Professional salons essential for innovators and entrepreneurs

Trade shows dedicated to inventors and professionals are unmissable appointments. These vibrant events allow for innovative ideas to shine. They provide an ideal platform for exchanging ideas and establishing valuable connections.
Whether you are a creator, industrialist, or investor, participating in these gatherings can transform your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s discover together how to maximize your presence at these shows. Here is a complete guide to getting the most out of these unique opportunities.

1 – The different types of shows

Shows for inventors: They highlight individual creations or those from startups, with particular attention on innovative prototypes and concepts.

• Examples: Competitions, patent exhibitions, technical demonstrations.

Professional shows: Reserved for established players in a given industry, these events allow for the presentation of marketed products or advanced technological solutions.

• Examples: B2B shows, specialized forums, international fairs.

2 – Advantages of participating in a show

• Increased visibility: Showcase your invention or product to a diverse audience, including industrialists, investors, and media.
• Funding opportunities: Attract the attention of financial or commercial partners interested in your innovation.
• Networking: Establish strategic connections with potential partners, suppliers, or technical experts.
• Technology watch: Stay informed about the latest innovations and market trends.

3 – How to prepare for a show

• Create an attractive product sheet: Clearly present your invention, its advantages, and its commercial potential.
• Prepare a professional stand: Pay attention to the presentation with impactful visuals, samples, or interactive demonstrations.
• Practice your pitch: Be able to explain your project in a few minutes in a convincing manner suited to different audiences.
• Target key contacts: Identify in advance the exhibitors or visitors you wish to interact with and schedule your meetings.

4 – Tips to make the most of the show

• Interact actively: Approach visitors and ask questions to generate interest.
• Collect feedback: Note frequent comments or questions to refine your approach.
• Distribute promotional materials: Provide business cards, brochures, or QR codes leading to additional information.
• Share on social media: Post photos or live updates to increase your reach.

5 – Examples of shows to consider

Concours Lépine (Paris Fair): One of the most prestigious events for inventors.

CES (Consumer Electronics Show): An international show dedicated to new technologies and gadgets.

Local industrial fairs: Ideal for establishing regional collaborations.

Big Data & AI Paris: The technological revolution serving your business.

HUBFORUM Paris 2025: Innovation in immersion.

Participating in a show, whether for inventors or professionals, is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, learn from others, and build lasting relationships. Careful preparation and a proactive attitude can make all the difference in maximizing the impact of your participation. Professional shows are growth accelerators for French entrepreneurs. Every euro invested generates an average of 10 euros in revenue. 25% of sales take place during the event, while the remaining 75% occur in the 3 to 10 months following.

With over one million new businesses created between autumn 2023 and autumn 2024, these shows offer a unique opportunity to boost your activity.

GO Entrepreneurs: The catalyst for your entrepreneurial success. Since 1993, GO Entrepreneurs has supported the transformation of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem. The annual event brings together 50,000 participants around a central Main Stage and eight themed Stages. The program includes 250 conferences enriched with testimonials from iconic figures: Bill Gates, Xavier Niel, Jacques-Antoine Granjon, Octave Klaba, Philippe Starck, Christine Lagarde.

ChangeNOW: The universal exhibition of sustainable solutions. ChangeNOW takes place at the Grand Palais, where 40,000 participants from 140 countries discover 1,000 innovative solutions committed to climate action. The event focuses on 25 key areas such as finance, biodiversity, circular economy, energy, and carbon. Renowned speakers enrich the program, and the formats are adapted to the aims of companies.

NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe: At the heart of commerce transformation. For its first European edition, NRF partners with Comexposium to deploy 480 exhibitors over 25,000 m². The Innovation Showcases present the latest advancements in customer experience, while the Exhibitor Big Ideas unveil concrete use cases. The Retail Store Tours and the Startup Hub complete the fair’s offering.

Fairs are strategic opportunities to develop your business, in addition to expanding your network. Participants benefit from a significant return on investment, thanks to quality exchanges and contacts established during these events.

