SUMMARY
The Event Data Book 2026, published by UNIMEV (French Union of Event Professionals), provides a statistical overview of the French events industry based on 2025 data. This annual report is organized around four main sections: the sector’s economic overview, ongoing transformations, the events observatory, and event venues. It draws on a variety of sources (Bank of France, INSEE, UFI, OpinionWay, OPIIEC, ICCA, SPORSORA) and aims to provide reliable benchmarks for professionals and public authorities.
In a general economic climate favorable to business tourism, France is showing slightly weaker momentum. Hiring is slowing but remains on an upward trend. Two underlying trends are emerging: the need for more interactive experiences (31% of stakeholders) and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, which is already used by 87% of professionals. Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming established in business practices (53% of organizations plan to adopt AI solutions), while customer expectations are shifting toward shorter, more targeted, and more personalized formats. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also becoming a key factor, with initiatives focused on reducing the carbon footprint, eco-design, and the use of local service providers.
Globally, France retains its 5th place in exhibition space and its 3rd place in the number of venues, out of a total of 1,530 sites surveyed by UFI. Exhibition parks and convention centers are reaffirming their central role while diversifying their uses: nearly one in three events hosted now falls under the categories of entertainment, training/competitions, or sporting events, illustrating the gradual expansion of these facilities’ functions beyond traditional trade shows and conventions.
Keywords: international appeal, events, business tourism, events industry, trade shows, fairs, conventions, exhibitors, exhibition centers, convention centers, event venues, corporate events, MICE, incentive travel, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, CSR, carbon footprint, sustainable transition, employment, recruitment, skills, sports partnerships, sponsorship, Île-de-France, France, International.
Illustration: © UNIMEV
Excerpts from the 2026 Event Data Book
