Forvis Mazars returns to VivaTech: connecting clients with transformation value

Held in Paris from 17 to 20 June 2026, VivaTech brought together more than 200,000 participants from around the world, including technology leaders, start-ups, investors, policymakers and business executives. Against a backdrop of accelerating AI adoption, one element stood out: the focus has shifted from experimenting and integrating technology to delivering measurable business value.

The Forvis Mazars delegation, led by Chief Transformation Officer Florence Sardas, welcomed more than 250 clients to its largest-ever VivaTech programme. Through its reputable learning expeditions, innovation workshops and executive discussions, clients and delegates explored how organisations can move beyond pilot projects and isolated initiatives to create lasting business impact with their technology investments.

The programme focused on the practical foundations required to turn technological opportunity into transformative value – from AI adoption and business process redesign to governance, data readiness and organisational change.

Key highlights of its programme included:

• 13 client learning expeditions, attended by more than 250 clients, providing direct access to emerging technologies, start-ups and real-world examples of transformation in action.
• Two exclusive climate innovation labs, involving 35 participants, exploring how technology and transformation can support sustainability objectives and long-term resilience.
• The launch of AI at scale, the firm's latest AI guidance to support businesses unlocking scale from AI investments, particularly as pressure to demonstrate specific value increases.
• The latest competition in the firm's Female Founder Challenge, recognising innovative solutions that address challenges across sectors including health, food technology and AI, with Forvis Mazars Partner Sylvain Freon serving on the judging panel.
• The inaugural French-German Tech Battle, represented by Christin Druke (Managing Director of XFactory and partner of Forvis Mazars in Germany), highlighted further cross-border innovation and collaboration.

While AI remained the dominant topic, discussions throughout the programme and the event reflected a more mature perspective on transformation. Florence Sardas, Partner and Chief Transformation Officer at Forvis Mazars Group, said: “The conversation at VivaTech this year has evolved significantly. Organisations are no longer asking what AI can do; they're asking how to create value from it for their business specifically. The focus has shifted towards implementation, governance, operating models and the practical changes needed to realise measurable outcomes. That is where many organisations now need support, and where we can help clients navigate this notable complexity and make informed transformation decisions.”

VivaTech also reinforced the increasingly collaborative nature of innovation. Sardas continued: “Many of the most promising developments that have emerged have been established by the interconnectivity between large organisations, start-ups, researchers, governments and technology providers, emphasising the need for trusted advisors that can help navigate the complexities of technology, connecting expertise, ecosystems and execution to deliver successful transformation.

This same focus was evident in discussions around robotics and physical AI, and among the most visible themes at the event. Sardas concluded: “Technology alone does not create transformation. Organisations must also address governance, skills, culture and change management. The businesses achieving the greatest results are those taking a holistic approach – aligning technology investment with clear business priorities and building the foundations needed for sustainable value creation. Among the rapidly advancing AI capabilities and challenges, this is where we bring the greatest value for clients, by helping them adapt their strategies and prepare for what’s next.”