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What are the different types of professional shows?

The professional shows come in several types, each addressing the specific needs of innovators and entrepreneurs. Understanding these differences is essential to maximize your participation and achieve your goals.

Shows for inventors

These shows highlight individual creations or those from startups, with particular attention given to prototypes and innovative concepts. They provide an ideal showcase for presenting revolutionary ideas and attracting the attention of potential investors.

Examples: Innovation competitions, patent exhibitions, technical demonstrations.

Professional shows

Reserved for established players in a specific industry, these events allow for the presentation of marketed products or advanced technological solutions. They facilitate exchanges between industry professionals, thereby fostering partnerships and business opportunities.

Examples: B2B shows, specialized forums, international fairs.

Participating in these different types of shows allows you to choose the event that best fits your needs, whether it’s to launch a new invention or to strengthen your presence in a specific market.

What are the advantages of participating in a professional show?

Participating in a professional show offers numerous advantages for innovators and entrepreneurs. These events are strategic opportunities to develop your business and expand your network.

Increased visibility

By showcasing your invention or product to a diverse audience, you increase your visibility among industrialists, investors, and media, thus creating opportunities for growth and recognition.

Funding opportunities

Attracting the attention of financial or commercial partners interested in your innovation can open doors to the necessary funding for your company’s growth. Many investors attend these shows in search of new opportunities.

Networking

Shows are ideal platforms to establish strategic connections with potential partners, suppliers, or technical experts. Good networking can lead to fruitful collaborations and beneficial synergies.

Technology watch

By attending these events, you stay informed about the latest innovations and market trends. This technology watch allows you to adapt your strategy and stay competitive in your field.

For more on how to effectively prepare for these opportunities, consult our guide on preparing for the future of work.

How to prepare for a professional show

Thorough preparation is crucial to make the most of your participation in a professional show. Here are the key steps to prepare effectively.

Create an attractive product sheet

Your product sheet should clearly present your invention, its advantages, and its commercial potential. A well-designed presentation will attract the attention of visitors and facilitate exchanges during the show.

Prepare a professional stand

The stand is your showcase. Pay attention to its presentation with impactful visuals, samples, or interactive demonstrations. An attractive stand encourages visitors to stop by and learn more about your offering.

Practice your pitch

Being able to explain your project in a few minutes in a convincing and audience-appropriate manner is essential. A well-prepared pitch can make the difference between fleeting interest and a solid partnership. To perfect your pitch, discover our tips on creating a memorable pitch.

Target key contacts

Identify in advance the exhibitors or visitors you wish to interact with. Schedule your meetings to maximize your time and opportunities during the show.

For even more effective preparation, consult our article on career planning during economic uncertainty.

What are the tips to make the most of a professional show?

To maximize the impact of your participation in a professional show, take a proactive and strategic approach. Here are some essential tips.

Interact actively

Do not remain passive. Approach visitors, engage in conversation, and ask questions to spark their interest. Dynamic interaction can open unexpected doors.

Collect feedback

Take advantage of exchanges to gather comments and frequently asked questions. This feedback is valuable for refining your approach and improving your offering.

Distribute promotional materials

Provide business cards, brochures, or QR codes leading to additional information. These materials help visitors remember you and your products after the show.

Share on social media

Use social media to share photos or live updates. This increases your reach and engages your audience even outside the show.

To develop effective networking strategies, read our guide on participating in conferences with a networking goal.

What are the professional shows to consider for innovators and entrepreneurs?

There are many professional shows dedicated to innovators and entrepreneurs. Here is a selection of the most essential events to consider.

GO Entrepreneurs: the catalyst for your entrepreneurial success

Since 1993, GO Entrepreneurs has supported the transformation of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem. This annual event gathers 50,000 participants around a central Main Stage and eight themed Stages. You will find 250 conferences enriched with testimonials from iconic figures such as Bill Gates, Xavier Niel, Jacques-Antoine Granjon, and others.

