hosting international congresses. How do you explain this success?

Cécile Mairaville - The Paris Convention Bureau plays a very active role in promoting Paris as a destination and hosting international conferences. It is heavily involved in putting together bidding documents and assisting conference organisers, and also acts as a unifying force for Parisian institutions and professionals, who are often asked to host international events. Finally, the Convention Bureau dedicates one person each year to collecting and reporting information to the ICCA, the leading body for international conventions.

What promotional activities have you put in place?

C.M. - In 2009, the City of Paris, the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau and all the professionals it represents drew up a charter on hosting major events. As such, the OTCP can mobilise the city's various departments at any time and contact elected officials to win a bid and develop reception facilities.

Who are your main competitors?

C.M. - According to the ICCA rankings, half of them are held on the Old Continent. Our own statistics confirm that Paris' competition is mainly European, with cities such as London, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin and Brussels. To stand out from the crowd, Paris is establishing itself as a specialist in hosting major events. In December 2015, for example, the capital will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference. 30,000 participants are expected.

What are your major projects?

C.M. - The creation of Greater Paris is synonymous with improvements to the public transport network. There are plans for 200 kilometres of new lines, with improved journey times thanks to the Grand Paris Express, which will serve 153 communes. The CDG Express will also make its appearance, connecting Roissy and Gare de l'Est in 20 minutes. Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is also being renovated, and will boast the largest convention centre in Europe. Each pavilion has been designed by a renowned architect. Another new convention centre, the International Trade Center Paris - Roissy Charles de Gaulle, will open its doors in 2018. It will feature a 3,000-person convention centre, 120 meeting rooms, three exhibition halls and more than 1,800 hotel rooms!