After four days filled with meetings, exchanges, and live showcases under the rallying cry “We’re not backing down,” Global Industrie —the country’s largest industrial gathering—has concluded a year distinguished by record-breaking attendance and an extraordinary show of political backing. In front of a full house of over 500 attendees at the main stage, Prime Minister François Bayrou addressed the audience with strong words of recognition, calling industrial leaders “the real fighters on the front lines” and extending his appreciation and support:
“In today’s world, who stands on the front lines if not the military? You do. That’s why I came to say thank you. I want you to know—you’re not alone.” Joined by Labour Minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet and Industry and Energy Minister Marc Ferracci, Bayrou encouraged business leaders to take the initiative in cutting through red tape, aiming to lift bureaucratic burdens and enhance the global standing of French industry.
Throughout the event, the Grande Scène served as a major stage for nearly 200 high-profile leaders across industry, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Notable figures included Bpifrance CEO Nicolas Dufourcq, MEDEF President Patrick Martin, Siemens France President Doris Birkhofer, Schneider Electric France President Laurent Bataille, Thuasne CEO Elizabeth Ducottet, bioMérieux CEO Alexandre Mérieux, Altrad Group President Mohed Altrad, SERFIM Chair and CEO Alexandra Mathiolon, Fives Group Chair Frédéric Sanchez, DGE CEO Thomas Courbe, Numeum Chair Véronique Torner, digital construction World Skills Champion Ruben Johan, and Phoebe Perez, a national award-winning apprentice.
The presence of many lawmakers—Members of Parliament, Senators, MEPs, and local elected officials—also underscored a strong public commitment to the industrial sector. This year’s edition solidified the event’s expanding impact and appeal within the industrial landscape, drawing over 45,000 visitors—an increase of 20% compared to the 2023 edition in Lyon. With 2,500 industrial exhibitors participating, the event further demonstrated its growing significance as a key meeting point for the sector.
As France’s top industrial trade show—and among the top three in Europe—Global Industrie serves as a vital annual gathering for the sector. Each year, it brings together more than 50,000 professionals, 2,500 exhibiting firms, 500 expert speakers, and thousands of working machines. The event is a powerful showcase of innovation, technical expertise, and the country’s industrial capabilities. It places a spotlight on regional strengths, skilled trades, and the essential role industry plays in everyday life. Above all, it is a strategic platform where the voices shaping the future of French industry come together to collaborate, present ideas, and drive progress.
