Quarterly report - April 1 to June 30, 2012 - The Palais des congrès confirms 19 conventions and trade shows that will generate $43.6 million in economic benefits for Montréal

MONTREAL, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal confirmed that it has obtained three international conventions¹ and 10 national conventions.² These 13 major events represent economic benefits estimated at more than $29 million, with more than 27,000 delegates and visitors coming to the city. These agreements, reached with the notable collaboration of its partner organization Tourisme Montréal, will result in bookings of more than 24,000 room nights at Montréal hotels. The trade shows will bring in more than 14,000 participants attending the newly confirmed events.

In the first quarter overall, 105 events were confirmed for future years, a 5% increase compared with 2011-12 and up 21% from 2010-11. The confirmed events will lead to the city's welcoming nearly 140,000 delegates and participants, up 20% from the first quarter last year and 50% from the corresponding period in 2010-11.

"These substantial results, especially in the convention market, clearly show the success of the development and promotion efforts undertaken in the last two years," said Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "As the top North American destination in hosting international events, according to the Union of International Associations 2011 ranking, and a finalist for the International Association of Congress Centres' 2012 Apex Award for World's Best Convention Centre, Montréal and the Palais are very well positioned on the world scene, also contributing to the economic and intellectual development of the province and the city," he added.

The major events held during the quarter consisted of seven conventions and 11 shows, accounting for more than 56,000 delegates and participants. Globally, events held in the quarter will generate more than $97 million in spinoffs for Montréal. Conventions held included the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, hosted thanks to the involvement and commitment of Professor Ke Wu of the Polytechnique Montréal electrical engineering department and Executive Ambassador of the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Year-to-date events confirmed for future years (April 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012)
International and national conventions: 13
Estimated room nights: 24,480
Estimated economic spinoffs: $29,090,497 

Projected results from conventions hosted (April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013)
International and national conventions: 32
Estimated room nights: 99,510
Estimated economic spinoffs: $129,502,489

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: 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, please visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.

1. Including American conventions.  2. Including Québec conventions

SOURCE: Palais des congrès de Montréal

For further information:

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