Sylvie Douce & François Jeantet are partners at work and in life. They are the CEOs of Event International, Inc., a Paris-based international marketing, press relations and event production agency. Together they have created and implemented national and international campaigns for renowned clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Heineken, Kraft Foods, Boucheron, Chaumet and Rolex.
Ten years ago, they conceived the brilliant and delicious idea of a chocolate show for the public and the Salon du Chocolat was born, in Paris. In its first year, the Salon welcomed 40,000 visitors. Each year since, the show has increased in popularity, reaching 100,000 last October over four days. Based on the enthusiastic responses of American visitors, Sylvie and François chose New York, the food capital of the United States, as the site for a U.S. Show. In 1998, the first Chocolate Show was held on Thanksgiving weekend at the Puck Building. The second Chocolate Show moved to the Metropolitan Pavilion in 1999 to accommodate more visitors and exhibitors. The Chocolate Show also made its debut in Japan, in 2000.
“Our goal is to celebrate chocolate,” notes Sylvie Douce, “to foster a richer appreciation and understanding for this wonderful, magical substance. The Chocolate Show aims to introduce people with the many ways one can experience chocolate using all the senses.”
François Jeantet, who trained as an architect, designs the décor and visual concepts of the Chocolate Show. From the logos to the chocolate exhibition itself, François’ creativity is on display at the Chocolate Show.
Currently Sylvie & François travel the world promoting the Chocolate Show in many countries which have expressed an interest in the show. Amongst them, China (Beijing & Shanghai), Spain (Madrid), Russia (Moscow), and Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Senda & Shizuoka).
Sylvie and François also created the first Salon des Grands Vins in Paris, which made its debut in December 1998 and is held in March every year. This celebration of fine wines gathered 100 exhibitors, among them Chateau Yquem, Chateau Figeac, as well as top Champagnes. |
