These are strange days for the meetings and events community. And for venues, adjusting to the “new normal” has meant taking significant steps to comply with strict social distancing rules and secure the safety of their staff and guests.
Maintaining operations in the age of COVID-19 is no small challenge. Yet as Robert Mercure, CEO of Montreal’s Palais des congrès, notes in his following message to the industry, there is strength in numbers.
A message from Robert Mercure
These are uncertain times for everyone. The meetings and convention industry will evolve. Now, and for the future, our robust network will be vital.
At the Palais, we firmly believe that great ideas come from people meeting in person and sharing ideas. From the beginning of the crisis, the Palais has ensured to act as a facilitator and not negatively impact its association clients and partners financially.
We are also currently deploying sanitary committees and sharing ideas with hotels, restaurants, and other industry suppliers, to quickly adopt new safety measures that can be settled as soon as our activities resume. These common standards will greatly increase the safety of staff and clients at the Palais. Here are the aspects that will be covered:
- Social distancing measures
- Banquet services procedures
- Sanitary measures
- Overall safety logistics and parameters
- Systemic virtual opportunities
It is important for us to keep in touch with all of you to safeguard your future events and find ways of reinventing them within the framework of this new reality. Last year, the Palais des congrès de Montréal had already undertaken a review of its priorities, and we are more determined than ever to “advocate for Montréal creativity” and build the convention centre of the future. These changes will accelerate the deployment of our new vision.
Please consider that we are open to ideas on how to best assist you and the community during this challenging period.
You will be able to count on us on the frontlines as a trusted partner, fostering a quick, renewed, and responsible return to business. Together, we will overcome this. Our agility, our flexibility, and above all, our excellent working relationship will make the difference!
When the time comes, we will be here, readier than ever to create the events of the future.
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Mr. Mercure’s message comes at a challenging time for all meetings and events players. And though the landscape will one day return to “normal,” collaboration and unity are what’s needed today.
Palais des congrès’s “Thinking Forward Together” video and Learn more about the Palais des congrès de Montréal at https://congresmtl.com/en/
