Montréal chosen to welcome over 1,500 Python programmers for the world's most important conference on the subject

MONTREAL, April 11 /CNW Telbec/ - It is with great joy and honour that Montréal-Python organizers and Tourisme Montréal received the nomination of Montréal as the host city of PyCon (2014 and 2015), the most significant international conference centred on the Python programming language. This annual event connects the Python programming community, providing members with the ideal opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. The agenda includes many presentations and workshops, as well as a number of activities designed to promote networking among the participants. Above and beyond ideas, PyCon puts words into action, with "pythonistas" getting together for intense development sessions with the objective of advancing numerous software projects.

"In 2011, some 1,500 delegates participated in a seven-day event that continues to grow, year after year. By choosing Montréal, the organizers decided, for the very first time, to hold the event outside of the United States," says Davin Baragiotta, Montréal-Python spokesperson. "It wasn't an accident that PyCon organizers chose Montréal. To begin with, the local Python community here is regarded as very dynamic, but it is also due to a carefully-prepared bid proposal put together by local organizers and supported by Tourisme Montréal, that the decision was made," concludes Mathieu Leduc-Hamel, also from Montréal-Python.

"I'm extremely excited that PyCon 2014 and 2015 will be held in Montréal. The local Python user group is fast-growing and dynamic—in short, a fantastic example of what we look for when evaluating where we should hold the conference. The Montréal-Python group and Tourisme Montréal should be congratulated for putting together such a compelling bid. They submitted an amazing proposal for a beautiful city; we are eager to expand PyCon US into PyCon North America, and we look forward to visiting Montréal," expresses Jesse Noller, incoming PyCon Chairman for the next two years and Python Software Foundation Director.

"The news of Montréal receiving the honour of hosting PyCon reinforces the city's position as a rapidly expanding techno-destination and a magnet when it comes to technological innovation and creativity," affirms the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "Not only will participants discover a community of talented technophiles here in Montréal, but they will also have the wonderful opportunity to experience the pace of this city whose charm, energy, culinary variety, festivities, and ingenuity are beyond compare," adds Charles Lapointe.

Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal (Convention Centre), says: "In 2013, the Palais des congrès de Montréal will have completed the development of a world class technological environment, and will position itself as a leader in its industry on an international level, particularly in terms of participant productivity and global client experience. It will be a unique opportunity for PyCon participants to enjoy our efficient facilities located in the heart of the most dynamic techno-metropolis in North America."

About Montréal-Python
Montréal-Python represents an active and important community of Python programming language users. Founded in 2007, Montréal-Python organizes regular meetings, as well as presentations and training for programmers. The organization also hosts programming sprints, and coordinates the Python track of the ConFoo Conference. All of this is possible thanks to a dedicated team of organizers, member participation, and the loyal support of committed local sponsors. Python is used in a variety of digital environments: on the Internet, Python is the programming language behind Youtube, and in the scientific field, it is used by Environment Canada.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market.

About Palais des congrès de Montréal
The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, consumer/trade shows, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates important economic spin-offs for Québec and has proudly contributed, for 27 years, to knowledge sharing and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-class destination. For more information on the Palais des congrès, please visit www.congresmtl.com.

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