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25 years paving a unique path

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“We know where we come from, we also know what we need

to do in the future.”

159, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, 9e étage

Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1H2 CANADA

Tél. : 514 871-8122 • Téléc. : 514 871-9389

info@congresmtl.com

1 800 268-8122

Washington Office

Tel.: 202-861-8640 • Fax: 202-861-9359

montrealconventions@congresmtl.com

ISSN-0828-4873

Contact is published by the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Coordination and graphic design : Nu Design

Copywriting : Samarkand, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal

Photo creditsMarc Cramer, Martine Doyon, Stephan Poulin, OSA Images, Martin Girard and Pierre Manning

of Shoot Studio, Palais des congrès de Montréal, Quartier international, Tourisme Montréal,

Tourisme Québec and all the photographers who captured the Palais during the past 25 years

Contact est aussi disponible en français.

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The Palais des congrès de Montréal opened in the heart of the city’s downtown in 1983. If Expo 67 and the Olympic Games sig-naled Montréal’s ascent onto the interna-tional stage, the Palais’ inauguration was a sign the city would become the world’s meeting place.

The Québec government’s decision to locate the Palais downtown was clearly the right choice. The venue’s strategic geo-graphic location, linking Old Montréal and the city’s business district, quickly became a competitive advantage.

Between 1983 and 2000, the Palais built on its worldwide reputation for excel-lence, professional staff and topnotch ser-vices. It rapidly helped establish Montréal as Canada’s leading international conven-tion destination.

The year 2000 ushered in a new millen-nium, and a new start. Buoyed by its inter-national success, the Palais needed more room. It embarked on an expansion project that would trigger the revitalization of an entire district. The new Palais, as we know it today, opened in 2002, at a time when international conventions were out of favour in the wake of 9/11. The Palais neverthe-less continued to make its mark and grow.

The Palais became a gateway for events of global consequence, welcoming 12.6 mil-lion visitors in the process. A major player in the development of the city’s tourism, it generated sizable economic and intellectual spin-offs for Québec as whole, helping our society advance in a variety of areas.

We are proud of the economic and intel-lectual impact we have had on our city. We thank all the partners who supported, guided, advised and energized us and our endeavours over the last 25 years. Our partners come in all shapes and sizes, but they all stand by our side providing their unconditional support. The collective effort of a community united in promoting its city and always looking for new ways to collaborate is the reason why Montréal is still Canada’s leading international conven-tion destination.

The Palais’ 25 years have also meant 25 years dedicated to advancing infra-structures, 25 years of ongoing research aimed at improving our product and ser- vice offering, 25 years actively listening to our clients.

We know where we come from, we also know what we need to do in the future. By continuing to work closely with the busi-ness and academic communities, and also with the public and private research sec-tors, we will succeed in competing in an increasingly fierce market and continue to offer our clients our trademark unforget-table experience.

Paul Saint-Jacques

President and CEO Palais des congrès de Montréal

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The Palais’ 25 years have also meant 25 years dedicated to advancing infrastructures, 25 years of ongoing research aimed at improving our product and service offering, 25 years actively listening to our clients.

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As Minister of Tourism and Minister of Economic Develop-ment, Innovation and Export Trade, I welcome the pleasure of saluting the Palais des congrès’ 25 years.

Since it opened in 1983, the Palais has been a key player in Montréal’s tourism commu-nity. Over 25 years, 12.6 million people visited the Palais during the course of 4 339 events, resulting in 3.7 million room nights and $4.1 billion in economic spin-offs. The Palais has contributed to making Mon-tréal Canada’s leading host city for interna-tional meetings and North America’s second leading international convention destina-tion, according to the Union of International Associations.

With major events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2005, and the World Education Congress of Meeting Planners International (MPI) in 2007, the Palais has shown the world that it is capable of hosting large-scale international events.

Today, the Palais is an economic driver. It recorded its second best year in 2006-2007 as it hosted no less than 215 events and drew over 600 000 visitors, generating nearly 157 000 room nights in the process and more than $213 million in economic spin-offs.

