Quarterly Report - July 1 to September 30, 2014 - The Palais des congrès de Montréal generates $69,451,000 for the economy by hosting 19 major events

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - For the quarter ending September 30, 2014, the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal has confirmed it has secured five international^[1] conventions and two trade shows, which are expected to draw over 12,000 business tourists to Montréal and are estimated to contribute more than $26.3 million to the city's economy. These events will result in over 23,000 room nights being booked in hotels across the city. Overall, 73 events were confirmed during the second quarter of 2014-2015, which is comparable to last year.

The quarter ending September 30, 2014 also saw 153 future events being confirmed, including 11 conventions and 10 trade shows, whose economic benefits will total $69,607,620. "Having booked nearly 18 M square feet during the quarter, our plans for growth continue unabated as we develop markets that contribute significantly to our economy," said Raymond Larivée, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "The top host city in America for international events and a finalist for the World's Best Convention Centre award , Montréal and the Palais have an enviable reputation, and we are proud of our role in actively promoting our city's biggest assets worldwide," added Larivée.

Among the large-scale events hosted during the quarter, 14 were conventions and five were trade shows. These accounted for over 60,500 business tourists who generated an estimated $69.5 million for the economy. During the quarter, the Palais welcomed 42 conventions and trade shows, for an estimated total of 136,600 room nights and $163,000,000 for Montréal and Québec.

Year-to-date events confirmed for the coming years (April 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014)
International and national conventions: 11
Trade shows: 10
Estimated room nights: 49,160
Total estimated economic benefits: $69,607,620

Projected results from conventions and trade shows hosted (April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015)
International and national conventions: 48
Trade shows: 26
Estimated room nights: 180,071
Total estimated economic benefits: $247,179,529

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 benefits for 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 providing leadership with regard to the concerted hospitality and promotion efforts aimed at positioning Montréal in leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with changing market conditions. To learn more: tourisme-montreal.org.

^[1] Including U.S. conventions

SOURCE: Palais des congrès de Montréal

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, [email protected], Phone: [phone]; Pierre Bellerose, Vice President - Public Relations, Research and Product Development, Tourisme Montréal, [email protected], Phone: [phone]