Stéphane Kintzig, Managing Director of BEAM, looks forward to the autumn with the optimism of a local events industry in full conquest, and looks back on the major issues of the day: European objectives and the current state of business tourism in Bordeaux.
You've been at the helm of BEAM for five years now. Can you tell us about your business?
BEAM is an independent company whose very foundations were laid at the Foire de Bordeaux in 1916. More than a hundred years later, it now embodies two distinct businesses: venue management - we operate five of them - and event production, our historic business. We also support local industries by organising trade events such as Vinitech-Sifel, Exp'Hôtel and the UAV Show, as well as events for the general public such as Jumping International de Bordeaux, the Foire de Bordeaux and BAD+, the contemporary art and design fair.
On the site management side, we host congresses, conventions and trade fairs, representing 250 to 300 events and involving up to 700,000 participants every year. As such, we are now the major player in business tourism in Bordeaux.
And every day, a team of over 100 people work to ensure our customers' satisfaction!
What impact does business tourism have on Bordeaux's economy?
Business tourism is a real economic powerhouse, and the figures we have confirm this. On a national scale, according to UNIMEV figures, there are 50 million participants in events every year and €20 billion in spin-offs for the region. In Bordeaux as a destination, there are around 4,000 events a year, at some thirty different venues.
We estimate the economic impact of BEAM's activities on the region at 300 million euros a year. These spinoffs serve an entire ecosystem: hotels, restaurants, transport, leisure activities, etc.
What do you see as the main challenges facing the business tourism sector today?
We are past the time when the advent of the virtual was predicted at all costs, in favour of the physical meeting. In this context, I believe that business tourism faces two major challenges. The first is to make the meeting as memorable and profitable as possible for our participants. The second is to succeed in becoming even more responsible and sustainable in the way we organise our events.
How are local players like BEAM helping to shape this ecosystem?
The success of this ecosystem is based on close collaboration between local players - such as the Tourist and Convention Bureau and local authorities - supported by a clear and shared political will. Together, we are banking on responsible business tourism, aligned with sustainability objectives. This synergy is reinforced by a common roadmap that guides our actions. I would also like to highlight the key role played by the Bordeaux Convention Bureau, which actively promotes the destination to organisers and national and international operators, thereby contributing to its appeal.
With the start of the 2024 season, what are BEAM's ambitions and plans?
We have all the cards in hand to aim for larger-scale events. Our current aim is to accelerate the development of congresses, European events and the entertainment sector. On the production side, we're continuing to develop our offerings in line with the needs of the industry, such as our forthcoming Vinitech-Sifel show, where we'll be developing a range of products to be marketed via a dedicated Centre. At the same time, BEAM, which is already ISO 20121 certified, will be stepping up its CSR initiatives.
How does the events sector influence social and economic change in our society?
By bringing together influential experts in a very specific field in the same place, events help to share advances and knowledge in a medical or scientific sector for the benefit of society. In a way, we are helping to improve our future and our living conditions. The future is built at the heart of our meetings!
