Montréal’s thriving technology sector is perfectly matched with the city’s lively lifestyle, delectable food, fun festivals and picturesque event venues. From intimate spaces for small-group VR activities to huge spaces complete with built-in production studios, there’s a high-tech venue for every event, in-person or hybrid. Here are five of our favourite technologically savvy venues.
PHI Centre
The PHI Centre is a meeting place for creative minds, where new concepts reflect a continuing exploration and understanding of art and technology. Along with a specialization in virtual realities and flexible halls that can be transformed for a variety of events, including launches, conferences, screenings, shows, concerts and installations, the PHI also contains creative and production studios. Espace 4 is the largest space, a multifunctional salon equipped with a professional kitchen and linked to the rooftop terrace. phi-centre.com
Notman House
Constructed in 1844, Notman House hides great technological capabilities within its heritage-building space. As Montréal’s technology hub, it’s a launching pad for many entrepreneurs and startups (who rent office space in the building). Tech-friendly and hip, the house offers a large collaborative meeting space that’s open to the general public — a perfect venue for an innovative meeting. notman.org
Société des arts technologiques
Known as the SAT, this non-profit organization founded in 1996 is internationally recognized for its leading role in the development of immersive technologies and augmented reality by the creative use of high-speed networks. The Satosphère — a huge domed space on the building’s top floor — is the first permanent immersive environment dedicated to activities related to artistic creation and visualization. Its dome forms a spherical 360-degree projection screen that can give great heft to presentations. sat.qc.ca
Palais des congrès de Montréal
The Palais, Montréal’s convention centre is located downtown and features 508,756 sq. ft. of exhibition surface area, 113 rooms, and 18 loading docks with levellers, in a building that has been awarded BOMA Best 3 sustainability certification. They have a partnership with TKNL Productions, a creative force that leverages its technical wizardry, logistical knowhow and mastery of virtual platforms to make compelling content and engaging experiences. Space rental options include an array of exceptional high-definition screens (perfect for advertising your sponsors), a configurable mobile event app, an e-commerce client portal and a stunning rooftop space. The convention centre is also home to the largest indoor immersive experience in Canada: OASIS Immersion. congresmtl.com
Maison symphonique de Montréal
An event with technically precise audio requirements can only take place in the most specific of venues. In compliance with stringent international norms for acoustics, stage design and architecture, the Maison symphonique de Montréal is built to the high standards followed by the designers of the best concert halls in the world. Designed to showcase all musical genres, the hall has a capacity of 2,100 seats. It’s home to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. osm.ca
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