There can be no strong economy without a strong industry

« There can be no strong economy without a strong industry » Sébastien Gillet, Director, GL events Exhibitions Industries

Global Industrie 2026

Bringing together the entire industrial ecosystem—companies, professional bodies and public institutions—Global Industrie will take place from March 30th to April 2nd, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte, France. With 2,500 exhibitors across 100,000 sqm, more than 3,000 machines in operation, and 60,000 industry professionals alongside 8,000 young people expected, Global Industrie will once again be a landmark event for French and international industry alike. In 2026, this so-called “largest factory in France” will be held under the presidency of Nicolas Dufourcq, Chief Executive Officer of Bpifrance.

Interview with Sébastien Gillet, Director of GL events Exhibitions Industries, and Julie Voyer, Director of Global Industrie

Over four days, Global Industrie will stand at the very heart of French industry, bringing together every part of the ecosystem around a shared ambition: to demonstrate that there can be no strong economy without a strong industry. In today’s challenging economic climate, the event will deliver a message of realism and confidence, spotlighting tangible industrial solutions, innovation, digital transformation, decarbonisation and business support. A platform for business and thought leadership alike, Global Industrie also reaffirms its commitment to passing on skills and know-how by placing young people and careers centre stage —at a time when the French public is strongly reaffirming its confidence in industry as a key driver of sovereignty, employment and economic growth.

From left to right : Sébastien GILLET, Director, GL events Exhibitions Industries; Julie VOYER, Director of Global Industrie; Sébastien MARTIN, Minister Delegate for Industry; Nicolas DUFOURCQ, CEO of Bpifrance and President of Global Industrie

Can you introduce Global Industrie?

Sébastien Gillet (SG): For seven editions, Global Industrie has been giving a voice to industry and showcasing its solutions. The event is deeply committed to highlighting the expertise and know-how of French and international companies. It was created to unite and support a sector that, against all odds, continues to demonstrate pride and resilience—innovating, moving toward more responsible operations, and training a new generation of industrial leaders. Held in Paris in even-numbered years and Lyon in odd-numbered years, each edition attracts its own visitor audience (with only 12% overlap), while 70% of exhibitors are common to both editions. Global Industrie is also a truly international event, welcoming participants from more than 90 nationalities.

«By giving industry a voice and highlighting solutions, Global Industrie 2026 will be shaped by realism and optimism, so that together we can foster a positive vision of industry.» Sébastien Gillet

What sets Global Industrie apart from other industrial events?

Julie Voyer (JV) : Today, this event has become an essential resource for the entire industrial community. On the one hand, it serves as a business platform that creates connections between companies and helps initiate new partnerships. On the other, it is a true educational space, showcasing the latest industrial innovations—more than 4,000 presented since the event’s creation, notably through the GI Awards—as well as machines in live operation. Professionals also benefit from high-quality content designed to inspire, exchange ideas and monitor trends, thanks to numerous talks and presentations. Dedicated spaces will also be available for young people, raising awareness of the industrial world and its opportunities.

«By organizing around a dozen events each year, including Global Industrie, we reach more than one million people across the industrial sector.» Julie Voyer

How does Global Industrie fit into today’s turbulent environment?

SG : As the event’s President, Nicolas Dufourcq, stated during our kick-off meeting: “There is room for French industry on the international stage, provided it is coordinated, confident and able to mobilize the necessary resources.” The industrial sector has experienced many turbulent periods, yet its strength lies in its resilience and fighting spirit. Bringing this entire community together in one place sends a strong message to all industrial sectors. This was clearly demonstrated by the 2025 edition of Global Industrie, which, despite an already challenging economic climate, brought together 60,000 industry professionals and 8,000 young people.

The message of the 2026 edition is “Let’s uplift the Industry” Why this choice?

S.G : Without downplaying the current challenges faced by industrial players, we want to highlight the sector’s positive developments—whether in innovation, employment or success stories. To go further, we need impact, tangible results and concrete examples. It is essential to pass these messages on to younger generations, so they can take an interest in industry and envision their future in it without preconceptions or concern. Industry now enjoys broad public support in France. One of the strongest indicators supporting our approach to promoting industry is its renewed recognition among the French public. A survey conducted with Ipsos reveals that 93% of respondents believe a strong industry is essential to a strong economy. Moreover, 85% would be willing to pay more for products made in France, 76% would even consider investing their savings in funds dedicated to France’s reindustrialization, and 86% would encourage their children to pursue careers in industry.

