For the last 9 years, the Rencontres Économiques (Economic Forum) has been one of the standout events at the beginning of each year and is attended by over 1000 leading figures in the local economy.
Organised by the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, the CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and the University, the 2019 forum was held on 16 January in Strasbourg’s Conference and Concert Centre.
The event was a successful blend of fun and business, featuring discussions on mixed reality, an introduction to our Chief Optimist Officers and networking, with music provided by a DJ!

Ilan Spillinger, flew over from the Microsoft campus in Silicon Valley to be the Forum’s guest of honour.
The high point was the round-tables on artificial intelligence that Illan led with Alsatian business leaders and scientists.

Hager, Lohr and Visible Patient, all leading local companies, already use this technology in areas such as manufacturing, mobilities and healthcare!!

This year’s Economic Forum also stood out for the presentation of the new territorial initiative, Strasbourg Europtimist, which highlights the City’s sense of hospitality. The initiative is backed by the Resoptimists, a new network of Strasbourg optimists, who adore the city and who are ready and willing to use their business and professional expertise and knowledge of the city to give personal tips and advice to help newcomers settle in.

Want to find out more? Become a Resoptimist!

A key feature of the Europtimist scheme is the Chief Optimist Officers, or COOs.
The role of these eight COOs, all born in Strasbourg or adopted by the city, will be to fly the flag of Strasbourg optimism. It’s an innovative concept, featuring a highly complementary collection of personalities from a range of backgrounds.

Want to find out more about the COO dream team? 

Introduction to the Chief Optimist Officers.

If you’re not yet totally convinced, we’ve even asked Ilan Spillinger what he thinks about it.