MF: Edouard Gandoin, you are Director of People & Culture at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse. Could you introduce yourself and tell us what led you to take on this role?
ÉG: I began my career as a top-level athlete. I played golf until I was 28, before returning to university to study labour law and human resources. This career path may seem unusual, but sport instilled in me values that I apply every day: high standards, commitment, team spirit and the ability to adapt. I’ve been building my career in labour relations and human resources management for over fifteen years. I joined the Pullman Paris Montparnasse in January 2023, drawn by the ambition of the project, the diversity of roles within the hotel, and above all the commitment to putting people first. My role involves supporting the teams through a process of continuous transformation: enhancing our appeal, developing staff, strengthening social dialogue and maintaining engagement. It’s a fundamental task that directly determines the quality of the experience our guests enjoy.
MF: These days, there’s a lot of talk about events that leave a lasting impression. In your view, what does a successful event leave behind?
ÉG: A successful event is one in which both clients and staff share the same values: excellence, commitment and the desire to give their very best. It’s not just a question of organisation or logistics. It’s something that can be felt in every interaction, in the way each member of staff approaches their day. For me, the legacy of a corporate event in Paris is precisely this lasting impression left on the minds of the participants, of course, but also on those who made it possible. When a team realises it has contributed to something memorable, their sense of pride in belonging is strengthened. This legacy has a positive impact on all subsequent events.
MF: How does the Pullman Paris Montparnasse fit into this concept of legacy, whether human, societal or environmental?
ÉG: When the hotel reopened in 2022, after four years of refurbishment, almost everyone on the team had never worked here before. So we had to build this legacy from the ground up, based on the Pullman brand’s values and our shared convictions. Today, this legacy is taking shape through operational CSR, employment integration, local partnerships and social dialogue. These are not mere PR initiatives; they are concrete commitments that shape the establishment’s culture and create a lasting impact, event after event. Organising events in Paris at a venue like ours is also part of this dynamic.
MF: Florencia Tauriello, you are Director of Human Connections at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse. What are your thoughts on this concept of heritage?
FT: We firmly believe that an event can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Every business event hosted here represents an opportunity: to forge human connections, to support our local area, to raise awareness of more responsible practices, and to leave a positive mark not only on our guests, but also on our teams, on the 14th arrondissement, and on Paris as a destination as a whole. The legacy of an event isn’t just what the participants take away with them. It’s also what the teams who hosted it have learnt, strengthened and passed on. It’s a vision that is at once human, emotional and societal.
MF: Is there an initiative you’re particularly proud of that illustrates this lasting impact?
FT: Our CSR approach is based on a wide range of practical initiatives which, taken together, make a real difference. We were the first hotel in France to install a bio-waste recycling tank, in line with the circular economy, and we also use technology to measure and reduce food waste directly at source. We prioritise short supply chains with local partners, notably by recycling our coffee grounds, which are transformed into a local resource.
The social impact is just as important. Since the hotel opened, we have partnered with Necker Hospital to provide accommodation, on very favourable terms, for the families of hospitalised children. We also support the Make-A-Wish and Petits Princes charities by providing accommodation for children and their families when they fulfil the dream of a seriously ill child. Being able to contribute, in our own small way, to these incredibly important moments gives great meaning to our work and fosters a deep sense of commitment amongst our teams.
MF: Jaime Faus, Paris remains one of the world’s leading conference destinations. In your view, what makes Paris so irresistibly attractive to international event organisers?
JF: Paris occupies a truly unique position. When I meet professionals in South Korea, Japan or the United States, I realise just how deeply the city is embedded in people’s imaginations. People living on the other side of the world have often visited it nine or ten times. This is no coincidence. Paris combines world-class event facilities, exceptional international connectivity, a rich cultural life and an ability to create a collective sense of excitement that few other destinations can claim. The 2024 Olympic Games provided the most striking demonstration of this: using the entire city of Versailles for equestrian events and the Eiffel Tower for volleyball is something no other destination could have imagined or executed to this standard. For business tourism in Paris, this emotional power is a decisive asset. Organisers know that delegates will leave with a lasting memory.
