Our convention centre the Palais des congrès de Montréal is far more than just one of the 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die. An iconic fixture in the Montréal skyline, it’s also a world leader when it comes to innovation, sustainability and event technology. And this past year saw more attendees walk through the doors than ever before – a record-breaking 909,000 of them!
On the up and up (and up)!
Between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019, the Palais des congrès reported record breaking attendance numbers, and an estimated $215,000,000 economic spinoff for Montréal and the province of Québec – a striking 11% gain on its annual average since 2002. The 353 events held between those dates also required 142,000 hotel nights in Greater Montréal, an impressive 17.4% increase in out of town attendees enjoying the city’s top-notch accommodations over last year (not to mention an overall attendance increase of 2.8% overall). And given the Palais des congrès’ location at the crossroads between modern downtown and historical Old Montréal, the area’s cultural spaces, shopping options, cafés, bars and restaurants also welcomed – and fed, dressed and impressed – more attendees than ever before.
Putting Montréal in the spotlight
Earlier this year, the Palais des congrès released a new four-point vision statement to embrace and develop its role as a cornerstone of Montréal’s urban fabric and the local community. Through art installations, pop-up experiences and special programming, the hallways and public spaces of the Palais thrill attendees and local passerby alike. And the centre is also shining a light on Montréal’s scientific and creative communities, with specific aim to broadening the reach of local sectors like neuroscience, aerospace, artificial intelligence and fashion.
A focus on sustainability
With its place at the forefront of event technologies and innovation the Palais des congrès has long led by example, and this summer the centre officially joined the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pointing the way towards a greener future in the events industry. From offering early sustainability education programs in local schools, supporting tree planting, reforestation and research initiatives in Québec forests and the centre’s rooftop gardens, the Palais des congrès is taking its role as an sustainability leader seriously. And there’s also the certifications to back that role up: the building is both BOMA BESt 3 and ASTM Level 1 certified.
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