Description
The MEETT (Meet Toulouse Events, Exhibitions, Conventions) is the exhibition centre and convention centre of the Toulouse metropolitan area. Straddling the municipalities of Aussonne (postal address) and Beauzelle, to the north-west of the conurbation, it is owned by Toulouse Métropole and operated by GL Events under the commercial brand Toulouse Events. The site was designed by the architecture practice OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), selected through a competitive tender in 2010.
Construction began in October 2016. The MEETT entered operation in September 2020 and was officially inaugurated on 4 September 2021, having been delayed by the health crisis. It replaces the former Île du Ramier exhibition centre and the Pierre Baudis Convention Centre, both located in the heart of Toulouse. The total cost of the programme, including road and tram access, is estimated at 310 million euros, of which 90 million was devoted to access infrastructure.
The MEETT covers a total footprint of 155,000 sqm, including 40,000 sqm of fully modular exhibition halls, a 14,000 sqm central nave, 25,000 sqm of outdoor exhibition space and 15,000 sqm of convention centre. It is the largest event venue in the south-west of France.
Halls
The venue extends across two main sections linked by the central nave, OMA's architectural signature.
- Exhibition halls: 40,000 sqm in a single span, fully modular, extended by two mezzanines for ancillary uses (cloakrooms, conference rooms). The configuration accommodates both major B2B trade shows (Aeromart, SIANE) and public events.
- Central nave: 14,000 sqm of covered circulation space, the signature backbone of the OMA project. It serves as a reception area, an event platform and links the halls to the convention centre.
- Outdoor esplanade: 25,000 sqm of open-air exhibition space, available for heavy equipment, vehicle demonstrations and outdoor events.
- Convention & Congress Centre: 15,000 sqm, fully modular, across two levels. Capacity of 100 to 10,000 people, with plenary sessions and seminars running simultaneously. Level 1 offers private seminar spaces available from 100 people.
Access and transport
The site is served by a dedicated multimodal infrastructure, delivered at the same time as the venue.
- Tram: line T1 (Palais de Justice ↔ MEETT), terminus stop MEETT (in the municipality of Beauzelle). The line was extended by 700 metres to the site and brought into service on 31 August 2020.
- Bus: Tisséo line 30 to MEETT, MEETT stop (no. 27460).
- Airport: Toulouse-Blagnac, 7 minutes away by car.
- Station: Toulouse Matabiau, 21 minutes away by tram.
- Car: access via the A621 motorway, extended by the RM902 (Voie Lactée) over 4 km, created to serve the venue, and via the redeveloped RN224.
- Parking: 5,000 spaces on site (3,000 for visitors, 2,000 for exhibitors), with mandatory card payment at the machines. Disabled and reduced-mobility spaces near the lift blocks.
- Cycling: 400 sheltered cycle racks near the entrances.
The official address is Concorde Avenue, 31840 Aussonne.
Services
The MEETT operates as an integrated event venue, designed to limit movement between halls, conventions and services.
- Catering: Le Central by Maison Pergo restaurant, open during certain events, with event capacity from 50 people and a modular terrace and hall. No telephone booking, on-site only.
- Accommodation nearby: more than 4,300 rooms within a 20-minute radius of the site, according to the operator.
- Accessibility: only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted. Dedicated disabled and reduced-mobility parking.
- Exhibitor services: quotes and contact via Toulouse Events (contact@toulouse-events.fr, 05 62 25 45 45).
- No ATM on site.
News
The MEETT moved into full operation after two years disrupted by the health crisis. According to GL Events, the site hosted 85 events in 2022 and more than 700,000 visitors in 2023, reflecting the gradual ramp-up of the complex following its opening in September 2020.
In terms of operating policy, the MEETT has been certified ISO 20121 since July 2022 according to the official website, attesting to a responsible management system applied to events (waste management, energy, mobility, inclusion). 70% of the waste generated on site is recycled according to the operator.
Flagship trade shows
The MEETT hosts B2B trade shows that are structural for the south-west, mainly in the aerospace, industry, food-processing and process sectors.
- Aeromart Toulouse: international business convention for the aerospace sector, held biennially, organised by BCI Aerospace (ABE group).
- CFIA Toulouse: trade show for suppliers to the food-processing industry, the Toulouse edition of CFIA Rennes (GL Events).
- SEPEM Industries Sud-Ouest: trade show for industrial services, equipment, processes and maintenance.
- SIANE: trade show for industry partners across the Grand Sud.
- REGAL: trade show for food and catering in Occitanie.
The site also hosts the Foire Internationale de Toulouse, a regional public event that inaugurated the MEETT in September 2021, as well as various sector conventions (health, technology, training).