Leading international conventions etched in history

MONTREAL , Feb. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Palais des congrès unveiled its Parcours de la renommée walk of fame, an architectural installation commemorating the leading international conventions that marked the last quarter century. These events attracted over 2.4 million visitors, generating significant intellectual and economic spinoffs totalling more than $2.8 billion for Montréal and the province.

The Parcours' red stones engraved with the names of major international conventions and their Ambassadors trace the exceptional contribution of leading experts who are passionate about their field to promoting Montréal internationally. Literally a walk through time, the Parcours timelines the major events the Palais has hosted since 1983, immortalizing over 1,000 conventions and honouring some 250 Ambassadors.

Although a tribute to the past, the Parcours is also a springboard for the future. "This walk of fame is our way of publicly recognizing past contributions, but it is also a daily reminder of the work ahead of us. The engraved stones mark 26 years of memories and successes, yet there are numerous blank stones already installed that will be engraved in the years to come thanks to the relentless effort of Montréal's great builders," acknowledges Palais President and CEO Marc Tremblay .

The Palais has ambitious projects in store, such as the fall 2010 Higher Learning Summit, for starters. Tremblay took over as the new President and CEO with the clear objective of doubling over the next five years the number of events the convention centre will host. "Hosting twice as many events will yield significant economic and intellectual spinoffs for Montréal and Québec. That is clearly the mission," declares Tremblay.

The Palais has forever been a key player in the city's economy and higher learning community. Since it opened, it has hosted over 4,500 diverse and unique events, including more than 1,000 conventions, and has welcomed 13 million visitors. A business tourism hub, the Palais has generated considerable economic spinoffs in excess of $4.1 billion .

The Parcours de la renommée walk of fame runs along the Jardin Nature légère / Lipstick Forest, in the Palais passageway.

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 more than 25 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.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

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For further information: Marion Desjobert, Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, [phone], [email protected]; Source: Chrystine Loriaux, Adm.A., B.A.A., Director, Marketing and Communications, Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal, [phone]