Forum économique
Le français, c’est bon pour les affaires · French is Good Business
Save the date · Fall 2026
Join CODOFIL, local and international partners this October as we explore the immense economic value, workforce advantages, and global trade connections driven by Louisiana’s bilingual heritage.
Lafayette: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
New Orleans: Thursday, October 15, 2026
High school students, university students, and professionals are invited to participate in the Forum 2026. Sessions and workshops will include information about scholarships, grants, and how to Frenchify your business. Plus, a French job and culture fair to connect businesses with professionals!
The Economic Forum 2026 is a statewide workforce-development and educational initiative designed to strengthen the professional value of French in Louisiana. The Forum will take place in Lafayette and New Orleans in October 2026 and will include conferences, sector-focused presentations, professional development workshops, employer engagement, and a job and opportunity forum. It will bring together students, educators, employers, institutions, and community partners in a professional, business-oriented environment.
Through this initiative, the Forum Économique 2026 contributes to workforce readiness, talent retention, and economic development, while reinforcing Louisiana’s unique position within the Francophone world.
Le Forum is organized by CODOFIL, the Consulate General of France / Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, in New Orleans, the Louisiana Consortium of Immersion Schools (LCIS), and the Alliances Françaises of Louisiana, with universities, school districts, and economic partners. Special thanks for FrancoFous French Club at ULL and Tulane’s Department of French for hosting the Forum 2026.
Get involved
Full program schedules, keynote speaker announcements, university venue details, and formal registration links will launch in August 2026.
Don’t miss out on securing your spot or exploring sponsorship opportunities. Sign up below to receive official updates straight to your inbox.
Why Invest in French in Louisiana?
$1.7 Billion: Annual spending by international tourists in Louisiana, with French-speaking visitors representing a massive market share for heritage destinations.
800+ Jobs: Created right here in Acadiana through major French-Canadian investments like the CGI Technology Center in Lafayette.
$9.2 Billion: Combined total of import and export trade flowing annually between Louisiana, France, and Canada.
36 Immersion Schools: Over 5,500 students across Louisiana are building the future bilingual workforce, preparing to connect local industries to 300+ million French speakers worldwide.
- learn more about the Economic Value of French in Louisiana
