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Convention and exhibition: a strong recovery

2021 was considerably impacted by Covid-19, with a ban on all events until May 19 and capacity restrictions applying until the end of June. But the second half of the year showed strong signs of recovery in the French market for Viparis, our conferences and events subsidiary.

From June 30, all events were allowed with no capacity constraints. However, a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination remains required for attendees at all events.

Despite international travel restrictions and after nearly 15 months of closure, the recovery in 2021 showed that large professional exhibitions and events are essential for businesses and continue to attract B2C customers.

In total, 349 events were held in Viparis venues through December 31, of which 107 were exhibitions, 44 conferences and 198 corporate events. For the second half of 2021, Viparis hosted 278 events (out of which 102 were exhibitions, 39 conferences and 137 corporate events) vs. 294 events in the same period in 2019 (104 exhibitions, 42 conferences and 148 corporate events).

The following major events were all held successfully in the second half of 2021, though their international attendance was impacted by the pandemic:

  • The Congrès de la Société de Réanimation de Langue Française (SRLF) at Palais des Congrès de Paris – with 2,500 attendees (vs. 3,120 in 2019);
  • SILMO Paris, the international show for optical professionals, at Paris Nord Villepinte – with 500 exhibitors, mainly from Europe (due to Asian travel restrictions) and 19,000 attendees (vs. 36,000 in 2019), out of which 37% were international (vs. 56% in 2019);
  • The 20th edition of Salon des Maires et Collectivités Locales, at Porte de Versailles – with 45,300 attendees (vs. 48,000 in 2019) and 945 exhibitors (vs. 743 in 2019);
  • The 14th edition of Foire d’Automne – with 74,000 visitors (30% more than the previous edition in 2019);
  • The ADF Congress, the key European conference for dental surgery with more than 25,000 attendees (27,000 in 2019) and 350 exhibitors (373 in 2019).

As of December 31, 2021, signed and pre-booked events in Viparis venues for 2022 amounted to 89% of its expected 2022 rental income, in line with previous years, which is a strong sign of confidence for the future.

Viparis hosted a range of successful events in 2021.
Viparis hosted a range of successful events in 2021.
Viparis hosted a range of successful events in 2021.
Viparis hosted a range of successful events in 2021.

Viparis hosted a range of successful events in 2021.

Commercial partnerships on the rise

Commercial partnerships on the rise

Commercial partnerships on the rise
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