On June 10, the 82nd edition of the Grand Gala de Cluny will take place. This unique evening event will welcome 4,000 guests to discover the historic Cluny Abbey, which will be transformed for the occasion. To offer them this unforgettable experience, engineering students organize themselves like an event agency and rely on a network of partners. These partners play a key role, as it is with them that the engineering students put the skills they have acquired during their training into practice in the service of the event.
A redecorated historic monument
In order to best meet the constraints of the site, which is classified as a historic monument, the class of second-year engineering students is working closely with the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (National Monuments Center) and the architect of historic monuments. Together, they are drawing up the specifications for the decorations. They are attempting to design decorations in the form of furniture and freestanding structures.
Behind the scenes at a real event agency
The entire class, comprising 150 engineering students, is involved, but 30 of them are responsible for managing and coordinating the event. Through team meetings and progress reports, everyone knows their role: seeking sponsorship, organizing activities, communications, etc. They pass the torch from one year to the next. For each area, the students call on a network of partners. This network grows and expands over the years. The students adopt behaviors and build a network of contacts that will serve them well once they enter the workforce.
The Grand Gala is part of the school's educational approach.
The event, its organization, its decorations, and its emblematic objects are all part of the educational projects. These moments are decisive because the students benefit from the skills and know-how of the teachers and technicians. They can discuss and reinforce their production issues. In the case of the famous ashtray, symbol of the Grand Gala, it is designed and produced in such a way as to use all the workshops on campus: high-speed machining, foundry, forge, woodworking. Technicians also provide advice on the construction of the rooms, particularly those built by first-year students.
In each room, the mark left by a class of students
The event now features 18 rooms with varied and exotic atmospheres. Each year, one of them is redesigned so that each class of students can leave their mark. Conceived in December 2016, it was the first-year students who were responsible for proposing the "conscripts' room," whose atmosphere remains a surprise for guests at the Grand Gala. Ultimately, each class has created its own room and returns to it every year. An undeniable generational bond has been forged through this event.
Key dates and events:
- May 13: Equipment release
- Week of June 5: set visit
- June 10: Grand Galaa