The success of this state corporation is tied to its people, teams of professionals who over the years worked hard to elevate the Palais to where it is today. It is a noteworthy accomplishment. I wish to underscore the work of the current President and CEO of the Palais, Paul Saint-Jacques, his prede-cessors, the Ambassadors’ Club, and every-one near and far who has contributed to the success of this jewel of the Québec tourism industry. I salute your dedication and your dynamism, which have helped the Palais become synonymous with success.

Thanks to the Palais’ presence, the city of Montréal is now a premium host site for North American and international conventions.

Once again, congratulations and long life to the Palais.

Raymond Bachand

Minister of Tourism and Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade

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“The Palais has contributed to making Montréal the second leading North American convention destination, and the Number One convention destination in Canada,” declares Tremblay for starters. He believes the quality of the facilities and the state-of-the-art ser-vices render it a popular venue for delegates, and this has a major impact on the city’s vi-tality and international reputation.

The mayor quickly points out that, archi-tecturally speaking, the innovative Palais is one of the reasons why Montréal was appointed a UNESCO City of Design. The distinctive façades blend perfectly with their surroundings. Part modern building, part heritage property, the Palais exudes a unique personality. Its architecture and bold public squares speak volumes about the importance of art and culture in Montréal. “A symbol of creativity and innovation, the Palais embodies the values that are dear to our city. It is a centrepiece of our cityscape that has helped drive the Quartier interna-

tional de Montréal’s present level of suc-cess,” adds the mayor enthusiastically.

The Palais has been the site of several noteworthy events in its young history. The mayor recalls two events in particular that had a profound effect on him. He remem-bers the excitement of the Montréal Cultural Metropolis meeting, which he chaired in November 2007. “It was amazing to see our city’s cultural and business communities mobilize that way. But the most important event I attended at the Palais was the 11th United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2005.” The event was a turning point in the city’s green movement.

Gérald Tremblay believes the future of the Palais is inexorably tied to that of Montréal. He is aware that “the Palais must always find new ways to draw and accommodate business tourists. It is where knowledge and know-how converge, so it is naturally up to the challenge. Also, the Palais is not alone

in promoting Montréal as an international business destination.” The mayor actively urges all municipal partners to contribute to the advancement of Montréal.

The Palais helps attract events of scale that serve to consolidate Montréal’s strategic advantage as a host site for international conventions. “There is no doubt the Palais is contributing to making Montréal one of North America’s major urban and business tourism destinations,” concludes mayor Tremblay with a big smile.

Montréal’s mayor is a humble man who brings people and ideas together. Elected mayor in 2001, Gérald Tremblay is also a found-ing member of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change, and vice-president of the Association internationale des maires franco-phones. Currently in his second term, Tremblay is very optimistic about Montréal’s rise on the international stage, especially in light of the Palais’ fine performance.

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conventions

25 years paving a unique path

4 339 events in all

4,1 billion dollars in economic spin-offs

3,7 million room nights 12,6 million visitors

The Palais des congrès de Montréal has been enjoying a unique journey, one shaped by global market forces, driven by challenges, marked out with the help of valued partners, and rewarded with notable successes. These 25 years tell an eloquent tale, that of a convention centre and a society on the move, making their way together for ever after.

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The Palais operates in a world of infor-med, discriminating travellers, where activities are expected to flow so del-egates feel they are taking part in fruitful exchanges in an environment that fosters the sharing of knowledge and ideas. This is what the Palais delivers, and the style that defines it.

Professionalism and active listening for the purpose of arriving at tailored solutions are also Palais trademarks. In 25 years,

the Palais has developed very effective practices while its infrastructures have stayed in lockstep with the latest techno-logy, making an array of options possible. Always attuned to the modern world as it evolves, the Palais has bolstered its secu-rity measures and introduced exemplary green practices.

By being on the move constantly, the Palais manages to adapt without ever compromising performance.

Major world issues have been debated here, like AIDS and global warming. In 25 years, the Palais has witnessed some of the finest hours in the history of humanity. And that’s just for starters…

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2,8 billion dollars in economic spin-offs

3,5 million room nights 2,4 million visitors

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exhibitions

From rare stamps and fast cars to being transported to the Arabian Nights, the list of products exhibited at the Palais over 25 years is virtually endless.

