Interview - François Lafont, CEO of the Luxembourg Convention Bureau

We put in place sector-by-sector development plans

How was the Luxembourg Convention Bureau set up?

François Lafont - It came from a desire on the part of various partners to create a structure that would not only have an impact in attracting events, but also in promoting research and innovation. What we want is to develop strategic economic sectors for the country. We see conventions and meetings as tools that serve our economy, promoting the ecosystem of businesses, start-ups, research laboratories and universities. The Convention Bureau is a rather surprising tool, since half of it reports to the Ministry of the Economy and the other half to the city, whereas in most countries these bureaus report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Tourism. Among the key sectors in which we want to develop events are ICT, medicine, particularly nephrology and neurology, and the space sector.

Will the pandemic change this strategy?

F. L. - Although the sector is currently facing incredible difficulties, fortunately the key sectors of the economy will always be there. And so will the need to organise conferences and meetings. So the framework for our long-term development remains the same. Today, our big job is to help the associations and host structures to ensure that events can once again be held in excellent conditions. This crisis, which is a terrible one, will also accelerate a trend already underway in the world of meetings: hybrid events. Our partners are working to adapt to this.

What does the French market represent?

F. L. - It is of course crucial for us. Initially, we had planned to organise missions to France to explain what Luxembourg had to offer and to make ourselves known to the market. This is no longer possible. However, we are in the process of organising virtual tours and webinars to which we'll be inviting agencies so that they can discover our different locations, gastronomic specialities and local figures, particularly in the wine industry. We'd prefer to welcome them on site, but it's interesting to have these exchanges to keep in touch.