François Lafont
Self-employed
Luxembourg
François Lafont has over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs and stakeholders in the business events sector.
As CEO of Business Events Luxembourg, I established Luxembourg's first National Convention Bureau, aligning it with government goals for 2030 and increasing the country's ICCA ranking through partnerships with 235 stakeholders. Previously, as Vice President of "So Toulouse" Convention Bureau, I led strategic growth, market research, and the development of the new exhibition center, improving Toulouse's ICCA standing.
I also lectured on territorial marketing at Toulouse Business School, shaping future BE professionals.
My role as CEO of 2 convention centers at GL Events further reflects his skill in transforming venues to boost financial performance, align with regional development, and elevate international competitiveness​.
Convention management, strategic partnerships, regional development, marketing, event innovation, stakeholder engagement, Hospitality kowhow, & humour.
Experiences
Climate change and circularity: contributing to carbon neutrality, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.
- Participation in the MIES forum in 2000 Promotion of fab labs in Toulouse and participation in the World Fab Lab Congress in 2009;
- "France Congrès" Sustainable Development Award in 2010 (https://france-congres-evenements.org/);
- Conducted workshops to raise awareness among destination service providers about ecological challenges from 2009 to 2023;
- Founding member and contributor to https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/;
- Support and help to created a national green business event at national level (https://greenbusinessevents.lu/)
Talent and inclusion: upskilling and future capabilities, more accessible events and diverse participation.
Through roles such as CEO, and as creaators of 5 companies, I've championed talent development and inclusion in the event industry. I wrote the HR organization strategy, hired & managed more than 50 talents and the HR developement also of more than 5 companies. Promoting business event industry-relevant education as a lecturer, and contributing to sustainable event practices, I've worked to upskill teams and ensure future capabilities. Initiatives like organizing inclusive workshops and supporting accessible, diverse participation reflect my commitment.
Customer experience: hybrid and digital integration, immersive technologies and interaction, personalisation and community building.
In my leadership roles, enhancing customer experience has been central. As CEO, I integrated hybrid and digital strategies, embracing immersive technologies to engage diverse audiences. By developing strategic marketing initiatives and personalization efforts, I boosted client engagement and satisfaction. My work in establishing ambassador programs and organizing large-scale events emphasized community building, fostering connections that extend beyond individual events and contribute to a lasting, impactful experience.
For exemple : Hosting the first Icca hybrid Icca congress
Other experiences
I developed Luxembourg's first National Convention Bureau, a model that aligns with long-term governmental objectives through 2030. This initiative not only promotes cross-sector collaboration but also fosters lasting impact through a structured network of 235 partners, supporting local and national economic growth​. I played a role in the new exhibition center's creation in Toulouse designed to attract and support diverse business events, promoting sustainable growth within the community and region. This cross-sector collaboration between public and private entities created a foundation for long-term profitability and community engagement.Net Zero Carbon Events: As a founding member of Net Zero Carbon Events, This initiative exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to integrating technology and sustainability, ensuring that the event industry adopts models with a lasting environmental and societal impact.