The ESSEC Gala: What’s on the Programme... And Going on Behind the Scenes

The 65th ESSEC Gala, organised by BDE Riviera in partnership with the ESSEC Group, ESSEC Alumni and EY-Parthenon, will take place on 3 May 2024 from 7 pm at the Pavillon d’Armemonville, on the outskirts of Paris. Joint coordinators Claire Bart (E25), Clémence Bernier (E25) and Cassandre Roncin (E25) give the lowdown on the programme for the evening and the backstage preparations – and suggest you get hold of the last remaining tickets via the online ticketing platform.

ESSEC Alumni: What can we look forward to at the ESSEC Gala 2024?

Claire Bart: The Gala is happening at the Pavillon d’Armenonville, on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, on the way into Paris. This historically significant venue was built in the 18th century by the count of the same name, one of Louis XIV's ministers, for royal hunting parties. Then, from the 19th century, it hosted various historical figures, including Alexandre Dumas and Marcel Proust. Finally, in the 20th century, it was updated and turned into a modern, welcoming venue that is open to nature, with all of its original character intact. 

Clémence Bernier: Guests are invited to gather from 7 pm on 3 May for a cocktail reception, followed by a gala dinner catered by Butar Enescot and featuring various presentations, and then a night of dancing from 11 pm into the early hours, with music to suit all tastes and a well-known DJ from the French scene. You’ll be able to access the Longchamp and Étoile lounges, as well as the outdoor spaces and the pond bordering the grounds.

Cassandre Roncin: We’re expecting 500 guests for dinner and 1,500 attendees for the evening’s entertainment. Remember that the event is open to ESSEC students and alumni as well as outsiders, so you may bring a guest. Don’t hesitate to visit our online ticketing platform to secure the last remaining tickets!

EA: What goes on behind the scenes of such a large-scale event? 

C. Bart: The Gala is the culmination of a year’s work. The three of us look after the organisation from start to finish, from redesigning the website to the decorations, as well as visiting venues to find the perfect one and taking part in tastings to choose the caterer or the champagne, and not forgetting all the logistical and financial aspects. Another person handles all the communication on social media. The experience is as comprehensive as it is educational, because we learn how to manage a budget that is both large and limited. But it’s also a personal adventure, on which we’ve forged our friendship. 

C. Bernier: Beyond our team, the entire ESSEC ecosystem is involved in the Gala: the school administration, the Foundation and, of course, ESSEC Alumni, which, as a partner in and co-organiser of the event, supports us financially and operationally, guides us on ways of working, spreads the word and fosters our relationship with the event patron. What’s more, ESSEC Alumni is on hand throughout the evening of the event and gives a speech during the dinner, which we’re looking forward to!

C. Roncin: We’ve also invited other student associations to take part in the preparations: PAO created the poster, Jam is looking after the music, ESSECLive is taking the photos and Elyxir is running a wine bar. 

EA: Why did you choose Batoul Hassoun (E07) to be the patron of this year’s Gala?

C. Bart: We wanted to continue the momentum from last year by emphasising the charitable aspect of the Gala, so we chose a patron from an association. Batoul Hassoun has long been involved in Club 21e siècle, which she co-chaired until mid-April. The mission of this non-profit organisation, which was established in 2004, is aligned with France’s republican values, in that it advocates for equal opportunities and promotes talented people from all backgrounds. It sees itself both as an ideas lab for coming up with solutions and a hands-on player in changing collective representations and individual trajectories. We are proud to support its work.  

C. Bernier: Batoul Hassoun also has a remarkable professional background: as the president-CEO of The Salmon Consulting (part of the Havas Group), she has really made her mark in the consulting world. She embodies all the values that are important to us: hard work, commitment, determination, sharing, open-mindedness, etc. We are extremely honoured to have her on board.

EA: By choosing a patron from ESSEC, you are also emphasising the intergenerational aspect of the Gala. Who, from ESSEC, takes part in the event?

C. Roncin: The Gala is open to all, from first-year students to those who graduated a long time ago, French and international, from all study programmes, and not forgetting the members of the ESSEC teaching and administrative staff. Most come as a group – of friends, from associations, from different graduation years – but once there, everyone can mingle in the friendly, welcoming and unifying atmosphere. It’s a valuable time to share, meet up and talk. Don’t miss out, get your ticket today!

Would you like to attend the 65th ESSEC Gala on 3 May 2024, from 7 pm, at the Pavillon d’Armenonville on the outskirts of Paris?  Book your ticket! 

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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