THE BLOG

New Nice Convention Center: An Infrastructure Serving International Events

The Nice Convention Center, located on Quai Infernet, is set to become a key infrastructure for hosting international events.

Scheduled to be inaugurated during the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean in June 2025, this project represents a major milestone in the city’s strategy to enhance its appeal in the business tourism sector and for large-scale events.

Featuring a versatile hall, a panoramic rooftop, and a sustainable maritime terminal, this project highlights a modern, eco-friendly, and multifunctional design.

Project phase visual – Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur

A Structuring Project for the Dynamism of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis

The Convention Center is part of an ambitious vision for economic and territorial development. Designed as a strategic lever to position Nice among the leading European business tourism destinations, the project has been tailored to meet the needs of companies and event organizers.

A Diverse and Modular Offering

With a main hall spanning 3,600 m², the center can accommodate up to 2,100 participants. This modularity allows for the hosting of a wide range of events, from international conferences to professional trade shows and concerts. Additionally, 1,200 m² of dedicated meeting and seminar spaces provide a flexible setting for businesses.

The 1,600 m² panoramic rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges, has been designed for high-end receptions. These facilities combine aesthetics and functionality, meeting the expectations of organizers seeking exceptional venues.

An Eco-Responsible Maritime Terminal

At the heart of this project is a 3,800 m² maritime terminal, designed to accommodate premium cruises while promoting sustainable mobility and the electrification of ships. This component underscores Nice’s commitment to ecological transition.

A Rigorous Schedule and Innovative Management

The construction is progressing according to the established schedule. Following the deconstruction of the old lighthouse parking lot in September 2024, teams completed the preparation of the foundation and necessary networks in December. Starting in January 2025, prefabricated modules will be transported by sea and assembled on-site.

The official inauguration of the Center will take place in June 2025 during the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean. This global event represents a pivotal milestone, but the infrastructure will be fully operational starting in September 2025, with events already scheduled, such as the Nice Boating Tomorrow exhibition.

A Sustainable and Exemplary Design

The Convention Center reflects the strategic priorities of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis in terms of innovation and sustainability.

Environmental Commitment

The city of Nice aims to become a model of sustainability. In addition to promoting the electrification of docks for a zero-emission port by 2026, the Convention Center incorporates significant greenery. A green strip along Rauba Capèu and landscaped areas surrounding the structure are designed to create ecological harmony with the urban environment.

Innovation Serving Professionals

Equipped with connected technology, cutting-edge digital tools, and modularity designed to maximize functionality, the Center meets the growing expectations of professionals in the event industry.

Significant Economic and Cultural Impact

The Convention Center is not just an infrastructure; it is a driver for the local economy.

Robust Financing and Economic Model

The project is self-financed through revenues generated by port users, the tourist tax, and services provided by the Metropolitan Tourism Office. A swift return on investment, estimated between one and two years, is anticipated thanks to rigorous management and strategic partnerships, such as leasing the space to the State for €10 million.

A Rich and Diverse Program

From its opening, the Center will host prestigious events such as:

The Grand Pavois in La Rochelle in September 2025;
The Grand Tourism Summit in October 2025;
Performances by the Nice Opera at the end of the year.

This diverse program will enhance Nice’s appeal on the international stage and foster economic synergies with local stakeholders.

During SIMI 2024, the leading trade show for commercial real estate, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and Deputy President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, introduced the new Nice Congress Center, a strategic infrastructure for business tourism.

A Presentation for Professionals: A Project Praised by the Industry

On December 13, 2024, at Maison Albar Le Victoria in Nice, the future Convention Center was officially presented to over 60 key players in the event and tourism sectors. This meeting, organized by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Tourism Office and Team Nice Côte d’Azur, highlighted the strengths of this innovative infrastructure.

Key highlights of this presentation included the modular and connected equipment designed to meet the demands of professionals, as well as the anticipated economic and environmental benefits. Hervé Laubertie, General Manager of Team Nice Côte d’Azur, and Jean-Sébastien Martinez, General Manager of the Metropolitan Tourism Office, emphasized the personalized support offered to organizers, including tools such as business tours and immersive audiovisual resources.

This day also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of business tourism and gather participants’ feedback, who were unanimously enthusiastic about the transformative impact of this project on Nice’s international prominence.

An Infrastructure Supporting International Outreach

By combining modernity, sustainability, and versatility, the Nice Convention Center is set to play a central role in the future of business tourism. Its opening in 2025, coupled with a first series of high-profile events, positions Nice among the leading European destinations for conferences and professional events.

This project reflects the ambition of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis to embrace a global dynamic while staying true to its local values.

Sources: Nice 24, Invest in Côte d’Azur, Compte Linkedin de M.Christian Estrosi