“DEI isn’t just about being invited to the dance, it’s being asked TO dance,” says Business Events Montréal’s Regional Director John Ehlenfeldt, who serves of the global board or trustees for Meeting Professionals International and got certified by Cornell University in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. He firmly believes Montréal is the perfect host city for all and everyone.
“When you talk about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, it’s about the desire to have people bring their true and authentic selves to everything they do. That’s when you’ve truly achieved inclusivity. And that’s part of Montréal’s brand,” says Ehlenfeldt.
A city of welcome
A multilingual metropolis in North America and the second largest city in Canada, Montréal takes pride in its roots and cosmopolitan character.
While the majority of Montréal residents count French as their first language, nearly 33% of residents are born abroad and have relocated to Montréal, and over 20% of the local population speaks three languages or more. Visitors will see the cultural mosaic of Montréal displayed across the city in public art, community-based initiatives, diverse festivals, and, of course, the city’s enviable food scene.
“On any given day in Montréal you can hear 10 different languages spoken, starting with English and French. The city has integrated that welcoming nature in every aspect,” says Ehlenfeldt. “It’s a wonderful melting pot of inclusivity and belonging.”
Montréal is part of several initiatives, such as the Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination and the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, under the aegis of UNESCO. The inclusion model extends to LGTBQ2+, Indigenous Peoples, religious beliefs, as well as ethnic and visible minorities. Here are some tips to help make your events more gender inclusive.
A city of safety
The nature of inclusivity is a spirit of welcome and safety for all, no matter colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation or any such differentiators. In Montréal difference is more than accepted — it’s celebrated! It makes travelling here easy and safe, whether solo or as a group.
Everyone is invited to get the most out of the city that has been voted the safest city to travel in North America. Holidu voted Montréal the safest city in the world for solo women to travel, and to strengthen its commitment to ensuring the safety of women and girls, Montréal has participated in the UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global FPI since 2019. Out Traveler decreed Canada one of the world’s 7 best countries for LGBTQ+ visitors to explore. (Here are more tips on ensuring your LGBTQ+ attendees feel welcome.)
A city of events
For the seventh year in a row, Montréal has topped the Union of International Associations (UIA) annual list of top cities in the Americas for hosting international association meetings.
“One of the largest sources of revenue generation in events is attendance,” adds Ehlenfeldt. “If your prospective attendees don’t feel safe, welcome of embraced by your destination, they will consider not travelling there. I always like to relate DEI to business, because the companies that have embraced it have created a diversity of thought, and that is key to more innovation and, ultimately, more profit. It’s a statistical fact. It’s the smart thing to do.”
Montréal has it all for events: world-class facilities, entertainment, sustainability, unforgettable food… and that unique je ne sais quoi that makes it exceed expectations. Among Montréal’s draws are its affordability, especially with the exchange rates as they currently stand. It was also ranked one of the continent’s top 5 most open cities.
Openness here is a way of life. Whoever you are, we’re rolling out the red carpet!
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