as bnetwork celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is a fitting moment to reflect deeply on the milestones and invaluable lessons learned along the way. From humble beginnings in Cannes and Barcelona to becoming a global leader in event hospitality, the journey has been marked by significant challenges, consistent growth, and profound insights that now shape the company's vision for the future.

drawing from the experiences shared by our founders and key team members, this post highlights the essential lessons that will continue to drive bnetwork and the event hospitality industry forward.

resilience is fundamental

resilience has been deeply embedded in bnetwork’s identity since its inception. The company has navigated multiple crises, each teaching valuable lessons. The 2008 financial crisis significantly impacted events worldwide, including Mobile World Congress. Co-founder Stéphane Filone recalls losing around 100,000 room nights almost overnight, forcing quick adaptation and careful management to sustain client trust and business continuity.

in 2015, a catastrophic flood in Cannes presented another severe test. Stéphane vividly remembers the desperate efforts to recover critical data:

"Our servers disappeared into the water three days before MIPCOM, a major event in Cannes. Stéphane and I spent the night drying our servers, desperately hoping to recover our data. Miraculously, our expert partner managed to recover everything just in time. It taught us an unforgettable lesson in resilience and composure during crises."

the COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressures on the entire events industry. Group Human Resources Director, Emmanuelle Chalmet, emphasizes how the crisis required not only organizational flexibility but also human empathy:

"COVID forced us to make tough decisions, adapt continuously, and manage remote work and health measures beyond normal business. Staying closely connected with the team became crucial; it strengthened us and pushed us to grow in ways we never expected."

these experiences have reinforced the understanding that resilience—combined with empathy and adaptability—is fundamental to long-term success.

technology is the tool - service is the soul

from the outset, bnetwork has embraced technology as a powerful tool to enhance service. In 2007, the introduction of the first direct-admin back-office platform marked a significant innovation. Abdel Rguib, Chief Operating Officer, explains how transformative this was:

"Clients were accustomed to sending countless emails; suddenly, they could directly interact with our system 24/7. It was disruptive but incredibly beneficial, dramatically improving customer experience."

yet technology alone was never the main driver. Abdel Rguib emphasizes the careful balance bnetwork has always maintained:

"We use technology to enhance human interaction, not replace it. Our online booking tools simplify processes, but our teams remain at the heart of our service, providing personalized assistance and ensuring every client's needs are met with care and expertise."

looking ahead, the integration of AI-driven personalization and data analytics will continue shaping the event hospitality sector. Stéphane Filone underlines the ongoing journey in technological evolution:

"There is not one thing we did 20 years ago that we are doing exactly the same today. Technology evolves, client expectations evolve - our constant challenge is to anticipate and respond effectively."

long-term partnerships are built on trust

long-standing client relationships have been a cornerstone of bnetwork’s success. One notable example is the partnership with International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), dating back to 2002, even before bnetwork officially existed. Stéphane Filone recalls:

"ILTM started with 400 participants and now gathers thousands globally. This partnership blossomed from mutual trust, curiosity, and an authentic understanding of our client's industry."

for Abdel Rguib, building strong client relationships requires deep understanding and ongoing dialogue:

"We don't just provide a service; we become true partners. We take the time to deeply grasp our clients' long-term objectives, viewing every relationship as an ongoing collaboration rather than a one-off transaction."

this approach to relationships - rooted in trust, loyalty, and genuine care - is what differentiates bnetwork in a competitive industry.

sustainability is non-negotiable

sustainability has become increasingly central to event hospitality. bnetwork embraced this responsibility early, notably during COP21 in Paris in 2015. Stéphane Filone explains:

"During COP21, we introduced green hotel mapping, encouraging participants to select environmentally responsible hotels. This initiative embedded sustainability directly into our event logistics."

today, sustainability continues to shape industry standards. Abdel Rguib highlights sustainability as a key trend influencing future event planning and hospitality, emphasizing the growing client demand for eco-friendly practices, zero-waste events, and sustainable suppliers.

diversity fuels innovation

at bnetwork, diversity is recognized as more than a strategic choice - it is fundamental to creativity and innovation. Group Human Resources Director Emmanuelle Chalmet describes its practical importance:

"When a team includes people from different backgrounds, they naturally bring new ideas and ways of thinking. This diversity helps the team be more creative, flexible, and effective, leading to smarter decisions and innovative solutions."

Stéphane Filone reinforces this view, noting that diversity aligns naturally with the company's global mindset:

"Diversity isn't just strategic, it's fundamental. Respecting diverse perspectives is essential to truly understanding the world and succeeding globally."

looking forward: the next 20 years

these lessons learned over two decades form the foundation for bnetwork’s future. The company is committed to continued resilience, advanced technology balanced carefully with human service, trusted global partnerships, strengthened sustainability initiatives, and the ongoing empowerment of diverse, innovative teams.

reflecting on personal experiences, Abdel Rguib shares his perspective on the rewarding nature of bnetwork’s mission:

"Seeing the impact of our work on international events and knowing we facilitate seamless accommodation experiences for thousands of participants is the most fulfilling aspect for me."

Emmanuelle Chalmet similarly highlights the intrinsic reward of building something meaningful within bnetwork:

"At the beginning, nothing was in place. We had to create processes and manage talent from scratch. Knowing today that these efforts help support so many employees is something I'm really happy about."

as Stéphane Filone advises future leaders in the industry:

"Stay open to the world, stay curious, stay passionate. These values are not just about work, they are about how to live your life. And as we spend so much time working, it's essential our professional values align with our personal values."

these stories remind us that beyond business objectives and operational achievements, human relationships, passion, and purpose remain at the heart of bnetwork’s continued success.

thank you for being part of bnetwork’s first 20 years. Here's to the next two decades of growth, innovation, and meaningful connections.