Quarterly Report - July 1 to September 30, 2011 - Palais des congrès convention centre to host 12 new large-scale events that will generate $62 million for Montréal and Québec's economy

MONTREAL, Nov. 15, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - For the quarter ending September 30, 2011, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal has confirmed it has secured 6 new international¹ conventions and 6 national² conventions, an overall increase of 71% over the same quarter in 2010-2011. These 12 major conventions represent economic spinoffs for Montréal estimated at nearly $62 million. The international convention market fared particularly well, doubling its performance from last year. Secured primarily with the cooperation of the Société's long-standing partner Tourisme Montréal, the conventions will result in nearly 44,000 room nights being booked in hotels across the city.

Overall, the total number of confirmed events represents a 6.7% increase over the same quarter for the previous year, and a 91% increase over the same period in 2009-2010. The events will occupy a total of 19.3 million square feet, hence 71.5% more than in the second quarter of 2010-2011.

As a result, the Palais des congrès is ending its first semester with a total of 214 confirmed events, or an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year and 68.5% over the year before that. The convention and exhibition markets posted increases of 36.8% and 20.8%, respectively. Overall, nearly 39 million square feet have been booked, accounting for a rise of 30.2% over the same period in 2010-2011.

"We are proud to be playing an active role in promoting Montréal. By focusing on an ambitious sales and marketing plan driven by a resurgence in business activity, we have demonstrated that it is possible to reach new heights by generating even more economic spinoffs," explains Marc Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Year-to-date events confirmed for future years (April 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011)
International and national conventions: 26
Estimated room nights: 88 802
Estimated economic spinoffs: $158 156 826 

Projected results from conventions hosted (April 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012)
International and national conventions: 34
Estimated room nights: 122 326
Estimated economic spinoffs: $145 230 175 

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The mission of the Palais des congrès de Montréal is to attract and host conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events. A public institution with a commercial vocation, the Palais generates major economic spinoffs for Québec and has contributed proudly for over 27 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. For more information on the Palais des congrès de Montréal, visit our website at www.congresmtl.com.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for promoting Montréal's hospitality industry by positioning the city as a premier business and leisure travel destination. A private non-profit organization founded in 1919, it has over 750 members from Montréal's tourism community. Tourisme Montréal is Québec's oldest tourism organization and among North America's earliest. For more information: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

1. Including U.S. conventions    2. Including Québec conventions

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