Montréal to host World Congress of Nephrology: $14M in spinoffs for the metropolis

The Ring of Place Ville Marie in downtown Montréal

More than 4,500 congress-goers are expected, 12,600 overnight stays and an estimated $14 million in economic spinoffs: the arrival of the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) in 2028 promises to be a high point—for the local economy as well as for health research in Québec—and illustrates once again the effectiveness of the collaboration between the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and their partners in attracting major international events.

But the impact of this event goes well beyond the numbers. WCN 2028 will offer Québec and Canadian research an international showcase that will foster scientific partnerships, knowledge transfer and the mobilization of the next medical generation. It’s also an opportunity to advance awareness of kidney disease, which affects millions of people around the world.  

WCN 2028 received financial support from the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). Funded by the Canadian government and run by Destination Canada, the ICAF supports bids by Canadian cities that wish to host major international conventions, with the goal of positioning Canada as a premier destination for hosting business events.

An anticipated return to Montréal since 2021

Initially planned in Montréal in 2021, following a winning bid led by Dr. Tomoko Takano, professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University, Palais des congrès Ambassador and current president of the Canadian Society of Nephrology, WCN 2021 had to be held virtually due to the pandemic.

The choice of Montréal to host the WCN is no coincidence. The metropolis, and Québec, have made fundamental contributions to the field of nephrology—historically, clinically and in terms of research. Institutions like McGill University, Université de Montréal and the various CIUSSS networks have long been recognized for their excellence in the field. 

This choice not only crowns years of concerted efforts between the Canadian Society of Nephrology and the Société québécoise de néphrologie (Québec Society of Nephrology), for both the 2021 and 2028 congresses, but is, above all, a testament to the renewed trust of the International Society of Nephrology in the local and national organizing committee.

Quotes

WCN 2028 will promote Québec expertise and research, while generating direct and lasting spinoffs for Montréal. Our city is home to a community of researchers who make important breakthroughs in several fields, and nephrology is one of the medical specialties in which Montréal excels. Contributing to the promotion of local scientific knowhow and Québec’s societal progress is an essential aspect of the Palais des congrès de Montréal’s mission.

– Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal

We are honoured to welcome the international nephrology community back to Montreal for WCN 2028. This congress represents a unique opportunity to highlight Canadian leadership in kidney care, showcase groundbreaking research, and foster global collaboration. Together with our partners at the Société québécoise de néphrologie (SQN), we look forward to hosting an inclusive, impactful, and forward-thinking event that will inspire innovation and strengthen our shared commitment to improving kidney health worldwide.

Dr. Tomoko Takano, President of the Canadian Society of Nephrology

Hosting the World Congress of Nephrology in Montréal confirms once again our metropolis’s leadership as a destination par excellence for major international scientific events. This type of congress contributes to strengthening Montréal’s strategic position as a knowledge and innovation hub. Beyond the major economic benefits, it’s also our ability to mobilize talent from here and beyond that resonates globally. We are delighted to have collaborated with the Palais in hosting this event!

Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal

Credit photo : © @jfsavaria – Tourisme Montréal