Professional events in Lyon for your networking
As an international worker in Lyon, you are probably looking for the best professional events to improve your network and find new opportunities. ONLYLYON is here to help you. Here is our guide to some of the most important events you can attend.
Why should you attend professional events in Lyon?
Building your professional network
One of the main benefits of attending these events is the opportunity to build a professional network, especially if you are new to the country. Making connections can be challenging, but professional events provide a structured and supportive environment to meet potential employers, collaborators and even mentors.
Through professional events in Lyon, workers can connect with other professionals who can offer insights into the local job market, cultural nuances and business practices.
Finding new career opportunities
Professional events in Lyon can serve as a gateway to new career opportunities. Many events include job fairs, recruitment sessions and opportunities to showcase your skills and expertise.
For example, the Forum Rhône-Alpes is one of the largest recruitment fairs in the region and attracts numerous companies looking to attract young talents. Attending such events allows international workers to meet potential employers face-to-face, making a lasting impression and increasing your chances of securing your next job.
In addition, attending conferences and workshops can lead to collaborations, internships for those who study in Lyon and freelance opportunities.
Improving your integration in Lyon
In addition to professional development, attending events in Lyon helps international workers integrate into the local culture and community. You will meet locals and other expats, facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
It will also help you get used to the French business culture, which can be very different from your home country. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for effective communication and collaboration in a new environment.
Conferences and seminars
Every year, Lyon hosts numerous high-profile conferences and seminars that attract experts and professionals from all over the world. These events cover a wide range of sectors, such as technology or sustainability.
One notable event is the Sido Lyon conference, dedicated to IoT (Internet of Things), AI and robotics. This conference brings together industry leaders, innovators and startups to discuss the latest trends and technologies, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities. It is also a great opportunity if your company needs new partners to develop high-tech solutions. With hundreds of exhibitors specialising in many areas, the potential to meet a new partner or employer is high.
Events are also organised by TUBÀ, an association focused on smart cities and urban innovation. Its aim is to facilitate the meeting of the various actors who play a key role in the city: companies, citizens, researchers, local authorities, etc. One of the ways they do this is by organising regular events, small conferences and focused seminars. If you are interested in these topics, your participation could prove fruitful.
Keep an eye on the events organised in Lyon, you will have many opportunities to meet inspiring leaders and innovators.
Workshops and training sessions
If you want to improve your skills and keep abreast of industry trends, Lyon offers a wealth of workshops and training sessions. These events will give you hands-on experience and practical knowledge. It is also an opportunity to meet experts who can open up new career prospects.
In particular, you can take part in programmes for working professionals organised by Lyon’s universities and private schools. For example, if you want to develop your digital skills, the Claude Bernard University offers short programmes, from one day to two weeks, in various fields such as IT, mechanics, health, physics, engineering or humanities.
These training sessions are a great opportunity to meet other professionals. With the many institutions that Lyon has to offer, you have a wide choice to acquire new skills and develop your network.
Attending a workshop or training session is one of the best ways to grow professionally and personally. Don’t hesitate to take part as often as possible to accelerate your career.
Networking meetups
Networking meetups in Lyon provide a more informal setting for professionals to connect, share experiences and explore potential collaborations. Some of these events are industry-specific, making them highly targeted and effective.
There are many associations that organise meetups, such as the FrenchTech Lyon, that are attractive for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and investors. They take place regularly between Lyon and Saint-Étienne in different venues. These meetings can be of various types, such as forums or simply informal meetings for networking. Other associations that organise such professional events include Lyon Tech Meetups or TUBÀ. Coworking spaces also regularly organise events, so don’t hesitate to follow their social media accounts to find out if there is an event open to the public.
Networking events are invaluable for international workers. To find an event you can attend, explore dedicated websites such as Meetup.com, social media groups and coworking spaces agendas. Informal events are a great way to integrate in Lyon.
Industry-specific events
Lyon’s diverse economic landscape means there are numerous industry-specific events tailored to particular sectors. These events provide specialised knowledge and networking opportunities for professionals within specific fields.
The Pollutec exhibition is a 4-day event that has been organised for 45 years, dedicated to environmental and energy solutions. It showcases the latest innovations in environmental technology and sustainability and attracts visitors from all over the world (more than 110 countries are represented). With its 11 exhibition areas (waste management, sustainable cities and buildings, contaminated sites and soils…), the event covers a wide range of solutions for the future.
Professionals in the food, hotel and catering industries will be interested in Sirha, a global event dedicated to these sectors and held over 5 days. It attracts professionals from several countries, including decision-makers, buyers and chefs. After all, Lyon is famous for its gastronomy, so it is only natural that such an important event should take place there. If you work in the sector, this is a great opportunity to meet your peers.
Stay on the lookout for such events and you will have great networking opportunities!
Boost your career in Lyon!
Are you considering moving to Lyon for your career? ONLYLYON is here to help international professionals who want to settle and work in the dynamic city of Lyon! Would you like to know more about the city and what it has to offer expatriates? Contact us and we will provide you with the information you need as soon as possible to help you achieve your goal.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us!
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