«The confidence of the French public in industry is a strong indicator for the entire sector.» Sébastien Gillet

Global Industrie’s offering continues to expand each year. What will be new in 2026?

JV : Across its 14 zones, Global Industrie showcases the full industrial value chain—from R&D to finished products—while also highlighting solutions that are transforming manufacturing, such as digital technologies and artificial intelligence enabling machine interoperability, as well as decarbonization to support more efficient and sustainable production.

This year, the Digital Technologies Village will highlight the strategic importance of data, from data collection and security to management, control and usage to improve industrial performance. Another new feature in Paris is the « Entrepôt Connecté » by GI, co-created with Proxinnov and connected by Hub One. Visitors will be immersed in the warehouse of the future, bringing together technologies that are revolutionizing logistics and materials handling: optimized workstations, real-time performance visualization tools, robotics, and more. The Booster will also be a major new feature, designed to leave a lasting impression.

What is The Booster?

JV : The Booster was designed as an industrial innovation accelerator, aimed at providing tailor-made support to industrial companies seeking technical solutions or looking to grow their business. Within this space, participants will meet around 40 stakeholders specializing in financing, investment, export, skills and training, and consulting, including Bpifrance, Business France, Caisse d’Épargne and Adéquat. Twenty startups, selected for their efficient and ready-to-deploy industrial solutions, will also be present. A dynamic mapping wall will help visitors identify exhibitors that best match their needs, while personalized support, provided by independent consultants, will guide them toward the right contacts. In addition, the Booster will host confidential sessions featuring use-case presentations, demonstrations, workshops and pitch sessions, as well as expert meetings with solution providers. With this dedicated space, Global Industrie becomes the orchestrator of a unified support offering, encompassing industrial diagnostics, innovation and financing.

Global Industrie is also committed to attracting young people to industrial careers and making industry appealing. What initiatives will be implemented in 2026?

SG : We have a responsibility to provide young people with relevant content, activities and experiences. The Arena will bring together, under a single banner, the event’s two flagship initiatives: GI Avenir and the Golden Tech Competition. GI Avenir enables young people to discover industrial careers and test innovative technologies through hands-on activities and demonstrations delivered by around 30 partner organizations. Training centers will also present their programs, while a job dating area will be dedicated to job seekers, with around 60 industrial companies in attendance. The second section will be dedicated to the Golden Tech Competition, a contest celebrating excellence in industrial skills and serving as an extension of the WorldSkills competition for professionals aged over 23. Organized with around 15 partners, the competition will welcome nearly 100 candidates, who will compete over four days. This initiative provides a powerful opportunity to showcase the candidates’ expertise to young audiences as well as institutional stakeholders. In 2026, the theme will be “The French Art of Living.”

«Since its creation, the event has welcomed, raised awareness among and supported more than 50,000 young people—from primary school pupils to engineering students—as well as job seekers, thanks to the passion of professionals proud to share their expertise.» Sébastien Gillet

Global Industrie also gives a voice to industry stakeholders. What themes will be addressed in 2026?

JV : Located at the heart of the event, « La Grande Scène » will give the floor to entrepreneurs, leading industrial executives, as well as voices from outside the traditional industrial sphere—figures from research, economics and content creation—who offer different yet equally inspiring perspectives. The aim is for everyone to feel represented, to “speak honestly,” share experiences, inspire one another and, above all, take action together to build value chains.

Each day will be structured around a key topical theme, highlighted through major sessions and dedicated activities. Monday will focus on “Our industries facing the world,” examining France’s position and that of its industry on the international stage in a rapidly changing global context. Tuesday, “Supporting industries in transition,” will help SMEs and micro-enterprises address today’s operational and strategic challenges. Wednesday, “Research, innovation, transformation: our industries at the cutting edge!” will be a pivotal moment to address strategic industrial shifts. Finally, Thursday will place young people at the heart of the program with “Youth, the driving force of our industries!”

In addition, other spaces such as pitch areas and the GI TV set will give industrial players further opportunities to speak, welcoming mainstream media to discuss industry and its many opportunities.