GL EVENTS FAIRS: THE FAIR EXPERIENCE AT THE SERVICE OF LOCAL TERRITORIES

GL events Fairs: the fair experience at the service of local territories

The fair /ˈfwɑːʁ/ n. f.
From Latin feria “day of celebration”
A unique experience where discovery, exchange, and conviviality take center stage.

For more than thirty years, GL events has been designing and organizing fairs in France that go beyond the framework of a mere commercial exhibition. Each edition is built as a collective project, combining territorial co-creation, immersive staging, and social commitment. Driven by the desire to energize local economies and renew visitor experiences, our approach relies on a proven methodology that brings together elected officials, exhibitors, and partners from the earliest planning stages.

INNOVATING AND ENERGIZING TERRITORIES THROUGH THE FAIR EXPERIENCE

In spring 2025, GL events deployed its expertise in five emblematic locations. In Orléans (March 21–30), the Japan theme enjoyed great success, supported by staging that blended traditional architecture with interactive digital installations. In Lyon (April 4–14), the Eurexpo park came alive with five thematic worlds, creating an environment perfectly suited to families and curious visitors of all ages. The inaugural Clermont-Fèira (May 21–25) confirmed our mastery of local networks, with 70% regional exhibitors organized into five dedicated sectors. In Toulouse (April 18–27), the MEETT fair welcomed 112,000 attendees (+6% vs. 2024), featuring an Inn’Occitanie Village showcasing 40 eco-responsible actors and large-scale immersive installations. In Amiens (June 6–15), attendance rose by 7.7% compared to 2024; nighttime attractions and a Sino-French Village made this edition a festive and welcoming event, earning ISO 20121 certification.

FOCUS ON THE LYON FAIR: A REGIONAL SHOWCASE WITH NATIONAL REACH

Foire de Lyon 2025, Eurexpo Lyon, Nicolas Rodet

For its 105th edition (April 4–14, 2025), the Lyon Fair hosted nearly 850 exhibitors under the unifying theme of Pop Culture, designed to engage every audience and interest. “Each year, we select themes that allow us to offer varied and accessible experiences,” explains Aurélie Prost, Director of the Lyon Fair. “This year, Pop Culture encompassed home living, innovation, video games, craftsmanship, and gastronomy, all supported by a rich lineup of startup competitions, e-sport tournaments, concerts, and family-focused days.”

The Quartier des Gones, the heart of the event, highlighted Lyon’s local expertise through workshops, performances, and musical entertainment. “The Quartier des Gones embodies our commitment to promoting local players,” continues Aurélie Prost. Listening closely to visitors, the organization bases every evolution on annual studies and focus groups, adjusting schedules and formats to meet emerging expectations for interaction and meaningful engagement.

For many years, the Lyon Fair has integrated an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) approach into each edition, reflecting GL events’ dedication to responsible and sustainable practices. “We ensure that environmental responsibility and conviviality go hand in hand, so that every edition reflects our values while remaining festive and accessible,” concludes the director.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

The Group’s approach is built on systematic territorial co-creation, where local steering committees and institutional partners jointly define challenges and editorial direction. This process ensures perfect alignment between the event offering and the territory’s needs. Immersive stagings—video mapping, virtual reality walks, interactive kiosks—extend the experience and create a strong emotional impact. At the same time, collecting behavioral data and conducting satisfaction surveys fuel a continuous improvement process that refines every touchpoint, personalizes communication, and strengthens visitor engagement. Our “Think Green” charter and ESG initiatives, from eco-responsible stand design to the promotion of short supply chains, demonstrate a sustainable commitment in line with the expectations of territories and their communities.

AUTUMN FAIRS 2025

As the new season approaches, GL events is poised to kick off the autumn fairs with Strasbourg (September 5–14), a true gateway to a cross-border population of three million. The Caen International Fair (September 19–28) will present a revamped “Habitat & Leisure” path, while Saint-Étienne (September 20–30) will spotlight innovation and entrepreneurship in its Young Entrepreneurs Village. The 2025 season will also mark the centenary of the Marseille International Fair (September 26–October 6), a celebratory event honoring a century of history in the heart of the Phocaean city. Finally, to conclude the autumn, the Metz International Fair (September 26–October 6) will position itself as the Grand Est’s economic and cultural hub.

By combining market insight, operational expertise, and ESG responsibility, GL events reaffirms its ability to anticipate sector trends and deliver fresh experiences for every audience each season.