Journées de la Recherche Porcine (JRP 2023), from January 31 to February 1, 2023- Testimony of Stéphane GOUAULT, General Manager of IFIP.

For the first time since 1969, IFIP-Institut du Porcine and INRAE have chosen to organize their congress outside Paris. The 55th Journées de la Recherche Porcine were held at the Palais du Grand Large on January 31 and February¹, 2023. An update with Stéphane Gouault, IFIP's General Manager. Interview conducted by : Béatrice Ercksen:

IFIP has been in existence for 60 years: what are its missions?

This professional organization based in Bruz (35) employs 80 veterinarians, engineers and technicians to serve the French pork industry. Their research, their work, their expertise aim at answering the problems of the breeders, the industrialists in breeding, environment, animal welfare, slaughtering process, genetics, bio-safety, market studies... for an innovative, competitive, virtuous sector, in phase with the expectations and practices of the consumers.

Why did you choose Saint-Malo for this first congress outside Paris?

The annual congress has always been held in Paris for logistical and access reasons for the delegates, who come from all over France and, for 20%, from abroad. The Covid years made us change our point of view and helped us to take the next step: after two remote congresses, in video, where exchanges and contact were lacking,it seemed important to us to leave a very urban environment to meet in an exceptional site. For this "reunion edition", Saint-Malo was the obvious choice.

How did the 55th Conference go?

Really good. We are delighted and, more importantly, the delegates are delighted. There was a real "wow" effect: I observed them in the break room overlooking the sea, the beach of Le Sillon, the national fort: their eyes went back and forth between the posters and the bay windows. We appreciated having space to move around, to be able to talk without being jostled or stepping on each other's toes. The welcome and the support were top notch, very professional, from the sales team to the management team and the logistics.

Was the equipment what you expected?

The auditorium was perfect for our sessions, both for the acoustics and for the size of the screen that highlighted our visuals. We opted for the simultaneous translation system offered, ideal for our non-French speaking delegates. We also praise the quality of the caterer chosen for our cocktail reception, held in the Rotunda with a view of the sea and the ramparts. 

No one has had any difficulty in finding accommodation?

This time of year is ideal: everyone was able to find a room in the vicinity of the Palais du Grand Large, at affordable rates. One delegate even contacted us when he was making his reservation: he was hesitant because he thought the room price was low for a 4-star hotel and was afraid he would end up in a cubbyhole... We reassured him, he confirmed his reservation and was delighted with the quality of his room. Some of them did not spend much time at the hotel: they closed the club on 109, intramuros, and went to bed early in the morning...

Where will the 56th PRD take place?

In Saint-Malo of course! We have pre-booked a date for 2024. I am convinced that this year's participants will be our best ambassadors for those who did not come. We have also agreed to hold the IFIP seminar at the Palais du Grand Large, on June¹ and 2, and have selected the 3rd floor. We'll be mixing work and relaxation, with a fun and sports session on the beach.