FIBA EVENTS

What’s the Rush? Kevin Rush on Why Agentic AI Can’t Wait

Friday, October 16th.

Le Cercle de L'Union, place Bellecour

Two years ago, AI was an emerging novelty for many of us. When Kevin Rush last stood before the Franco-British International Business Association, he demonstrated how Generative AI could draft content, answer prompts, and streamline basic tasks. It felt like a massive leap forward. Today, that technology is already the baseline.

The conversation has rapidly moved past mere generation. The new frontier is Agentic AI, autonomous systems that don’t just wait for a prompt, but actively execute complex, multi-step workflows, make independent decisions, and collaborate alongside your human teams.

In this highly anticipated “Part 2” session, Kevin is returning to the FIBA stage to cut through the current hype and answer a critical question: What is the rush?

He will explore why global enterprises are racing to deploy hundreds of thousands of AI agents, what this shift means for cross-border businesses here in Lyon, and the very real impact autonomous AI is having on the modern workforce right now. If your business is still just treating AI like a smart search engine, this is the wake-up call you need.

Join us for a premium networking lunch at the Cercle de l’Union to discuss the technology that is actively reshaping how we work.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 16th October 2026
Time: 12:30 – 14:30
Venue: Cercle de l’Union, Lyon – 27 Placce Bellecour.
Format: Presentation, Q&A, and Networking Lunch.

Secure Your Spot Before They’re Gone. Early bird rates avaialble while they last!

FIBA Rentrée Networking Lunch

Friday, 25th September

Cercle de l'Union, Place Bellecour, Lyon

Kick off the new season with great conversation, fresh connections, and fantastic food at our Rentrée Networking Lunch!

Event Details

Date: Friday, 25th September

Venue: Cercle de l’Union, Place Bellecour, Lyon

Schedule:
- 11:30 AM: Annual General Meeting (current members only)
- 12:30 PM: Networking Buffet Lunch (all welcome)

Set in the elegant reception rooms overlooking Place Bellecour, this lunch is the ideal opportunity to reconnect after the summer break, swap ideas, and welcome new faces into our community over a shared buffet.

For Current Members Our AGM starts promptly at 11:30 AM ahead of the lunch. Your voice and vote matter, if you cannot make it in person, please download and submit your proxy form here before the meeting.

Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot early. We look forward to seeing you there!

FIBA Summer Cocktail

Tuesday 30th June

Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon, 69009

Afterwork Pétanque and networking drinks – Pétanque at Patate

Wednesday 20th May 2026

Place Bourgneuf, 53 quai pierre Scize (Outside the Epicerie Patate)

It’s time to trade the office desk for the terrain de boules! The Franco-British & International Business Association invites you to a casual evening of networking and a bit of friendly competition at Place Bourgneuf.

Whether you play with British precision or French flair, come along to enjoy the spring evening with the FIBA community.

📅 When: Wednesday, 20th May
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Place Bourgneuf, 53 quai pierre Scize (Outside the Epicerie Patate)

Extra Info:

Cash Bar: PATATE will be open for those of you who want to purchase craft beers, chilled wine or botanical soft drinks and nibbles but in true picnic fashion, feel free to bring your own bottles and snacks.
Boules: Rachel is bringing some sets, but please bring your pétanque balls if you have them.
Acces: For those wishing to take public transport to the event, the C14 bus is just steps away from Patate.
Tickets: Sign up HERE for free.

☔We know our British members feel right at home in the rain, but pétanque is strictly a fair-weather sport!

In the event of rain, the event will be postponed. We will post a final “Go/No-Go” update on our blog and LinkedIn by 5:30 PM on the day before. If the clouds look threatening, please check before you head out!

#FIBALyon #FrancoBritish #Pétanque #BusinessCommunity #LyonEvents #Networking

Beyond Charity: Joining Forces with Entrepreneurs du Monde

Friday, 24th April

Le Cercle de l’Union

We are thrilled to announce a very special lunch event on Friday, 24th April, featuring two remarkable leaders in the world of social impact.

We will be welcoming Cécile Roy, CEO of Entrepreneurs du Monde, alongside FIBA member Rosemary Bloom, who serves on the charity’s board. Based right here in Lyon since 1998, Entrepreneurs du Monde has spent over two decades proving that the best way to fight poverty isn’t through temporary aid, but through sustainable autonomy.

A Model for Change

Operating across 12 countries, from Burkina Faso to the Philippines, their unique approach focuses on three pillars of self-reliance:

- Microfinance: Empowering individuals to build and scale their own businesses.

- Clean Energy: Providing the tools for sustainable living.

- Climate Adaptation: Helping vulnerable communities build resilience against environmental shifts.

Why This Matters

The numbers speak for themselves. Last year alone, the organization supported over 165,000 micro-entrepreneurs, with an incredible 89% of those being women.

During our lunch, Cécile and Rosemary will take us behind the scenes. They’ll share real stories from the field, break down how their economic model creates lasting change, and offer a frank look at the challenges and rewards of working on the front lines of global entrepreneurship.

Join us for insight, inspiration, and honest conversation. Sign up here!

#SocialImpact #EntrepreneursDuMonde #Microfinance #WomenInBusiness #LyonBusiness #Sustainability

The Franco-British International Business Association