Ever since the venue’s expansion in 2002, the Palais’ team has been busy brainstorming new ways of bringing to life the special requirements and unusual requests exhibitions invariably generate. Inventiveness, flexibility and an open mind are summoned in order to exploit the im-mense potential of the facilities, upgraded across the board.

Major public events also mean large crowds. Palais show openings are always inviting and exciting, but never at the ex-pense of professionalism and security. It is an approach that has met with great success, judging by the popularity of the exhibitions held at the Palais and how at home visitors feel.

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949 commercial and public exhibitions

1,2 billion dollars in economic spin-offs

144 658 room nights 8 million visitors

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exhibitions meetings

The Palais is always an appropriate venue, for business and pleasure. Whether celebrating excellence or sheltering ice storm victims like in 1998, the Palais is there whenever the need arises!

The Palais can handle formal occasions and offbeat events with equal aplomb, another feature that sets it apart from other venues. It has a versatile team than can execute rapidly when it comes to fill-ing the Palais with a festive atmosphere.

Event planners looking for a spectacu-lar outcome can count on the array of state-of-the-art expertise the Palais has to offer. The Palais is the place for paying tribute to and celebrating excellence and accomplishments.

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2 373 meetings and special events

144 690 dollars in economic spin-offs

67 773 room nights 2,2 million visitors

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The Palais’ appearance eloquently embo-dies both past and future. The façade on Saint-Antoine West, which faces the historic area along the river, incorporates the fronts of properties built between 1885 and 1928. It is an eclectic mix of late Victorian, Art Deco and the architecture typical of early 20th-century fire halls. As for the flat and rainbow-coloured side facing the Jean-Paul-Riopelle public square, it reflects the ultramodern properties built in recent years.

You’re in the heart of Old Montréal in minutes, where you can amble the cobble-stone streets and admire venerable build-ings like the Notre-Dame Basilica, a 19th- century neo-Gothic church, and the Éperon Building of the Pointe-à-Callière museum, a recent and inspiring piece of architecture.

To the west is the historic business dis-trict, lined with landmark buildings, some of which house major banks while others have been converted into trendy boutique hotels.

The adjacent Quartier international is your gateway to the present, and future. This urban area inaugurated in 2004 links the Palais to the city’s downtown office towers. It is home to prestigious corporations and organizations whose purpose is to promote Montréal’s international character, while also promoting the arts and culture. At-tractions include works of art from the likes of Jean-Paul Riopelle, Marcelle Ferron and Charles Daudelin. Also nearby will be the TVM Technopole Ville-Marie, slated for construction in the near future. The TVM will be a centre for medical and advanced research facilities.pa

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also being as forward looking as some of the other bold proj-ects in the area. This is obvious the minute you step out and find so much to discover within walking distance…

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Next stop: downtown, which you can en-joy at street level or through the world’s most elaborate underground city, a 33-km pedestrian network lined with shops and restaurants, which also connects the city core’s main attractions.

After window shopping along Sainte-Catherine Street, one of Canada’s liveliest commercial arteries, set a course for the Quartier des spectacles, the city’s enter-tainment district. This bustling district is so visually identifiable, you can’t miss it. It is home to over 30 performance halls, numer-ous art galleries and venues for alternative culture. Many establishments project their own trademark lighting, and the district as a whole is currently being marked in red spotlighting over the sidewalks in front of the performance halls. This original spot-

lighting concept currently being rolled out by the entertainment district’s partnership board earned its designers several awards.

You will notice during your stroll that the city is full of hotels rallying several thousand rooms within walking distance. One final stop: lively and picturesque Chinatown. Enter through the lion-bordered archway and step into another time and place, be-fore heading back to the Palais through the quiet pathway and the Esplanade garden.

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Old Montréal

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In May 2008, Dr. Denis Forest was putting the final touches on the 24th Journées dentaires internationales du Québec to be hosted at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in 25 years! Some 11,000 dentistry pro-fessionals attended the 4-day convention, which Dr. Forest has super-vised for 37 years. According to Dr. Forest, the annual event would never have come this far without the Palais.

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Dr. Forest contacted the Palais’ production team the moment the convention centre was inaugurated in 1983. Together, they sealed an agreement that would be renewed and expanded year after year. The event grew increasingly successful, practically doubling in attendance since 1984, when the con-vention drew 6,000 delegates.

