Montréal ranks 1st, leading all major U.S. and Canadian cities

MONTREAL , Dec. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal is now North America's Number One host city for international association events, according to the recent results from the 2009 preliminary rankings of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). As the city's principal venue for major international meetings, welcoming thousands of participants each year, the Palais des congrès convention centre confirms once again its leadership status on the global stage.

The findings to date speak volumes. Montréal ranks first among all North American destinations, ahead of major U.S. and Canadian cities including New York, Boston , San Francisco , Washington, Miami and Chicago , as well as Vancouver and Toronto .

Montréal therefore jumps 8 spots from the 2008 rankings. "These results are a great win for Montréal and reflect the city's energy and drawing power among the world's major associations, especially in light of the increasingly wider offering out there in recent years," points out the Palais' President and CEO, Marc Tremblay . "As the city's principal venue for international meetings, we are pleased to see how the efforts and passion of our industry partners such as Tourisme Montréal, Montréal International, the research centres and the City of Montréal are bearing fruit and making memorable experiences possible for thousands of participants from all over the world," adds Tremblay.

The ICCA 2009 preliminary rankings also show that Montréal is clearly well ahead of the other major Canadian cities.

During the 2008-2009 financial year, the Palais hosted a total of 16 international conventions (including U.S. conventions) and 15 Canadian and Québec conventions, generating an overall sum of over $168 million in economic spinoffs for Montréal, and this does not include the outcomes from other major events such as trade shows.

About the ICCA

The International Congress and Convention Association represents the main specialists in organizing, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events. It comprises more than 900 member companies and organizations in 85 countries worldwide - http://www.iccaworld.com/.

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 www.congresmtl.com.

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For further information: Jessica Lacasse, 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]