89 GL EVENTS | COMPANY REPORT 2014 | CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The creation of indirect economic value From a purely economic standpoint, the creation of value in the territory goes beyond the simple metric of sales and job creation generated directly by the sites. Several studies initiated in coordination with tour- ism offices, professional federations or convention bureaus, highlight two types of economic impacts: spending of convention goers or visitors that increases with the distance from their geo- graphical place of origin: hotels, meals, taxis, tourism-related spending, spending of exhibitors, excluding the cost of their participation, on accommodations, meals and subsistence expenses.

Promoting the territory Even though promoting the territory is not the pri- mary mission of an event venue as such, by receiving outside visitors and driving territorial development, it exercises an important role in selling the des- tination. Several initiatives have been launched by GL events to promote destinations and sell a comprehensive range of effective and competitive services.

GL events Exhibitions: energising professional communities and local initiatives through trade shows More than an ephemeral professional meeting, the trade show has become a space for staging special events, exchange and dialogue for communities of professionals and associations, and between stake- holders. professional federations, companies, public authorities, political and economic decision-makers, clusters, research and training institutions, experts, customers, suppliers, media, local authorities, regions and countries for international trade shows, etc. As such, it is also a catalyst for innovation where the latest trends for products and services are show- cased. The content of such events is evolving with the integration of symposia and conferences. Whether international or natural events with local dimensions or events anchored in their regions, trade shows remain powerful vectors for territorial economic development.

In partnership with the territory s main stakehold- ers, GL events actively works on developing the territorial network and facilitating contacts between companies (and their shareholders), professional associations, industry associations, learned socie- ties, exhibitors, etc.

Supporting community vitality The pace of local life is very often determined by the calendar of events that are hosted or organised. One of our roles in this context is contributing to the territory s strategy by providing guidance and support. As a place for exchange and as attractive destinations, the event venue offers an instrument for development by boost- ing the territory s vitality and notoriety. This involves actions, for example, to support the economy, indus- try and research, participating in community life, or contributing to local business sectors through events staged at Group sites.

Contributing to local jobs The Group s responsibility in the area of sourcing and subcontracting is central to its sustainable develop- ment strategy. Its policy providing for a national list of suppliers in this way encourages, when local suppli- ers meet these standards, using the latter to promote the local economy, in a spirit of economic partnership (example: caterers, printers, communications, secu- rity services, etc.).

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

CENTRE DE CONGRÈS DE LYON, FRANCE