An event professional to develop the convention center

Frédéric Coulon took up his post at the beginning of April. Enthusiastic, the new Director of the Attractiveness and Development of Business Tourism of the destination intends to put his experience, his dynamism and his network at the service of the Palais des congrès.

Objective: "to develop the structure and make it shine for the benefit of the territory and its actors, by relying on our teams."

New position, new teams in a territory you know well...

Yes, I was born and raised in Rennes, but I spent my vacations in Saint-Briac, in the family home. My great-grandfather was president of the SNSM and deputy mayor. After my baccalaureate, I entered the EGCB, the business school located in Saint-Jouan-des-Guérêts. I know the territory, its landscapes and its festive places... I am not chauvinistic, I appreciate other places in Brittany and elsewhere, but I am happy to return to my roots. It is here that I had my first contact with the world of events: as a student, I was in charge of carrying out satisfaction surveys during the Prorestel trade show in Saint-Malo.

What is your professional background?

I spent 25 years with the GL Events group, a global player that integrates all the trades in the events industry. I held various positions in the Paris, Rennes and Nantes agencies, from trainee to business manager to sales representative or agency manager. I had the opportunity to work on major sporting events such as the Route du Rhum or the 1998 soccer world cup, but also on cultural, corporate or institutional events such as congresses, fairs and exhibitions. I ended up as general manager of a subsidiary.

A useful experience at the Grand Large?

I think so. I am not a professional in space management but I bring 25 years of expertise in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) market and a good network. My other assets? I have a good knowledge of the region, its economic and institutional fabric, and the representative bodies of the profession. I am also familiar with the functioning of an ERP (establishment open to the public) and the management of multidisciplinary teams.

What are your missions?

I am in charge of the operational management of the Palais du Grand Large and the promotion and development of business tourism in the Saint-Malo Baie du Mont Saint-Michel area. The convention center is a wonderful tool for promoting the area and bringing together the players. I am counting on my threefold role as salesman, manager and administrator to achieve these objectives. I also want to highlight the work of our staff and our subcontractors. I want participants to continue to tell us at the end of a conference that the view is certainly magical, but that the reception, catering and services were also perfect.

What are the professional qualities that you are recognized for?

Your question is embarrassing...I feel like I'm bragging, it's not my habit. Well, since we have to jump in, I would say that I am a hard worker, dynamic, loyal, and have integrity. I believe in mutual aid and benevolent management. I have two creeds: to be fair and to have common sense.

Why did you accept this position?

At 50, I wanted a second part of my professional life, to put my experience to good use in an adventure that made sense. And then the Côte d'Ėmeraude is my region of heart! It satisfies me to work to enhance it. Beyond a logical continuation of my professional career, it is for me a real life project. I wanted to be back in an almost family-like setting, close to the teams. The Palais du Grand Large is a magical place and a fabulous tool. It's motivating!

Interview by Béatrice Ercksen.