The Pitch Marathon, titled Innovation 2025, highlights the most promising projects in four strategic sectors:

• Fashion
• Food
• Health/Wellness
• Culture

The unique format: 1 minute 30 of pitch followed by 2 minutes of exchanges with experts and investors.

Practical information:

• Dates: From Wednesday, April 9 to Thursday, April 10, 2025
• Hours: Wednesday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Location: Paris La Défense Arena

ChangeNOW: the universal exhibition of sustainable solutions

ChangeNOW takes place at the Grand Palais, where 40,000 participants from 140 countries discover 1,000 innovative solutions committed to climate action. The event covers 25 key areas such as:

• Finance: impact investments, sustainable financing
• Biodiversity: COP 15, restoration, preservation
• Circular economy: reduce, refuse, recycle, repair, reuse
• Energy: decarbonization, access for all, renewable sources
• Carbon: emission reduction, capture, CO2 compensation

Renowned speakers enrich the program, including Roberta Boscolo, Satish Kumar, Craig Douglas, Cyril Dion, Paul Polman, and many others. The varied formats include keynotes, panel discussions, exhibitions, 3-minute pitches, and 45-minute workshops.

Practical information:

• Dates: From Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26, 2025
• Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Location: Grand Palais, Paris

NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe: at the heart of commerce transformation

For its first European edition, NRF teams up with Comexposium to deploy 480 exhibitors over 25,000 m². The Innovation Showcases present the latest advancements in customer experience: artificial intelligence, augmented reality, machine learning, facial recognition, and robotics.

The Exhibitor Big Ideas unveil concrete use cases such as integrated omnichannel platforms, new loyalty systems, smart merchandising, and predictive supply chain. Each session combines product demonstrations with feedback from pioneering retailers.

The Retail Store Tours offer a glimpse of the most innovative stores in Paris, including luxury brand flagship stores, phygital hybrid concepts, next-generation dark stores, automated stores, and experiential showrooms. The Startup Hub showcases the future stars of retail.

Practical information:

• Dates: From Tuesday, September 16 to Thursday, September 18, 2025
• Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

Big Data & AI Paris: the technological revolution serving your business

The 14th edition of Big Data & AI Paris establishes itself as the largest French showcase of AI, gathering 20,000 participants and 250 exhibitors. The program includes 350 conferences and workshops focusing on current challenges such as generative AI, data governance, and the industrialization of solutions.

The Leaders talks feature recognized experts such as Samir Amellal (Auchan Retail), Joan Andre (Stellantis), Aymeric Augustin (Qonto), and Naïma Badidi (SNCF Connect & Tech). Sessions continue with use cases and Expert Sessions. A dedicated space hosts 50 startups, from breakthrough projects to cutting-edge technologies.

Practical information:

• Dates: From Wednesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 2, 2025
• Hours: Wednesday: 8:30 am to 7 pm, Thursday: 8:30 am to 7 pm
• Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

HUBFORUM Paris 2025: innovation in immersion

HUBFORUM Paris 2025 offers a total immersion experience in innovation. The first day brings together decision-makers from CAC40 and SBF120 for strategic conferences on the impact of generative AI in business. The second day offers around twenty personalized innovation paths according to your industry:

• Data center PA10 of Equinix
• ESpot, GamersOrigin studio
• New Digital Factory of Givaudan
• Employee engagement strategy of Leroy Merlin
• Social Room of Orange

The immersive experiences of HUBFORUM are a unique opportunity to accelerate your digital transformation. Through tailored paths, discover how these leaders integrate digital into their operations and identify the solutions suited to your own sector challenges.

Practical information:

• Dates: From Tuesday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 8, 2025
• Location: Day 1: Comet Meetings – Bourse, Paris 2nd; Day 2: Innovation Tours in Paris

How professional shows can accelerate your growth

Professional shows are growth accelerators for French entrepreneurs. Every euro invested in these events generates an average of 10 euros in revenue. About 25% of sales are made during the event, and the remaining 75% materialize in the 3 to 10 months that follow.

With more than one million new businesses created between autumn 2023 and autumn 2024, these shows offer a unique opportunity to boost your activity. They allow not only to present your work but also to learn from others and build lasting relationships.

To maximize your return on investment, thorough preparation and a proactive attitude are essential. By identifying clear goals, choosing the right shows for your sector, and implementing a follow-up strategy, you can transform each show into a true source of growth.

Find out how to prepare a successful career transition by visiting our complete guide.

How to choose the right professional show for your needs

Choosing the right professional show is crucial to achieving your goals. Here are the criteria to consider to make the best choice:

Identify your goals

Clearly define what you want to accomplish by participating in a show. Whether it’s to launch a product, find financial partners, or increase your visibility, your goals will guide your choice.

Research the events

Analyze the different available shows in your sector. Check the programs, speakrs, and previous exhibitors to assess their relevance to your needs.

Consider the location and timing

Think about the logistics: the location of the event, the dates, and the agenda. A well-located and well-timed show can facilitate your participation and maximize your networking opportunities.

Evaluate the benefits

Compare the advantages offered by each show: visibility, access to experts, funding opportunities, etc. Choose an event that offers the benefits most aligned with your objectives.

For strategic planning, consult our resources to plan your career effectively.

How to track and evaluate the results of your participation

After participating in a professional show, it is essential to track and evaluate the results obtained to measure the return on investment and plan future actions.

Follow-up on leads

Identify and classify the contacts made during the show. Use a CRM to track interactions and plan personalized follow-ups.

Performance analysis

Evaluate the goals achieved: number of contacts made, client acquisitions, funding obtained, etc. Compare these results with your initial goals.

Feedback

Collect feedback from your team and partners to identify the strengths and areas for improvement of your participation. This analysis allows you to optimize your strategy for future shows.

To improve your networking strategy, read our dedicated guide.

The current trends in professional shows

Professional shows are constantly evolving to adapt to new technologies and market changes. Here are the current trends to watch:

Digitalization and hybridization

Digitalization is transforming how shows are organized. Many events are adopting a hybrid model, combining in-person and virtual, thus offering greater flexibility to participants.

Interactive experiences

Shows are increasingly integrating interactive experiences such as augmented reality, robotics, and live demonstrations to capture visitors’ attention and make exchanges more dynamic.

Focus on sustainable development

Sustainable development is becoming a central theme in many shows. Exhibitors highlight innovative solutions that address environmental and social challenges.

Importance of strategic networking

Networking is increasingly oriented towards targeted meetings and strategic partnerships. Organizers facilitate these interactions by offering matchmaking sessions and specific networking events.

To stay at the forefront of emerging trends, explore our resources.

The best practices for a successful show

To ensure a successful participation in a professional show, adopt the following best practices:

Preparation in advance

Start your preparation several weeks in advance. Define your objectives, prepare your stand, and train your team for hosting and pitching.

Engagement during the event

Be present and active throughout the show. Engage in meaningful conversations, participate in workshops and conferences, and do not miss out on networking opportunities.

Post-event follow-up

After the show, conduct thorough follow-up on the contacts made. Send thank you notes, schedule additional meetings, and continue to develop the relationships initiated.

To optimize each stage of your participation, discover our advice on attending conferences with a networking goal.

Participating in a professional show, whether for inventors or professionals, is a unique opportunity to present your work, learn from others, and build lasting relationships. Thorough preparation and a proactive attitude can make all the difference in maximizing the impact of your participation.

Professional shows are growth accelerators for French entrepreneurs. With more than one million new businesses created between autumn 2023 and autumn 2024, these shows offer a unique opportunity to boost your activity.

By integrating these strategies and participating in key events, you can transform each show into a source of growth and success for your business.

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