Bring a Conference or Research Meeting to Paris

The Rice Global Paris Center offers a premier event venue designed to facilitate impactful and memorable gatherings. Our versatile space features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, flexible seating arrangements, and high-speed connectivity to support a wide range of events, from research conferences and workshops to networking receptions and cultural events. Located in the heart of Paris, our Center combines modern amenities with an inspiring atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for fostering collaboration and engaging global audiences. Whether hosting intimate meetings or large-scale conferences, the Rice Global Paris Center delivers an exceptional experience tailored to your event’s needs.

Configuration & Capacity Information

The Rice Global Center, a historic mansion from the 1500s, combines old-world charm with modern amenities. Although it lacks central air conditioning, the thick stone walls and vaulted basement rooms help maintain a comfortable temperature in the summer. For cooler months, the Center offers underfloor heating, electric radiators, and portable heaters to ensure warmth. To enhance your experience, please inform us in advance of any special comfort requests, and we will be happy to find solutions to accommodate your needs.

Spaces:

All spaces are modulable and various configurations are possible for each room.

Vaulted Rooms - Basement

  • Includes a small area with a microwave, Nespresso machines and hot water kettle.
  • Possible to bring down a screen upon advanced request.
  • Multi-use, capacity of up to 20 people across both rooms.
  • Typically used as study or meeting space, but has been used for film screenings and even to host a small reception.
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Fireplace Room - Ground Floor

  • Seated capacity of 15.
  • Equipped with wall-mounted dry erase whiteboards
  • Equipped with a desk, chairs with tablets, and a screen when used as a classroom
  • Typically used as a classroom for student programs, but is suitable as a meeting/working space, cozy lounge with small sofas, or a space for an indoor informal lunch with tables.
  • This space has also been used for video-recorded interviews.
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Leebron Room - Ground Floor

  • Seated capacity of 35, standing capacity of 50.
  • Various outlets with power strips and different adapters available.
  • Equipped with two large moveable screens for presentations, includes a 4K camera for Zoom requirements.
  • Multiple room configurations possible.
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Back Outdoor Garden

  • Capacity of 60 for receptions.
  • Includes high quality outdoor furniture and various seating.
  • Typically used for standing receptions but can also support informal meetings or independent working space as the garden is pleasant and quiet
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More Information:

Take a look at our FAQs below with additional information about center offerings.

What kind of AV/tech is available at the center

  • Windows laptop available exclusively for conference use

  • Clicker for slide presentations

  • Printer (we can print in A4 and A3 paper size)

  • 3D Printer

  • 2 large (65”) and 1 small (55”) moveable SimplyTAB smart screens

    - Screen sharing from an external laptop via InCast software or HDMI

    - Screens equipped with Windows operating system

    - Digital whiteboard function

    - Zoom meetings (with 4K camera)

    - Possible to display same image on more than one screen

  • 1 large (65”) monitor

    - Only possible to connect via HDMI

    - Height adjustable

  • Chairs with and without tablets

  • 12 x white flip top tables (1400 mm x 800 mm/55 in x 31.5 in)

  • 5 movable, double-sided whiteboards and 2 movable, double-sided fabric pin boards, large enough for posters in vertical A0 format

  • Outdoor furniture (large tables 6 ppl, small tables 4 ppl, chairs, benches, lanterns)

  • 2 lecterns for presenting: one plexiglass with fixed height, one metal with adjustable height and incline.

  • Portable audio unit with handheld bluetooth microphone

  • Various sign holders

    - Standing sign/poster holders A4 paper

    - Tabletop sign/poster displays A4 paper

  • 2 static Samsung Frames

    - Horizontal welcome screen at the entrance to RGP

    - Vertical screen in the hallway

    - Possible to display different visual assets

  • Miscellaneous RGP merch, possible to ship materials to Paris from Houston if necessary

General catering information

The Rice Global Paris Center has a selection of trusted caterers that provide quality service and can adapt to various requests and budgets. Different types of receptions (Champagne only, wine tastings, drinks with small bites, or cocktail buffet) have been held both indoors and outside in the garden. Opting to include service like a waiter or maître d’hôtel will impact the budget the most, but is generally recommended should the aim be to ensure a seamless upscale experience. Buffet receptions with sharing platters without service are possible and work well for more informal events.

Staff assistance provided (if your conference proposal is accepted)

  • An initial kick-off Zoom meeting with the Global team will be held after awards have been sent to organizers. Other planning meetings will be scheduled leading up to the event and staff will be available to answer any questions organizers may have until then. If any of the organizers are local to Paris or passing through, it is encouraged that they visit the Center to get a better idea of the space.
  • Rice Global Staff provides staff hours for planning and executing the event, managing the Center and setting up the spaces, as well as organizational services like booking venues, catering, creating name tags, or other administrative and logistical tasks. If an event requires purchasing a specific item or piece of equipment, Rice Global can provide it if the cost fits within the event budget.
  • The Paris Center staff can also advise on accommodation solutions, transportation bookings, and general recommendations, but it is recommended that organizers and participants make their own bookings