Quarterly Report - July 1 to September 30, 2013 - The Palais des congrès confirms 14 major conventions and trade shows that will generate $ 57 M for Montréal and Québec City

MONTREAL, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - or the quarter ending September 30, 2013, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal has confirmed it has secured a total of seven international¹ conventions and four national² conventions, up more than 57 % compared with the same period last year. These 11 major events will generate an estimated $ 53 M thanks to the nearly 28,000 convention-goers they will attract to the city. Secured primarily with the cooperation of the Société's partner Tourisme Montréal, they will result in more than 60,000 room nights being booked in hotels across the city. Nearly 4,000 participants will attend the newly confirmed trade shows, expected to generate economic spinoffs of almost $ 4 M.

Overall for the second quarter, we confirmed 83 events for the coming years, representing a nearly 14% increase in rented space compared to 2012-13. The Palais generated almost $57M for the economy, up 47% over the second quarter of 2012-13. The events will help attract over 75,000 business tourists and visitors to Montréal.

The quarter ended with 40 conventions and trade shows confirmed to date, 33 % more than for the same period last year. These events are expected to draw 82,300 business tourists, up 31 %. Finally, the economic spinoffs stemming from these confirmations are evaluated at over $ 140 M, an increase of 75 % compared to last year.

"Our results in the convention market clearly demonstrate that our development and promotional efforts are paying off," explains Chrystine Loriaux, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal Director of Marketing and Communications. "The continued focus on business performance and the synergy of our various teams are helping the Palais maintain its leadership as the top host city in America for international conventions," adds Loriaux.

Among large-scale events, the Palais hosted nine conventions and six consumers and trade shows during the course of the quarter, which generated nearly $ 49 M for Montréal. The conventions included the World Mining CIM & 30th ISARC 2013, which the city secured thanks to the involvement and dedication of Mr. Ferri Hassani, professor of Mining Engineering at McGill University and Executive Ambassador of the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Year-to-date events confirmed for the coming years (April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013)
International and national conventions: 29
Estimated room nights: 134 795
Estimated economic spinoffs: $120 593 545

Projected results from conventions hosted (April 1, 2013 - March 31, 2014)
International and national conventions: 42
Estimated room nights: 171 558
Estimated economic spinoffs: $164 210 815

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 the city and Québec and has contributed proudly for over 30 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 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

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
Phone: [phone]

For information:
Jimmy Laforge
Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
[email protected]
Phone: [phone]

Alexandra Graveline
Manager, Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
[email protected]
Phone: [phone]