For the quarter ending September 30, 2013, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal has confirmed it has secured a total of seven international conventions and four national conventions, up more than 57 per cent compared with the same period last year. These 11 major events will generate an estimated $53 million thanks to the nearly 28,000 convention-goers they will attract to the city. Secured primarily with the cooperation of the Société’s partner Tourisme Montréal, they will result in more than 60,000 room nights being booked in hotels across the city. Nearly 4,000 participants will attend the newly confirmed trade shows, expected to generate economic spinoffs of almost $4 million.
Overall for the second quarter, the facility confirmed 83 events for the coming years, representing a nearly 14 per cent increase in rented space compared to 2012-13. The Palais generated almost $57 million for the economy, up 47 per cent over the second quarter of 2012-13. The events will help attract over 75,000 business tourists and visitors to Montréal.
The quarter ended with 40 conventions and trade shows confirmed to date, 33 per cent more than for the same period last year. These events are expected to draw 82,300 business tourists, up 31 per cent. Finally, the economic spinoffs stemming from these confirmations are evaluated at over $140 million, an increase of 75 per cent compared to last year.
“Our results in the convention market clearly demonstrate that our development and promotional efforts are paying off,” explains Chrystine Loriaux, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal Director of Marketing and Communications. “The continued focus on business performance and the synergy of our various teams are helping the Palais maintain its leadership as the top host city in America for international conventions.”
Among large-scale events, the Palais hosted nine conventions and six consumers and trade shows during the course of the quarter, which generated nearly $49 million for Montréal. The conventions included the World Mining CIM & 30th ISARC 2013, which the city secured thanks to the involvement and dedication of Mr. Ferri Hassani, professor of Mining Engineering at McGill University and Executive Ambassador of the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Year-to-date events confirmed for the coming years (April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013)
- International and national conventions: 29
- Estimated room nights: 134,795
- Estimated economic spinoffs: $120,593,545
Projected results from conventions hosted (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014)
- International and national conventions: 42
- Estimated room nights: 171,558
- Estimated economic spinoffs: $164,210,815
