This text is part of the special Business Tourism booklet
Thanks to dozens of conventions and events scheduled for 2023, the Palais des congrès de Montréal and the Center des congrès de Québec hope to generate significant economic benefits in their regions. While fueling the business tourism economy, these events contribute to the advancement of knowledge of environmental and social issues.
The 2023 program of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, rich in more than 200 events, could generate $250 million in economic spinoffs in the greater Montreal area, calculates Alexandra Madoyan, communications and public affairs advisor at the Palais des congrès de Montréal . According to the latter, if the major events have indeed been restored since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are increasingly inspired by a reflection on environmental, social and intellectual issues.
“There are substantive conversations that are going to move the science forward,” she says. We are in a mode of unearthing events that move conversations forward and leave concrete legacies on destinations. We are talking about our sectors of the economy that are meaningful. We begin to have intellectual and social repercussions from an event, and not just economic ones. »
“In 2022, COP15 (15e United Nations Conference on Biodiversity) and the International AIDS Conference illustrate what we want to do, continues Mr.me Madoyan. According to the advisor, these international events make it possible to better position Québec or stimulate investment in certain areas of expertise. Along with the AIDS Conference, the Canadian government announced new investments in research, she says.
Investing in science and the environment
The Palais des congrès is thus trying to position itself as the host of choice for events in favor of environmental protection. In 2023, several events are planned in this regard, such as Adaptation Futures 2023, the main international conference on adaptation to climate change, or Americana, the largest multi-sector environmental event in North America. In March, the palace will also host the International Electric and Intelligent Transport Summit, Impulse.
Similarly, seven major scientific gatherings will be held at the Center des congrès de Québec. They will cover areas such as advances in aluminum and fluorine chemistry, medical education, hydrogen safety, and northern environmental research. The Convention Center will also host events such as Carrefour Forêts 2023, the Youth Summit on Climate Change and an international conference on ecological restoration.
To attract congresses in niche areas, the Palais des congrès works hand in hand with scientists, explains Ms.me Madoyan. “Beyond the economic spinoffs, there needs to be greater ties between our economic sectors so that they carry meaning,” she says.
“How, with our ambassadors and our researchers, can we make the content of the conference more relevant for the delegates? wonders Mme Madoyan. We look for meaning to come to a conference and we talk a lot about experiential travel. »
The return of major post-pandemic events
“International events are back,” rejoices Ann Cantin, director of communications and marketing at the Center des congrès de Québec. This is encouraging, we are expecting 250 events. After 2022, I think 2023 will be another great year! »
In addition to congresses, public fairs will once again attract thousands of visitors this year. After the traditional Montreal International Auto Show in January, the Palais des Congrès de Montreal will host the Montreal International Boat Show. In March, the Healthy Eating and Living Green Expo will be back in Quebec City as in Montreal.
Even though health restrictions have been lifted, the Palais des congrès de Montréal and the Center des congrès de Québec continue to have strict hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses, from gastroenteritis to COVID-19, and allow participants to enjoy the different events throughout the year.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.