September 24, 2026 · Salt Lake City
An evening of diplomacy, industry, and shared ambition in the Rotunda of the Utah State Capitol.
6:00–9:00 PM
Reception · Program · Networking
In 1781 at Yorktown, French and American forces fought side by side at the moment American independence was secured.
Two hundred and forty-five years later, in the year the United States marks its 250th, that alliance is not a matter of history. It is a working relationship spanning defense, aerospace, energy, and advanced industry—and it runs directly through Utah.
On September 24, the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce brings together leaders from government, defense, and industry for an evening built on that premise.
Yorktown secured American independence
2026The program balances official remarks and substantive conversation with generous time to meet leaders across Utah’s transatlantic community.
Hors d’oeuvres, mocktail bar, and arrival networking in the Rotunda.
Welcome remarks, a feature presentation, and a leadership panel.
Networking with guests, speakers, and Utah’s business community until 9:00 PM.
Guests of honor & public leadership
Guest of honorValérie BrissetConsul General of France in San FranciscoValérie Brisset is the Consul General of France in San Francisco. A career diplomat since 2011, she has served at the French Embassies in Greece and China, and most recently led cultural, educational, academic, and scientific diplomacy at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.02
Guest & speakerSenator Luz EscamillaUtah State Senator · Senate Minority LeaderSenator Luz Escamilla was elected to the Utah State Senate in 2008, becoming the first Latina and immigrant to serve in the Utah Legislature. As Senate Minority Leader, she champions policies that strengthen Utah families, with a focus on health care access, food security, clean air, and affordable, high-quality child care.03
Guest & speakerLt. Governor Deidre HendersonLieutenant Governor of UtahLt. Governor Deidre Henderson took office in 2021 after eight years in the Utah State Senate.Industry leadership
Guest & speakerGuillaume MartyCEO · Boccard North America – Life & EnergyGuillaume Marty is CEO of Boccard North America – Life & Energy, leading the company’s activities and strategic development across the United States and Canada. With extensive experience in industrial engineering, project execution, and business leadership, he has built his career around developing organizations, driving sustainable growth, and delivering complex industrial projects.02
Guest & speakerJean-Luc PalayerPresident & CEO · Orano USAJean-Luc Palayer is President and CEO of Orano USA, bringing more than 25 years of international experience across the nuclear and energy industries. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with expertise spanning nuclear fuel, supply chain, industrial operations, and major project development.Business leadership
Guest & speakerCésar SanchezEccles Global Initiatives · Undergraduate ProgramsCésar Sanchez is a truly global citizen. He has lived in Chile, Italy, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, and France and has done business in more than 12 countries.02
Guest & speakerChristophe GilliotFounder & CEO · BZB Sewing and BlackJack SportswearChristophe Gilliot is a French-American entrepreneur and business leader based in Utah. He is the founder and CEO of BZB Sewing and BlackJack Sportswear, a Utah-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports apparel and textile manufacturing.03
Guest & speakerJonathan FreedmanPresident & CEO · World Trade Center UtahJonathan Freedman is president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, leading efforts to help Utah companies compete and grow in global markets. He brings a founder’s mindset and international perspective, having co-founded Downeast in 1991 and served as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Utah since 2007.04
Guest & speakerJoseph MaillardFinancial Advisor & Growth and Optimization Leader · Edward JonesJoseph Maillard was born and raised in Paris, France. He earned his undergraduate degree in France and an MBA in Finance from the University of Hamburg in Germany, beginning an international career in finance and business.Additional guests will be announced following confirmation by their offices.
Guest of honor
Consul General of France in San Francisco
Valérie Brisset is the Consul General of France in San Francisco. A career diplomat since 2011, she has served at the French Embassies in Greece and China, and most recently led cultural, educational, academic, and scientific diplomacy at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Guest & speaker
Utah State Senator · Senate Minority Leader
Senator Luz Escamilla was elected to the Utah State Senate in 2008, becoming the first Latina and immigrant to serve in the Utah Legislature. As Senate Minority Leader, she champions policies that strengthen Utah families, with a focus on health care access, food security, clean air, and affordable, high-quality child care.
Guest & speaker
Lieutenant Governor of Utah
Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson took office in 2021 after eight years in the Utah State Senate. Her public service has focused on limited, accountable government, civic responsibility, and secure, transparent, accessible elections, alongside building international relationships that benefit Utah.