As the head and chief organizer of the event, Dr. Forest feels well looked after at the Palais, where the convention enjoys 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and an equal amount for conferences and training workshops. “No other venue in Québec can match this,” says Forest.

This capacity combined with the full range of services the Palais offers makes it possi-ble to host all the activities in a single venue. “I’ve attended many conventions where the events were scattered all over the city. For instance, in New Delhi the delegates never felt they were together, always in motion, in taxis or in rickshaws.” Dr. Forest believes

that centralizing an event in one location lends more cohesiveness and also simpli-fies the organizers’ job.

Another of the Palais’ sizable assets, as underscored by many of the convention delegates, is its downtown location. “The Palais is within walking distance from your hotel, cafés, restaurants, entertainment. This is an undeniable advantage, unlike the convention centres in Chicago or Las Vegas, which are located far from the city’s main attractions!”

When asked about the Palais’ produc-tion team, with which he’s worked for many years, Dr. Forest offers nothing but praise. “Their expertise and kindness en-abled us to do things we thought impossible. Rarely was there a situation or a problem that wasn’t met with an ‘ok, we’ll take care of it.’ The people at the Palais can handle anything. This team is outstanding 24-7. They’ve made our objectives their own and have helped us achieve them.”

The idea of holding the event elsewhere saddens Dr. Forest. It would be like leav-ing home. Fortunately, that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon! After welcoming 14,000 delegates for the international convention of the World Dental Federa-tion in 2005 (which earned him the Palais’ Ambassador by Appointment title), he feels “his” convention is on track to becoming the leading event for dentistry professionals in the French-speaking world. He fully expects the event will continue to grow. “The Palais’ infrastructure and facilities allow us plenty of room to grow, and may we continue to grow together with the Palais,” concludes Dr. Forest warmly.

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The Ambassadors’ Club was established during the Palais’ second year. The two have been inseparable ever since. Now, the Club is home to a se-lect group of over 200 men and women. It is presided by Dr. Jacques Corcos, Chief of the Urology Department at the Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital in Montréal. Dr. Corcos epitomizes today’s Club, reenergized and seeking the next wave of Ambassadors.

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Academics, researchers, businesspeople, the Ambassadors’ Club brings together personalities from a vast range of disci-plines. What they have in common is they each helped organize a major international convention at the Palais.

“These are special people who enjoy committing themselves, when you consider the time, effort and drive required to plan and lead a major international event,” explains Dr. Corcos. “Then again, the payback is worth it on so many levels: personal reputa-tion, recognition from your peers, favourable repercussions for your company or universi-ty, international exposure for your discipline and also for Montréal.”

Dr. Corcos beams when recalling the im-mense success of the 35th Annual Meet-ing of the International Continence Society, a convention he chaired in 2005 for which he still receives praise. “Montréal and the Palais clearly form an excellent product, superior by far to most other convention

destinations. The pairing of a lively city with a highly functional convention centre is a rare combination. Nevertheless, Montréal faces fierce competition, and securing an interna-tional convention is not an easy feat.”

Hence Dr. Corcos’ current pilgrimage,trying to convince influential Montréalers to em-bark on the amazing adventure that is planning an international convention. “Pro-spective Ambassadors do not realize the highly-organized support structure they will have behind them. Our job is to make sure they know this and to promote the fact that the Club has become a resourceful network for people interested in organizing an inter-national convention.”

Dr. Corcos, with the backing of the Palais team, is holding a series of consultations with current Ambassadors, who are wel-coming the opportunity to offer their feed-back. “Listening to the Club members and analyzing their experiences is proving an instructive exercise. Understanding where

they’ve encountered obstacles and where they’ve succeeded enables us to be better prepared when trying to attract new con-ventions. In addition to being highly motiva-tional, the consultations have yielded some brilliant discussions and are forming the basis of an action plan we will be rolling out during the year.”

“Conventions are the soul of our beauti-ful Palais and city,” he adds. “But conven-tions aren’t simply handed to you, you have to earn them, make them happen. This is where every Ambassador can step in, by ei-ther bringing a convention to Montréal, or by inspiring younger colleagues to experience something that will have a profound impact on their lives and careers.”

