A single gateway to major events in Nantes

“To position Nantes as a sustainable and innovative business tourism destination at the national and European levels.” This is the goal behind the merger of the Cité des Congrès and the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire, which has been underway since January 1, 2026.

Making Nantes an international destination

Management of these facilities is entrusted to a Public Service Delegation (DSP). This organizational structure will make it possible to offer a comprehensive and cohesive package to organizers of major national and international conferences by breaking down commercial silos. The effectiveness of this joint strategy has already been proven in the past, notably during the APM conference, which simultaneously utilized both sites to host 6,000 business leaders. In terms of numbers, the merger represents 27 million euros, 135 jobs, 400 events—including 130 conferences and about 50 trade shows and exhibitions—160,000 conference attendee-days, and about ten initiatives such as Art to Play and La Folle Journée.

The Complementarity of Sites in Support of the Region’s Visibility

The other pillar of this influence lies in the geographical and technical complementarity of the infrastructure. On the one hand, the Cité des Congrès, located in the heart of the city, reaffirms its role as a cultural hub and prestigious conference center. On the other hand, the Parc des Expositions, situated in a natural setting along the banks of the Erdre River, stands out as a major exhibition center and a hub for sports. This duality makes it possible to attract large-scale, hybrid events—ranging from elite sports, such as HBCN games, to next-generation immersive exhibitions.

Equipment Modernization

This merger is accompanied by a comprehensive infrastructure modernization plan supported by Nantes Métropole. From the renovation of the Grand Auditorium at the Cité des Congrès to the digital upgrade of both venues, the local government is investing heavily to ensure a high-quality experience for users.  The upcoming opening of the “LAPS,” a new 3,000-seat event venue scheduled for September 2026, will round out the initiative.

Making the destination even more sustainable

Finally, the metropolitan area has chosen to place Responsible Business Tourism at the heart of its differentiation strategy. Nantes is positioning itself as a leader in responsible event management. As early as 2016, Nantes Métropole was the first French destination to appear in the GDS Index, the leading international ranking of cities’ sustainability performance. In December 2023, the Convention Bureau obtained ISO 20121 certification, a global standard for responsible event management. In June 2024, the Nantes region was awarded the “Innovative and Sustainable Destination” label. Through this partnership, the goal will be to continue this CSR initiative, particularly by implementing eco-responsible management of venues and events. This ecological leadership is becoming a major selling point for international organizations that are increasingly mindful of the carbon footprint of their gatherings, making Nantes a renowned “green” and ethical destination.