Operations Director Christophe Robinson takes us into the heart of the RX event control room to reveal how his team relocated Batimat, Interclima and Idéobain to the heart of Paris, building new business opportunities for customers whist minimising the logistical headache and environmental impact for exhibitors, contractors, and city authorities alike.  

Few things are more rewarding that bringing people face to face to learn, connect, and do business. Creating something from nothing, and seeing it spring into life when the doors open is magical. But for our operations team behind the scenes, led by Julien Algoud and Margaux Pommiès, each event takes months and even years of meticulous planning.

Held in Paris every two years, Batimat is the world’s largest trade show for the construction industry. Until 2011 the event took place at Porte de Versailles, in the heart of the capital. In 2013 we moved it to Paris Nord Villepinte to co-locate Batimat with Interclima and Idéobain, so that customers could enjoy the business synergies whilst also benefitting from easy logistical access. But our customers missed the convenience and social amenities of being in central Paris, and so for 2022, following extensive renovation of Porte de Versailles, we took the decision to move the three events back.

During our time away, the Paris authorities had introduced new regulations to reduce vehicle pollution within the city centre.  Meeting this and other challenging logistical requirements became central to the successful delivery of the 2022 edition, but by partnering closely with our sales team, the venue and the city authorities, we were able to deliver an ambitious and uniquely workable solution.

Clear directions 

To ensure stand contractors and drivers could easily find their way to the venue, we deployed extensive signage at exits along the Paris ring road and leading right to the exhibition halls. This was reinforced with clear and comprehensive email communication.  We also had dedicated support teams in place at strategic locations, particularly on public highways - a paradigm shift for RX France involving around sixty agents working on logistics and traffic alone. Two roadside waiting areas and three regulation car parks made it possible to manage access for heavy goods vehicles, carry out LOGIPASS checks, as well as check slots for parking, unloading and forklift driver availability.   

The whole system was overseen from a pop-up CCTV PC located in the organiser's office. This made it possible to monitor activities in real time and address any issues on the spot.  Thanks to this unique system and meticulous preparation, it was possible to smoothly manage all exhibitors including non-registered, latecomers and early arrivals. 

Breakdown is always a big logistical challenge, with all exhibitors and service providers eager to dismantle their stands and vacate as quickly as possible. To limit congestion around the venue, on the ring road and in the immediate vicinity, we prevented all heavy goods vehicles from accessing the Porte de Versailles on the first breakdown evening leaving as much space as possible for light commercial vehicles. Enforcing this rule required the close cooperation of the City of Paris and the police but significantly helped to ease tensions for all concerned. Breakdown was also staggered by pavilion to prevent logjams, and a ‘welcome point’ was provided with coffee and sweet treats for drivers waiting for access. The entire breakdown went particularly smoothly, and everyone was happy!