SIAL Canada: The North American food industry converges on the Palais des congrès de Montréal

MONTREAL, May 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - May 9 to 11, 2012, the Palais des congrès de Montréal will be setting the table for the SIAL (Salon international de l'alimentation) international food trade show, Canada's largest international agrifood business showcase. Some 13,000 food industry professionals and 600 exhibitors from 40 countries will be descending on the Palais for the show, which will be taking over nearly 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space in downtown Montréal. An additional 10,000 sq. ft. had to be booked this year in light of the 2011 edition's unprecedented success, making this SIAL Canada a record-breaking edition in terms of size. The event has been held at the Palais since 2003.

"We are pleased to play an active role in staging the leading food industry trade show in America, as we strive to make this event a resounding success at every level," underscores Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. "The Palais' vast rooms and exhibition spaces, state-of-the-art services and expert staff make it ideal for hosting large-scale exhibitions." Adds Québec Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard: "Hosting this major trade show contributes to Montréal's enviable international reputation as an essential business destination. The $12M the event will be generating for the economy will also have a positive impact on the Québec tourism industry."

Events and exclusive competitions showcasing international food industry innovations will be on the menu, as will conferences and themed circuits designed to optimize the experience for participants.

About SIAL Canada
SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation) Canada is an international food trade show that caters to North American food industry professionals. The show is one of the industry's most important business events in North America, attracting in excess of 600 exhibitors and more than 13,000 visitors from 60+ countries over the course of 3 days every year. SIAL Canada is an integral part of the SIAL Group, the world's leading network of food industry shows, which operates on 4 continents (Paris, Montréal/Toronto, Shanghai, São Paulo and Abu Dhabi). For more information, visit www.sialcanada.com.

The Palais: Accessible and practical
Located in the heart of the city, the Palais is easily accessible either by car, public transit or on foot, especially since it is directly linked to the metro system and the underground city. SIAL Montréal visitors will also have the opportunity to discover the products and services available year round at the Galeries du Palais, where dozens of merchants are always conveniently open for Montréal tourists, convention-goers and workers in the downtown core and Old Montréal! Visit www.lesgaleriesdupalais.com to learn more.

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 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 www.congresmtl.com.

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]

Geneviève Côté
SIAL Canada - Bicom Communications
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]