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“What I find most striking is how much clients have changed in the last 25 years,” observes Francine. “They can choose from a vast array of options spanning every con-tinent. They search for increasingly exotic destinations and convention centres that keep redefining state-of-the-art. They come to Montréal with their heads filled with new ideas and very specific requirements, making sure every dollar they invest trans-lates into the closest thing to perfection!”

So how do you succeed when they keep raising the bar? According to Francine, the secret is in the special ties the Palais builds and nurtures with its clients. “We’re always available and we’re active listeners, that’s what sets us apart from our competitors and what stands out repeatedly in our customer satisfaction surveys. I should mention that our clients know how to showcase their events. We make it possible for them to sur-pass their objectives by guiding them and giving them a professional infrastructure

to support their endeavours. We’re essen-tially with them every step of the production phase, from planning to execution. We make sure everything goes by the book!”

Francine’s career path reflects the Palais’ progress. She has taken part in most of the events held at the Palais, but some will lin-ger in her memory longer than others.

“The convention for the deaf really inter-ested me and it touched me deeply,” recalls Francine. “The staff learned sign language in order to greet the delegates, and every-thing was planned based on their specific needs. I am proud to say that the outcome was extraordinary.”

Each week ushers in a new set of chal-lenges, and produces many high mo-ments. “Each international event pushes us to find new solutions and explore new avenues. That was the case with the 11th United Nations Climate Change Conference, which attracted about 10,000 delegates.

This event posed challenges on two fronts, environmentally and in terms of security. We adapted and developed the capacity to hold green events and provide the security large-scale events require, and now all our clients are benefiting from the level of expertise we’ve acquired in these areas. It was an experience I’ll never forget!”

Constantly moving forward for 25 years. Much like its Production Director, the Palais is already looking forward to the new chal-lenges tomorrow has in store.

Francine Forest and the Palais are virtually inseparable. She was there when it opened in 1983, and has proudly watched it grow, expand and turn 25. Currently the Palais’ Production Director, and on the verge of re-tiring, Francine reflects on her 25 years looking after her clients and their myriad projects.

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Association of Greater Montréal

“25 years already! Happy 25th!

The Palais attracts North American and international conventions, and this has a direct impact on the city’s hotels and retailers. These events add billions of dollars to the city’s economy and boost Montréal’s reputation as a destination of choice. You are an essential part of our city and vital to its economic health. Thank you!”

Brenda Rodricks General Manager - Omni Mont-Royal and President of the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal

Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain

“My 25th anniversary wish for the Palais is that even more businesspeople from here and elsewhere will have the opportunity to enjoy everything this venue at the heart of our city has to offer. May this unique facility continue to attract attention and be a source of pride for Montréalers!”

Isabelle Hudon President and CEO

Aéroports de Montréal

“There are many things that connect the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Aéroports de Montréal. We work together to make Montréal one the finest host sites in the world for international conventions. The proximity of the Montréal-Trudeau international airport constitutes a major asset. Now all we need to complete this winning formula is an express rail shuttle linking the airport to the city’s downtown! Happy anniversary.”

James C. Cherry President and CEO

Montréal International

“The Palais is among the modern and efficient Montréal venues that have contributed to making the city the second leading destination for North Ameri-can conventions. Montréal International is pleased to join the Palais and its employees in celebrating 25 years of successfully promoting Montréal on the international stage.”

André Gamache President and CEO

Tourisme Montréal

“I am pleased to congratulate this major Montréal tourism institution on its 25 years.

The Palais is a hub linking the city’s business, inter-national and entertainment districts, as well as China-town and Old Montréal.

To my dear friends at the Palais, I wish a year filled with celebrations and many, many confirmed con-ventions...”

Charles Lapointe President-General Manager

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Green awards and honours • 2005: BOMA Québec Visez vert/Go Green certification. The program recognizes the environmental protection efforts of owners and managers of existing properties.• 2006: Énergia award in the recommissioning category, from the Association québécoise de la maîtrise de l’Énergie.• 2007: Member of the Hydro-Québec Energy Savers’ Circle, which groups together large corporations recognized for their leadership and outstanding performance in the area of energy efficiency.

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The Palais is also innovating through its practical guide to organizing green events for planners wishing to reduce the environ-mental footprint of their meetings, conven-tions and special events. The range of à la carte services available makes it possible to support each client based on how green they want their event to be and to reach their objectives, and to also recognize every action taken to protect the environment.

