The Grimaldi Forum Monaco celebrates its fifth anniversary

The Grimaldi Forum Monaco, inaugurated by Prince Rainier III in July 2000, is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary, which will take place tomorrow Friday 15th of July.

“In terms of business tourism, the Principality of Monaco now enjoys the status of a key destination on the international stage” says Sylvie Biancheri, Managing Director. “The Grimaldi Forum has provided a concrete response to professionals in the sector in terms of hosting all types of events (trade shows, conventions, product launches, etc) and in terms of professionalism. The many distinctions the Grimaldi Forum has reaped, including three consecutive M&IT Awards for “Best Congress Centre outside Great Britain”, illustrate international recognition.

In the cultural arena, the Grimaldi Forum has successfully embraced an international role, notably attracting a great number of visitors to the Principality on the occasion of exhibitions. The attendance record was set in the summer of 2004 with ‘Imperial Saint-Petersburg’, which attracted 63,000 visitors”.

As for financial results, the figures confirm that the Grimaldi Forum boosts the Principality’s economy. During the first half of 2005, the Grimaldi Forum generated turnover in excess of 7.5 million euros, up 4% compared to the same period last year.

The next events to be held at the Grimaldi Forum are the Security Conference and ERA Real Estate (in October), Omnium Finance, Business Formula 1 and BabyBoss (in November), and the Monte-Carlo Travel Market (early 2006). “As for future prospects, our indicators are perfectly in line with our global objective of a 10% increase in turnover for 2005. The most encouraging sign is the continuing flow of new events we manage to attract”, explains Biancheri. “We also inspire loyalty among regular clients who feel comfortable in Monaco, such as Medpi, Luxe Pack, Imagina, Sportel, Fund Forum, Top Marques, Monte-Carlo Film Festival, DistriForum, Biopharmos, Angiotension Congress, etc.”

The Grimaldi Forum will seize the opportunity of the inauguration of its major summer exhibition, “Arts of Africa”, and the first concert in the “AfricAlive” Festival, to celebrate in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II.

www.grimaldiforum.com