MF: Post-Covid business tourism has changed profoundly. Participants now expect an enriching experience that goes beyond a simple conference. How do Paris, and the Pullman Montparnasse in particular, meet this new demand for immersion in the city?
JF: Lockdown has profoundly transformed expectations. Delegates coming to Paris for a professional event today no longer simply want to attend a conference and return to their accommodation. They want to connect with the city and experience something authentic. At the Pullman Paris Montparnasse, we see ourselves as a bridge between international visitors and the real Paris experience. We work with operators who create bespoke programmes, including neighbourhood tours, excursions to Champagne or Burgundy, and opportunities to discover the local culinary scene. France has this advantage: transport links are excellent, and experiences are accessible. Our accommodation is a starting point, not a destination in itself. Indeed, ‘Paris je t’aime – Office de tourisme’ is specifically supporting this move towards a higher standard of business tourism in Paris.
MF: Florencia Tauriello, how does the Pullman Paris Montparnasse fit into local life?
FT: We want the Pullman Paris Montparnasse to be fully integrated into the life of the 14th arrondissement. Our "Hosts of Pullman" are much more than just ambassadors for the hotel: they are true ambassadors for the neighbourhood. They know the local shopkeepers and restaurateurs, as well as the best places to visit; they can guide our guests according to their wishes or needs; and they prioritise recommendations that support local businesses and sustainable transport.
This deep-rooted connection is also reflected in concrete actions. We regularly organise local farmers’ markets within the hotel, develop partnerships with local businesses and invest in vocational integration to provide opportunities for people who are distant from the labour market. For us, every member of staff helps to forge this connection with our local area. It is a vision of CSR that is put into practice every day, through human relationships and tangible commitment, going far beyond mere declarations of intent.
MF: Jaime Faus, do you have a particularly memorable experience of an event where the magic of Paris really worked its spell on the participants?
JF: I was with my wife at the Olympic Games opening ceremony. It was raining heavily; we were soaked by the time we got home. And yet, the quality of the performances, the lighting, the organisation under those conditions, the figures parading along the Seine… it was extraordinary, we'd never experienced anything like it! Paris had delivered something truly unique. A few months earlier, we’d hosted the World Rugby Federation for seven weeks during the Rugby World Cup. Their representatives were deeply grateful for everything France had put in place. What Paris does better than anyone else is create collective emotions and lasting memories. For an event organiser, that’s the strongest promise a destination can make. And that’s what Paris je t’aime – Tourist Office highlights for business tourism in Paris.
MF: Paris has always known how to reinvent itself. What, in your view, will be its next major transformation in business tourism?
JF: Technology, and in particular artificial intelligence, will play an increasingly important role. Every year at VivaTech, I see more French companies adopting and creating new solutions. France has a long tradition of innovation. It has been a pioneer in the automotive industry, in aerospace, and in many other sectors. This pioneering spirit is now shifting towards AI, and Paris is well-positioned to become a global hub for it. For event organisers in Paris, this represents a considerable opportunity: smarter conferences, more personalised experiences, and a better-measured sustainable impact.
MF: Edouard Gandoin, what role will women and men in the hospitality industry play in this evolution?
ÉG: People will remain at the heart of the hospitality industry, whatever technological developments may bring. It is the teams who create value, who evoke emotions, and who make the difference between an ordinary stay and a lasting memory. The challenge is to integrate technology wisely to create value, not to eliminate jobs. It’s a subject that requires careful thought and time, because the decisions taken today will shape organisations in the long term. But in the hospitality industry, one thing is certain: CSR and people will always remain at the forefront.
MF: What message would you like to convey to organisers considering Paris and the Pullman Paris Montparnasse for their next event?
ÉG: Paris isn’t just a destination. It’s a global stage for ideas, innovation and meaningful connections. And the Pullman Paris Montparnasse isn’t just a place to stay: it’s a space designed to bring people together, foster collaboration and create memorable experiences. Our ambition isn’t just to host business events in Paris. It’s to help create events that inspire, that connect, and that leave a positive legacy for everyone who takes part. That’s our vision: to make every event in Paris an experience that will be remembered for a long time to come.
