46th Members Rendezvous doubly successful

Tuesday 19 September at Yacht Club de Monaco 320+ people from the Principality’s business community and authorities attended Monaco Economic Board’s 46th Members Rendezvous, preceded by a highly successful one-on-one meetings session.

Starting late afternoon, 93 representatives from 70 MEB member companies benefited from a hundred one-to-one meetings on 26 numbered tables, each with timer, in the Yacht Club de Monaco’s splendid Ballroom, not unlike a speed-dating session. Other spontaneous contacts were made in the reception area. Results from a satisfaction survey at the end revealed that 100% of respondents “totally” recommend participating in this session.

The rest of the programme took place two floors up on the Observatory Deck with its lovely view of Port Hercule. Among the 320 decision-makers were many key figures in the Principality including Brigitte Boccone Pagès, National Council President & H.E. Mr Jean D’Haussonville, the new French Ambassador to Monaco.

Before the networking cocktail, MEB’s CEO Guillaume Rose paid tribute to the association’s staff recalling that MEB is “focused on one goal: to help you develop your businesses”, adding for business leaders present: “For us, none of you are “small”, no-one is “insignificant”, you are all equal in our determination to help you succeed”.

Chairman Michel Dotta followed with a warning that “although the economic lights are green in Monaco, you need to take extra care of your cash flow as clouds are gathering in Europe”.

Also attending was Jean Castellini, in an unofficial capacity since he left his post as Minister of Finance and the Economy, who was invited to say a word. He took the opportunity to express how pleased he was that sterling efforts made by the Government to support Monaco companies have made them more resilient and that “many envy us”. France’s Ambassador introduced himself, assuring MEB members that he would pay close attention to the business issues of his mission.
Finally, two MEB members and partners were invited to speak. Johanna Houdrouge, President of the Association of Women Business Leaders in Monaco, invited those present to join the association which already has 70 companies run “by dynamic women who play a key role in generating the Principality’s wealth (...) and promote Monaco as a branch of the Worldwide Association of Female Professionals”.

She was followed by Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier, General Director of Peace and Sport who said that since he spoke on this theme last year a number of companies have joined the cause. He spoke also of the next Peace and Sport Forum, in Ryad, Saudi Arabia, which MEB representatives will attend and invited those interested in attending to meet him afterwards.
A networking cocktail followed, another opportunity for MEB members to make new contacts, an effective way to grow their business. MEB’s upcoming agenda appeared on screens in the Ballroom which includes international development round tables on 25 and 26 September; participation in Monaco Business on 3 October; a talk by economist Ludovic Subran and participation in Africa Day (organised by CEMA) on 16 October; a Trade Mission to the Netherlands 21-24 November; and the 13th Monaco Eco Club Awards on 18 December.