Guest & speaker
CEO · Boccard North America – Life & Energy
Guillaume Marty is CEO of Boccard North America – Life & Energy, leading the company’s activities and strategic development across the United States and Canada. With extensive experience in industrial engineering, project execution, and business leadership, he has built his career around developing organizations, driving sustainable growth, and delivering complex industrial projects. Originally from France and now based in the United States, Guillaume brings an international and entrepreneurial perspective to his leadership. His approach combines strategic vision, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to people, with a focus on building high-performing teams and long-term partnerships. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Guillaume is passionate about motorsports and mechanics, cuisine, and tennis. He values performance, precision, continuous improvement, and team spirit—principles that influence both his professional and personal life.
Guest & speaker
Eccles Global Initiatives · Undergraduate Programs
César Sanchez is a truly global citizen. He has lived in Chile, Italy, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, and France and has done business in more than 12 countries. His current research focus is on startups and their international expansion. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Finance from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree from BYU-Idaho. During his professional career, he led corporate venturing for the Italian multinational utility Enel, where he and his team created a corporate venture program called Energy Start. This program was focused on finding startups that could add value to the company and the more than 200 million clients in 35 countries. He also played an essential role in the insertion of electric mobility in Chile. Working closely with the secretary of transportation, he was able to bring the first electric bus and fleet of electric buses to South America. Today there are over one thousand electric buses in Santiago, Chile.
Guest & speaker
President & CEO · Orano USA
Jean-Luc Palayer is President and CEO of Orano USA, bringing more than 25 years of international experience across the nuclear and energy industries. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with expertise spanning nuclear fuel, supply chain, industrial operations, and major project development. A graduate of Mines Saint-Étienne with a Master of Engineering and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University, Jean-Luc began his career with COGEMA in 1999 before taking on senior roles within AREVA and later Orano. Today, he oversees Orano’s U.S. activities and plays a key role in the company’s continued expansion in the American nuclear market, including the development of Project IKE, Orano’s planned $5 billion uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Recognized for his international perspective and industrial leadership, Jean-Luc is also a member of the Nuclear Energy Institute Board of Directors, contributing to the advancement of nuclear energy and a more secure, low-carbon energy future in the United States.
Guest & speaker
Founder & CEO · BZB Sewing and BlackJack Sportswear
Christophe Gilliot is a French-American entrepreneur and business leader based in Utah. He is the founder and CEO of BZB Sewing and BlackJack Sportswear, a Utah-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports apparel and textile manufacturing. Drawing on an international career spanning Europe, Africa, and North America, Christophe brings a global perspective to entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and cross-border business development. He also serves as Utah Board Director for the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce, where he works to strengthen economic and business ties between France and Utah and promote opportunities for international collaboration.
Guest & speaker
Financial Advisor & Growth and Optimization Leader · Edward Jones
Joseph Maillard was born and raised in Paris, France. He earned his undergraduate degree in France and an MBA in Finance from the University of Hamburg in Germany, beginning an international career in finance and business. He started at Ernst & Young as an auditor and strategy advisor before moving to London, where he worked as an inter-dealer broker for Tullett Prebon/ICAP, trading interest-rate swaps. Following the 2009 financial crisis, Joseph moved to the United States and founded December Ventures, a turnaround investment firm focused on small businesses. One of his investments was a Medicare-certified home health care agency, giving him nearly a decade of firsthand healthcare experience. Today, Joseph is a Financial Advisor and Growth & Optimization Leader at Edward Jones. He also coaches entrepreneurs and has a longstanding commitment to service.
Guest & speaker
President & CEO · World Trade Center Utah
Jonathan Freedman is president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, leading efforts to help Utah companies compete and grow in global markets. He brings a founder’s mindset and international perspective, having co-founded Downeast in 1991 and served as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Utah since 2007. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Jonathan also serves on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee and the boards of Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah District Export Council, and Utah Inland Port Authority. He is also an active supporter of the arts.
Presenting sponsor
Yorktown sponsors
Registration is open through Eventbrite. Not a member? Join the chamber to attend at the member rate.
For anything else, contact the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce.
info@rmfacc.orgTickets are available online through the Register button at the top of this page.
$60 for French-American Chamber of Commerce members and $80 for general admission. Not a member? Join at rmfacc.org/memberships and attend at the member rate.
Business attire.
Hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening and a mocktail bar, alongside soft drinks and water.
Free public parking is available on the east and northeast sides of the Utah State Capitol Complex. Please enter the Capitol through the East Entrance and proceed to the Rotunda on the second floor. More info: utahstatecapitol.utah.gov/parking-maps-directions/
Yes. Each guest needs their own ticket. Sponsors: your allocated tickets are managed directly with the French-American Chamber of Commerce - Rocky Mountain and Chamber staff can be reached at info@rmfacc.org
Yes. Photography and video will take place during the evening and images may be used by the French-American Chamber of Commerce and its partners in future promotion.