Does the recent creation of your post as Director of Innovation mean that Viparis is making a start in this area?
Laurent Charon - Viparis was already working on this subject, a bit like Monsieur Jourdain: without knowing it! So my job is to bring innovation to the table, but also, and above all, to organise these initiatives at VIParis. Our mission is to ensure that the 3.0 event can emerge.
How are Viparis' efforts in terms of connectivity taking shape?
L. C. - We have made considerable investments in technology, such as the HD Wi-Fi installed at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. Bandwidths are now on a par with American standards, significantly improving the visitor experience.
How do you see the event industry of the future?
I see a lot of trends, but it's mainly up to our customers to imagine them. Our mission is to ensure that the 3.0 event emerges. The trends are the big technology events like Vivatech. I'm also fascinated by the hybridisation between festive and professional events, like C2 in Montreal, or closer to home the West Web Festival during the Vieilles Charrues festival. These are interesting events in their approach because they combine festive, creative and professional dimensions.
the best technology is the one that knows how to make itself invisible
Are we heading for a dematerialised trade fair?
L. C. - That's not our aim, obviously. If we draw a parallel with education, Coursera [an online higher education offering] didn't kill Harvard. The value of meetings and exchanges remains crucial, even if virtual reality can be useful for guests who are unable to attend. There is real value in using technology to reach out to this audience. I may have a digital profile, but I'm not convinced that technology should be omnipresent at trade fairs. I think the best technology is the one that knows how to make itself invisible and offer the best interaction.
