Located in La Défense, the CNIT Paris La Défense existed well before the famous business district did. Built between 1956 and 1958, it was inaugurated on 12 September 1958 by General de Gaulle and André Malraux, who was then Minister of Culture. Since then, even after significant restructuring in 1988 and 2009, this conference centre has welcomed numerous exhibitions each year, whose renown extends well beyond the borders of France, with events such as the Floralies Internationales and the International Boat Show. 

The centre is currently managed by Viparis, who operates the conference and exhibition centres in Paris. Throughout the year, it hosts major professional events for plastic surgeons, veterinarians, and imagery specialists, to name just a few. The complex also hosts numerous events open to the public, like the Alliances+ forum, the APEC trade show, and the Investment Show. 

The CNIT Paris La Défense is directly linked to the Quatre Temps shopping centre by the La Défense esplanade. It's not just a place for professional meetings. With its offices, shops, restaurants, and hotel, today it is a lively district open to everyone.