Palais des congrès de Montréal to host International Polar Year's biggest event

MONTREAL, April 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Palais des congrès de Montréal is getting ready to host the International Polar Year 2012 Conference April 22 to 27, 2012. About 4,000 climate specialists from over 60 countries are expected to attend and to generate nearly $9 million in economic spinoffs for the city of Montréal. Titled From Knowledge to Action, the conference will draw international attention to the Polar Regions, global change, and related environmental, social and economic issues.

Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, underscored that "the Palais des congrès de Montréal team is proud to contribute to the success of such a prestigious event, which selected Montréal largely as a result of the city's abundance of research centres and higher learning institutions. In addition to contributing to the city's economy, the conference will also generate untold intellectual benefits through workshops, discussions and meetings."

There have been only four International Polar Years since it first took place in 1882. In 2012, thanks to the support of Dr. Michel Béland, outgoing co-chair of the International Joint Committee for the 2007-2008 Polar Year, the 4^th International Polar Year will conclude with the third and last conference bringing together scientists from all over the world. Dr. Béland, who is with Environment Canada and also President of the World Meteorological Organization's Commission for Atmospheric Sciences, is an executive member of the Palais Ambassadors Club and also active with the Club's advisory board.

For her part, Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard stated that "the level of commitment displayed by local ambassadors has a remarkable impact on Montréal's reputation within the international business community. We would like to underscore the involvement of Dr. Béland and the local committee, and their efforts in promoting Montréal and Québec as a premier destination recognized for the quality of its researchers and specialists in the field."

Green certified event
The conference organizers have chosen to plan a green certified event in accordance with Québec's standard BNQ 9700-253 respecting responsible event management. This certification is reserved for events that have been planned in accordance with sustainability requirements. More precisely, environmental considerations were factored into the selection of suppliers, the use of materials, energy and water, the management of residual waste, the selection of food, and the handling of transportation means.

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. 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 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. For more information, visit www.tourisme montréal.org.

For further information:

Source:

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

For information:

Amélie Asselin
Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
graveline.alexandra@tourisme-Montréal.org
Phone: [phone]

Jacques Lavigne
International Polar Year - Améthyste communications
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 514 949-1650