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« Plus que des pieds carrés », it’s the Palais des congrès de Montréal podcast. This is where we peel back the curtain on business tourism, a pillar of our economy that quietly generates over two billion dollars a year for Quebec. Why do cities from all over the world compete for international conferences? Who really benefits from these events? These five episodes will take you behind the scenes of an industry that is shaping Quebec society and its the economy in ways you can only begin to imagine.
Episodes in French only.
In this episode, we unpack why cities around the world vie with each other to attract international conferences. We examine how these events become powerful strategic levers for a city, driving major economic spinoffs, catalyzing intellectual and scientific advances, and creating opportunities to leave local communities with a genuine societal legacy.
A fascinating conversation with Luc Charbonneau, Vice-President, Business Development at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, and Mylène Gagnon, Vice-President, Sales and Convention Services at Tourisme Montréal, to understand what conferences truly bring to cities . . . and why they’re ready to fight to host them!
Hosted by Geneviève Pettersen and produced by Virage Sonore.
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In this episode, we take a look at the real reasons for Montréal’s success as a major destination for international conferences. We explore how the metropolis proactively positions itself to attract events: the key role played by the expertise of the local research community, the involvement of local “champions,” namely those renowned scientists who support the bids, a powerfully collaborative ecosystem, and, last but not least, Montréal’s enviable reputation . . . and the associated challenges.
A frank discussion with Alain Carbonneau, Manager, International Market at Tourisme Montréal, Marc-André Gemme, Manager, International Business Development at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, and Fabrice Labeau, Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at McGill University, and a Palais Ambassador.
Hosted by Geneviève Pettersen and produced by Virage Sonore.
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In this episode, we put in perspective two complementary—but often opposite—facets of Québec’s tourism industry. On the one hand, festivals: highly visible, rallying, and rooted in the collective imagination. On the other, business events: conferences, meetings, trade shows—less spectacular, but with an economic contribution that’s often underestimated.
We compare the spinoffs and question perceptions to better understand what each segment truly contributes to the Québec economy.
A discussion that sets the record straight, with Geneviève Cantin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, and Jacques-André Dupont, an organizer of business events like C2 Montréal, and the Chair of the Jazz Festival and Francos for many years.
Hosted by Geneviève Pettersen and produced by Virage Sonore.
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In this episode, we deconstruct a popular belief and examine the real role of convention centres in the economic vitality of a city and a region: do the millions of dollars in economic spinoffs generated by major conferences end up in the pockets of convention centres?
We put the numbers in perspective to show that these spinoffs percolate well beyond the walls of convention centres: hotels, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and the entire business events industry benefit from them.
An edifying discussion with Jessica Bouchard, Vice-President, Public and Economic Affairs and Impact Initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Caroline Lepage, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre des congrès de Québec, and Dominique Villeneuve, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association hôtelière du Grand Montréal.
Hosted by Geneviève Pettersen and produced by Virage Sonore.
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In this episode, we take a deep dive into the environmental impact of conferences and major business events. We question the compatibility of business tourism and sustainable development: can we really reduce the ecological footprint of these gatherings without compromising their scientific, social and economic spinoffs?
We explore possible transformations of the model—mobility, logistical choices, convention centre practices, the role of organizers, and destinations—to understand how the industry can limit its negative impacts while preserving the value of these events.
A clear-sighted discussion with Véronique Allard, in charge of sustainable development at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, and Catherine Morency, Professor at Polytechnique, holder of the Mobility Research Chair (sustainable transportation) and the Canada Research Chair in the Mobility of People, and president of the Palais’ Ambassadors Club.
Hosted by Geneviève Pettersen and produced by Virage Sonore.
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