Faced with the new health regulations, the GICAN and its subsidiary Sogena are reorienting the 2020 edition of the Euronaval exhibition towards a fully digital format. From 19th to 25th October, exhibitors, official delegations and visitors can now meet on the Euronaval-Online platform.

The GICAN’s (Groupement des Industries de Construction et Activités Navales) Board of Directors has taken note of the announcements made by the French Health Minister on Wednesday 23rd September: the reduction in the maximum authorised capacity for major events, from 5000 to 1000 people, as well as the now established resurgence of the epidemic. This means that it is no longer possible to guarantee a satisfactory “face-to-face” exhibition, both for the 300 exhibitors and for the 70 official foreign delegations that had already expressed the wish to travel to Paris-Le Bourget.

In this context, the GICAN and Sogena have decided to redirect Euronaval 2020 towards an entirely digital solution. Previously reserved for official delegations and exhibitors unable to travel to Paris-Le Bourget, Euronaval-Online will now be open to all visitors and exhibitors who wish to use it. Delegations and visitors will also be able to organise their BtoB meetings by video conference on the Euronaval website and follow the themed workshops that will showcase the expertise of the naval industry. The cycle of online web-conferences, piloted by the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) is also being maintained.

‘In our sector of activity, nothing beats a physical event and meetings,’ says Hervé Guillou, President of the GICAN. ‘The Euronaval 2020 exhibition was eagerly awaited by exhibitors and our international visitors after several months of interruption of trade fairs around the world. The resumption of business contacts is more important than ever. The GICAN and Sogena are taking a responsible attitude in light of the resurgence of the epidemic, but are determined to support the activity of manufacturers in France, Europe and around the world, and are offering an innovative solution to all the actors in the sector, to accompany the revival of the naval market.’