BIG 2024 at the Accor Arena, prestigious speakers at Europe’s largest business gathering

On October 10, 2024, theAccor Arena in Paris will host BIG (Bpifrance Inno Génération), Europe’s largest business event. Each year, the event attracts prestigious speakers from a wide range of backgrounds – from entrepreneurship and innovation to politics and culture. These personalities share their experiences and their vision of the future to inspire tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

Emblematic figures from the business world

Among the speakers expected at BIG 2024 are :

• Xavier Niel – Founder of Free and investor in numerous startups via his Kima Ventures investment fund. Xavier Niel is one of the key players in technological innovation in France. At BIG, he will be talking aboutentrepreneurship, digital business and the transformation of SMEs through new technologies.
• Frédéric Mazzella – Founder and Chairman of BlaBlaCar, the world leader in car-sharing. He will be talking about international growth and new business models based on mobility and sharing, two key elements in the transition to a more sustainable world.
• Clara Gaymard – Co-founder of Raise and former President of GE France. Clara Gaymard is an influential voice in the investment and financing of innovative companies. Her talk will focus on the challenges offemale entrepreneurship and financing solutions for SMEs and startups.
• Tony Estanguet – President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organizing Committee. A former Olympic champion and sports figure, he will be speaking on the impact of major sporting events on the local and international economy, as well as on the values of leadership and resilience that entrepreneurship shares with the world of sport.
• Pauline Laigneau – Co-founder of the Gemmyo jewelry brand and creator of the successful podcast Le Gratin. Passionate aboutentrepreneurship and personal development, Pauline Laigneau will inspire entrepreneurs with her atypical journey, focused on creating a successful brand from scratch.

Leaders in tech and innovation

BIG 2024 also features innovation experts and digital figures who bring a unique vision of the future of startups and emerging technologies.

• Cédric O – Former Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, Cédric O will share his expertise on the future ofartificial intelligence, the impact of disruptive technologies on the global economy, and public policies to support innovation in France.Nathalie Balla – Co-president of La Redoute, Nathalie Balla will share her experience of the digital transformation of a historic brand. She will talk about how innovation and adaptation to new consumer expectations have enabled La Redoute to successfully reinvent itself.

A dialogue between innovation and sustainable development

Climate challenges and the energy transition will also be at the heart of discussions at BIG 2024, with influential speakers in the field of ecological transition:

• Bertrand Piccard – Explorer and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. Bertrand Piccard, pioneer of solar flight, will talk about technological solutions to combat climate change and promote sustainable growth. He advocates an economy where innovation and respect for the environment go hand in hand.
• Yann Arthus-Bertrand – Photographer, filmmaker and environmental activist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand will share his views on the importance of corporate social responsibility in the fight against global warming. He will argue for greater collaboration between companies and NGOs in tackling environmental challenges.

Cultural and media personalities

BIG is also an event that bridges the gap between business and culture. Figures from the world of media and the arts, such as Augustin Trapenard, journalist and host of France Inter’s Boomerang program, will host several conferences on creativity and communication, highlighting the interactions between culture, innovation and new forms of entrepreneurship. Many others will share their entrepreneurial experiences and how they use their influence to advance important causes.

BIG 2024 is shaping up to be a must-attend event, bringing together renowned speakers to inspire, exchange ideas and spur entrepreneurs, managers and innovators from all horizons into action.

Practical information

BIG 2024 will take place on October 10, 2024 at the Accor Arena, Paris.
Registration is free but mandatory on the official BIG 2024 website big.bpifrance.fr.

To find out about other events and business meetings in Paris, visit Paris Select.