As might be expected, the organisation of the Olympic Games has naturally had an impact on convention business. The 2024 report published on 15 September by the CCI Paris Ile-de-France says: " The Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the operation of numerous venues between May and October 2024 mean that Paris hosted fewer international conferences in 2024 "summarise the authors of the report. The capital hosted 589 congresses in person last year, compared with 646 in 2023. The number of delegates fell from 836,728 to 689,492, with a marked drop in foreign visitors, who failed to reach the 100,000 mark, compared with over 240,000 in 2023. They have also set their sights on a return to the ICCA podium this year: " There is no doubt that Paris, which has topped the ranking eight times since 2010, will be back on the podium in 2025. "says the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Those in charge of Paris Region's MICE sector have some encouraging signs. One of these is the trade fair business, which has been spared overall by Paris 2024. The number of trade shows (367) has remained stable, while visitor numbers and the number of exhibiting companies have increased significantly. As, of course, did the economic spin-offs...
The Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry is therefore highlighting a positive dynamic to build on this year: " The year 2024 was dynamic and confirmed a return to normal, particularly for trade shows. The first half of 2025 followed this positive trend. "note the authors of the report. The report identifies some very encouraging initial findings for the first half of the year, linked in particular to XXL events such as Viva TechWine Paris, Paris Packaging Week and JEC World. The number of exhibitors, visitors and floor space at these trade shows even exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
" Trade fair activity in Paris and the surrounding region picks up again "Dominique Restino, Chairman of the Paris Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. " This confirms a clear positive trend over the last two years. The industry's ongoing investment in developing, renovating and upgrading the capital's main exhibition and conference venues to meet environmental standards is to be commended. Over and above the economic spin-offs generated, the region's influence and appeal are at stake, as it remains Europe's leading destination for tourism and events. "Dominique Restino continues.
