2013 Montréal Video World Games: The Palais des congrès de Montréal partners with Just For Laughs to develop the international event

MONTREAL, Nov. 22, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal is pleased to confirm that Just For Laughs will produce the first ever Montréal Video World Games in 2013, along with a special preview presentation in 2012. Scheduled to coincide with the peak of tourism season, this large-scale project aims to become a recurring event of international calibre that will attract over 50,000 participants from the general public, as well as 2,000 industry participants. The event will generate an estimated $8 million in economic spinoffs for Montréal and Québec.

"We are very pleased to announce that the production of the Montréal Video World Games will be orchestrated by a Montréal organization that is recognized worldwide for its events," states Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "Montréal is one of video gaming capitals of the world and we simply had to be a part of promoting the industry forward." Since its founding in 1983, Just For Laughs has forged a reputation for excellence in events, television production and live shows. "Just For Laughs is delighted to partner with the Palais in putting together this new event intended for the general public, gamers and the gaming industry. The event will add to the wealth of summer activities in the city and further enhance Montréal's image," emphasizes Just For Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon.

The Palais executive leadership has already surrounded the event with some high-profile partners, such as the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal, Montréal international, Tourisme Montréal, the ETS engineering school, and numerous gaming industry organizations. Some Montréal festivals have already expressed an interest in collaborating with the Montréal Video World Games, e.g. the Fantasia International Film Festival and the MUTEK Festival. "We want the Montréal Video World Games to have an unmistakably Montréal flavour," adds Marc Tremblay. "Which is why we will be focusing on harnessing the creativity and attractions that abound in our city!"

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 Just For Laughs
Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group's growth is concentrated on four major focal points: festivals (in Montréal, Toronto, Chicago and Sidney); television production (most notably Gags, seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines); live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Louis C.K., etc.); and talent management. The Montréal Just For Laughs Festival is the world's largest comedy event, attracting nearly 2 million people each summer. The Group has offices in Montréal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto and London, and will be celebrating its 30^th anniversary in 2012.

For further information: