The Palais hosts the World Congress on Information Technology in its new hi-tech environment

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Palais des congrès de Montréal is looking forward to hosting the 18th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) from October 22 to 24, 2012 in state-of-the-art fashion. The world's leading information and communications technology (ICT) gathering, the congress will feature over 100 speakers and attract delegates from 80 countries.

"We are proud to welcome the World Congress on Information Technology, an event that is closely linked to one of our city's key economic sectors," explains Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "By providing a convention centre connected to the world, the Palais is ensuring it will continue to meet the needs of its customers, who are always looking for state-of-the-art user-friendly solutions. The Palais will soon become a platform where the success of each event will be driven by an optimal technological experience designed for large-scale events."

Spanning three days and convened under the theme "ONE Vision for a Global Digital Society," WCIT 2012 is looking to forge ahead with its Global Digital Society Action Plan aimed at maximizing the potential of digital technologies in various sectors and institutions. "WCIT 2012 features an ambitious program that will enable delegates to hear high-profile speakers and take part in debates that promise to be captivating," says WCIT 2012 CEO François Morin. "The congress will be held in a remarkable venue equipped with new generation technology, including dynamic signage."

A renewed hi-tech environment
The Palais des congrès de Montréal recently embarked on a major IT modernization project that will render it one of the leading e-friendly convention centres in North America, delivering hi-tech performance to event organizers, exhibitors and convention-goers. For WCIT 2012, we started by focusing on upgrading the network infrastructure, which can now accommodate up to 20,000 simultaneous wireless connections. In addition, a new venue-wide dynamic signage system and a video wall make it possible to communicate with delegates with greater efficiency.

Other improvements planned for the coming months include:

• A web platform with e-commerce and collaborative client zone to facilitate event planning and enable organizers to work more efficiently and productively;
  
  
• A customizable mobile event app for organizers, exhibitors and convention-goers to enjoy throughout the event.

We also released a new website, adapted for mobile devices, that provides users with a friendly and innovative browsing experience.

Surround wi-fi
In addition to enjoying full high-speed internet access inside the convention centre, WCIT delegates will also be able to access wi-fi service outside the venue around the block bordering the building. This supplemental service further enhances the Palais' IT offering and enables the city of Montréal to provide a state-of-the-art destination that delivers performance.

About the World Information Technology and Services Alliance
The organizer of the 18th World Congress on Information Technology, the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of more than 80 information technology industry associations from all over the world representing over 90 per cent of the global ICT market. The WITSA has become a leading and active advocate for ICT in international public policy issues.

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 28 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. To learn more about the Palais des congrès de Montréal, visit our website at www.congresmtl.com.

SOURCE: Palais des congrès de Montréal

Source:
Chrystine Loriaux, Adm.A., B.A.A.
Director, Marketing and Communications
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
Phone: [phone]

For information: 
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Amélie Asselin
Advisor, Communications and Public Relations
[email protected]
Phone: [phone]

WCIT 2012 Montréal
Polina Lichagina
Press Relations
[email protected]
Phone: [phone], ext. 224