In today’s era where corporate culture and training are essential for employer branding, Chateauform’, a prominent network in seminar and event organization in Europe, aims to support corporate actors in facing new challenges. Erwan Jouët, Director of Development at Chateauform’, sheds light on the evolution of client needs in recent years.
According to Jouët, there have been significant changes in client needs. Nowadays, clients demand shorter but more frequent work sessions throughout the year. Instead of traditional top-down messages, plenary sessions, workshops, and seminars focus more on exchanging ideas. Chateauform’ has embraced this shift by incorporating creativity and innovation in their venues. Whether it’s through unique decor, unconventional meeting spaces, or outdoor workshops, Chateauform’ strives to exceed expectations and create an environment conducive to interaction.
Geographically, there is a growing demand for stays outside major cities, leading to the success of Chateauform’s “Au Vert” Houses. These exceptional spaces, such as castles and “American-style” campuses, are located within a maximum of 45 minutes from a train station or airport. The design of these spaces encourages interaction and engagement. For instance, none of the rooms are equipped with televisions, and instead, karaoke is a popular activity among clients. From board games to boots and sneakers for forest walks, Chateauform’ pays attention to every detail to meet collective expectations. They also offer a “City” option, located in major cities, for day-long meetings without accommodation.
When asked about the role of B2B business in their offering, Jouët highlights that around 98% of their clientele consists of corporate clients in France and throughout Europe. Chateauform’ is known for its tailor-made services that cater to the specific needs of companies, regardless of their size or sector.
Catering plays a crucial role in Chateauform’s mission to foster conviviality and connection. The emphasis is on buffet-style dining, even at prestigious event sites managed by their catering offer, Nomad – La Table Chateauform’. The goal is to create a “home-like” atmosphere where participants can gather around central tables and serve themselves. The menu includes a wide variety of shareable dishes made from local and seasonal products, enhancing the overall experience.
Looking towards the future, Chateauform’ is focused on anticipating client expectations and inspiring them to use their services more effectively. They have published a comprehensive guide to help companies animate their seminars and are working on implementing a CSR Philosophy for each of their Houses. Various sustainability initiatives, such as encouraging clients to take home bathroom soap and exploring plastic-free alternatives for water bottles, are also in progress.
Chateauform’ is also developing a platform for trade show participants to enhance networking, provide transportation options, and facilitate the preparation and downloading of session content. This initiative aims to enhance the overall participant experience and deliver a range of services.
One of the key factors that sets Chateauform’ apart is its expansion force. With over 2200 team members spread across 69 Houses throughout Europe, their City offering is particularly growing. They have plans to open a new location in Lyon in September 2019 and another one in Marseille in spring 2020.
In conclusion, the Salle Wagram, one of Chateauform’s spaces, will host the Salon du Luxe Paris on July 9th. This venue holds special significance for Chateauform’ due to its diverse range of events, prestigious reputation, and prime location in Paris.
Useful links:
– Chateauform’ website: https://www.chateauform.com/en/
– Salon du Luxe Paris: https://www.salon-luxe.fr/en/
