/R E P E A T -- Montréal is proud to host the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition, from May 18-23, 2013/

MONTREAL, May 13, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition (AIHce) will be held at the Montréal Convention Center, May 18 to 23, 2013. This congress will deliver education and information on the latest in industrial hygiene scientific issues, management trends and industry innovations. This year, AIHce will focus on its host country, offering a variety of Canadian-based educational programs, technical tours, and speakers. A special session will feature the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, on Tuesday, May 21 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.

The theme for AIHce 2013 is "The Art + Science of Professional Judgment" and will include exhibits and presentations from keynote speakers focusing on the need to integrate sound science with creativity and innovation to protect worker health.

More than 5,000 professionals from many countries will be in attendance, along with hundreds of companies presenting on the exhibit floor. Organizers of this major conference, which will generate 13.2 million in estimated economic benefits, were able to count on the support of the Tourisme Montréal and Montréal Convention Center teams.

"It is an honour for our city to host the most important event of the year among environmental health and safety professionals. Thousands of industrial hygiene and safety professionals are expected to convene in Montreal for six days of education and networking. We are confident that their stay in Montréal will be a unique experience and that they will contribute to the enrichment of the knowledge base of our local industrial hygiene professionals," said the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal.

"All of our teams are actively preparing for the arrival of thousands of delegates and exhibitors expected to descend on the Palais des congrès this May", explains Marc Tremblay, President and CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal. "Convention-goers will be able to enjoy our trademark globally-renowned service and our state-of-the-art facilities, including our brand new network infrastructure and next-generation dynamic signage. Shortlisted in both 2010 and 2012 for the prestigious APEX award for World's Best Convention Centre, and recently recognized for its sustainable practices, the Palais is set to deliver a memorable experience to all participants", adds Tremblay.

A unique Canadian Track
The Canadian Issues Educational Track of this congress will feature many sessions focused on Canadian-based OEHS issues or research. As an example, Tuesday's General Session, "A Conversation on Occupational Health and Safety - Straight from the Top!," will feature the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and David Michaels, MPH, PhD, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), from Washington, DC. Following the general session, Minister Raitt and Assistant Secretary Michaels will join a moderated "Meet the Press" style discussion which will focus on a broad range of current topics and issues affecting occupational and environmental health and safety professionals today.

In addition to the educational program, AIHce 2013 will offer local technical tours which are led by a practicing industrial hygienist or safety expert, explore IH issues in a real-life learning environment¹.

For more information about AIHce 2013 conference programming and to register, please visit aihce2013.org/.

** Media could participate in a special day of programs and events: Members of OEHS industry-related press and local media are invited to take part in the AIHce 2013 programming on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. A box lunch and press reception will also take place on this day.**

About American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Founded in 1939, the AIHA is the premier association of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. AIHA's 10,000 members play a crucial role on the front line of worker health and safety every day. Members represent a cross-section of industry, private business, labor, government and academia. For more information: www.aiha.org

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 over 28 years to sharing knowledge and enhancing Montréal's international reputation as a first-rate destination. For more information: www.congresmtl.com.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market. For more information: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

_____________________________________

¹ Participation is limited and pre-registration for the tours is required.

SOURCE: TOURISME MONTREAL

Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
514 844-3558
[email protected]

Jimmy Laforge
Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal
514 871-5807
[email protected]

Nicole Racadag
Public Relations Specialist
AIHA
[phone]
[email protected]