“There’s a really positive, creative energy. We feel like it's breaking through!” Christophe Selves and his team have just returned from the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, one of the most important trade fairs for technological innovation.
The commercial director of Comlight, a Dracénoise company specializing in IT, has been recording the event in his diary for around fifteen years. So far, visitors have to “observe the latest technologies and trends and get an impression of the Anglo-Saxon corporate culture”.
But since last year, Comlight has been represented at the event with its own stand. “For us, of course, it’s about promoting our company, but also highlighting our territory.”
That's why the company takes active Dracénoise structures into its suitcase: “We strive to implement innovative projects with meaning. From an economic point of view, I believe that I have received a lot in life. In my eyes, it’s important to know how to give back with this idea of a social dimension.”
This year the trip included Mode 83 and Résine Media, two associations that specialize in the development and promotion of digital uses.
A crazy experience
“It was a bit of a crazy experience, we couldn’t see how the days went by…” says Christelle Brochet, director of Résine.
She was responsible for the virtual medieval walk project in Draguignan (1). An entertaining and educational walk that immerses visitors in the Middle Ages using digital tablets. Goal: Show the city from a different perspective, reclaim its past by exploring its history.
Vincent Goletto, director of Mode 83, supported the Mobyletta (2) project, which is currently in the final testing phase. A carpool type mobility application for businesses and communities.
Confronting approaches
On site, the stand is linked to those of French Tech and the French Pavilion. We imagine there's excitement in the show's hallways. “CES’ reputation is well established. It is still THE world trade fair for technological innovation. Here we are in excess,” explains Christophe Selves.
For the Dracénoise associations, the main aim was obviously to promote their projects. “Emphasize that in the Var, in Draguignan, high-quality digital projects are carried out with real know-how!”
The aim was also to explore other ways of working. “For example, we exchanged a lot with development companies whose project processes differ from ours, especially when developing specifications,” explained Christophe and Christelle. The opportunity to see that there is no magic formula for creating a project. But recipes, different and all equally functional.”
1. A project initiated and financed by the City of Draguignan.
2. A project developed on behalf of the Departmental Directorate of Employment, Labor and Solidarity.
Christelle Brochet, director of Résine Media, and Vincent Goletto, director of Mode 83, accompanied Dracénoise company Comlight to CES in Las Vegas. (Photos DR).
“I loved introducing Draguignan to the Americans”
CES is obviously a special environment. This is even more true if you have never set foot there. And in order to showcase their successes, those responsible at Mode 83 and Résine had to change their habits. “We had to adapt the way we carried out our projects. By favoring an entry point that consists of asking questions, they go into detail. For example, for Mobyletta we could start the discussion like this: “Do you know how many people in your company carpool?” »
Because, in their opinion, “this specialized American audience doesn’t really like overly formal introductory “pitches.” We have to speak to them quickly to convince them. We have therefore learned to move forward in presenting our tools. »
Something they have tackled diligently. With good feedback at the end.
Constructive exchange
“For the medieval walk, we presented the project on a tablet and described the city: the city walls, the streets… It was nice to see how people reacted with “Whaou”. “I loved introducing Draguignan to the Americans,” smiles Christelle Brochet. Especially because they love everything related to the Middle Ages, dragons… historical heritage. »
The Dracénois strengthened their contacts from state to state. “On the whole, the discussions were constructive. There you really listen and try to understand the content of the projects. We've expanded our address book with developers, particularly players in Quebec. »
It remains to be seen whether these contacts will bear fruit. “There are a lot of people at the fair. It usually takes several months to measure the extent of the exchange,” emphasizes Christophe Selves. Which intends to do it again next year. “We hope to be able to bring together a few more local actors with meaningful projects for the next edition. »