The world’s first major city to sign the National Geographic Society’s Geotourism Charter, and also quality accredited by Destination Marketing Association Interna-tional, Montréal is amply tooled to become a leading ecoresponsible destination.

Ecoresponsible events

Going green is going strong

Since its expansion in 2002, the Palais has undertaken green steps that include new energy efficiency measures and the adoption of an environmental policy. Also, eager to help tackle the environmental challenges faced by the tourism industry, the Palais has joined a new GREEN committee started by Tourisme Montréal. The committee will develop a plan to help curb the environmental footprint of tourism activities that will make businesses individually and collectively accountable for their actions.

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The 2008 Recognition Award Gala kicked off the festivities surrounding the Palais’ 25th anniversary, but there are numerous special activities planned throughout the year into 2009 to help mark the Palais’ quarter-century as a premium venue.

Look for anniversary related events marked with our “25 years” logo.

Visit our special 25th anniversary section at www.congresmtl.com/25years online during the 2008 summer to keep track of all the activities planned in celebration of this milestone birthday.

You will find archive photos and a 25-year retrospective timelining the conventions, exhibits and special events that have marked the unique history of this meeting place. Also, testimonials on some of the most memorable events hosted at the Palais. Feel free to contribute your own stories, anecdotes or memories by email at info@congresmtl.com.

A snapshot of today’s Palais…

• Over 140 employees with 17 years of service on average

• Staff recognized for their know-how and flexibility

• 215 events a year, attracting over 600 000 participants *

• Over $210 million in economic spin-offs *

• Ranked 11th in Canada in terms of exhibition space **

• Ranked 1st in Canada in terms of meeting space **

• Full range of services and state-of-the-art facilities

• An Ambassadors’ Club 200+ strong and made up of influential members of the Montréal community and elsewhere

* 2006-2007

** 2007 Directory of the World’s Top Convention Centres

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The Palais des congrès de Montréal is marking its 25-year milestone with a newly and wholly revamped website.

The structure and contents have been revamped in order to facilitate user access to a wealth of useful information. The new design features compellingly vivid and lively photographs of the Palais.

On the menu

• Dedicated sections for event planners, exhibitors and visitors. Must-browses for anyone planning to organize or attend an event at the Palais.

• A comprehensive calendar of public events in progress or coming up.

• Video presentations of the Palais’ services and visitor-friendly atmosphere.

• A brand new Environment page, which includes our practical guide to organizing green events for planners wish-ing to reduce the environmental footprint of their meetings, conventions and special events.

• A Publications/Media section that includes a photo album that internet users can browse freely.

• A special section entirely devoted to the shopping promenade and its retailers.

• A section titled Destination Montréal, which provides a brief overview of the city and its attractions, and from where internet users can link directly to Tourisme Montréal’s newly redesigned website at www.tourisme-montreal.org. It’s worth visiting!

Welcome to our new virtual venue: www.congresmtl.com!

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This special section contains accurate information on the Palais’ layout, the facili-ties’ technical specifications, the different room configurations possible, and guest capacity for most of the Palais’ rooms. You simply click and scroll to browse your way from floor to floor!

And for more hi-tech convenience at your fingertips, the section also includes a map showing where the Palais is located down-town as well as the accommodations near-by. The print version of the map includes the city’s tourist attractions. It’s the perfect planning tool.

We will naturally be upgrading the Palais’ 3D plans and website on an ongoing basis. Virtual tours are coming soon, featuring 15 of our rooms and supported with pictures. This is all part of the Palais’ commitment to continually invest in improving the planners’ experience and to actively contribute to the success of their events.

The 3D plans section is a source of infor-mation so interesting, planners, exhibitors and visitors alike will find their way around easily, so they can feel right at home!

The Palais is entering a new dimension! It has onlined 3D plans of its facili-ties to help enhance and simplify the event planning process for organizers. Users can now view the venue and its various rooms in a matter of clicks.

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We will continue to focus on the current and future needs of our clients.

After all, our success is tied to theirs.

Our motto for the next 25 years? The same as for the last 25:

listening, being open-minded and always there.

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