5 Ways The Montréal Convention Centre Stands Out
Montréal’s convention centre — known formally as the Palais des congrès de Montréal — is the city’s leading venue for big events. With 551,520 square feet of adaptable event space, including room for nearly 2000 exhibitor booths, the centre welcomes an annual assortment of association meetings, trade shows, public shows, corporate events, galas and more. From a massive international dance competition to a cutting edge computer programing gathering (and everything in between), the “Palais” is accustomed to hosting diverse groups with diverse needs.
Here are five key ways that Montréal’s convention centre is leading the way.
Accessibility. Over the past few years, the Palais has made deliberate changes to enable access for people with reduced mobility. These modernizations include ramps, personal elevators, electric washroom doors, complimentary wheelchair borrowing and more. To prepare the city for the 2013 World Parkinson Congress, the Palais partnered with Tourisme Montréal to provide training sessions to everyone from hotel and airport staff to taxi drivers and restaurant employees on how to interact and care for people living with Parkinson’s. Past meetings at the Palais have also included the International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People, as well as the IMC International Mobility Conference.
Environmental Sustainability. The Palais has achieved BOMA BESt® (Building Environmental Standards) certification, a national standard for energy and environmental performance for existing buildings based on independently verified information. Onsite eco-minded initiatives include a rooftop garden (to offset urban heat islands) complete with beehives and an e-waste recycling program, as well as personalized support to planners to help them achieve meeting-specific ecological goals.
Wi-Fi. The Palais operates a robust and dependable wireless infrastructure that matches the needs of a wide variety of groups. With more than 480 access points, delegates have “wall-to-wall” service — no matter where they might wander on the premises. What’s distinctive, however, is that the Palais is also a partner of the MtlWiFi network, a free high-speed wireless connection that covers a large multi-block zone including much of the popular tourist area of Old Montréal. Essentially, visitors can wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montréal and still be connected to a Wi-Fi network — for free! Download the PDF here.
Art. Built in 1983 and then revamped from 1999-2001, the Palais des congrès de Montréal is now an art icon in Montréal and around the world. In fact, the building was even included in the architectural guide, 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die. Inside, don’t miss the massive kaleidoscope façade of 332 coloured glass panels and the 52 hot pink gleaming “trees” (entitled Lipstick Forest), while outside visitors can see a bronze sculpture and fountain (entitled La Joute) created by the world-renowned Québec artist Jean-Paul Riopelle.
Revenue Generation. The Palais des congrès de Montréal is one of the first convention centres in North America to place technology in the hands of event planners while offering the possibility of generating revenue for their events. The powerful Wi-Fi network throughout the Palais provides prominent visibility on the connection page for sponsors. Additionally, a 90-square foot video wall located right in the highest traffic area of the Palais is a prime visibility space, which is rented and resold for great ROI. Furthermore, opportunities for mobile applications and e-commerce platforms will boost sponsor value. Find out more about sponsorship opportunities.
Oh, and one more thing…
The Palais des Congrès de Montréal has achieved AIPC Gold Quality certification. What does that mean? The AIPC (or International Association of Convention Centres), in addition to representing convention and exhibition centre professional managers around the world, also recognizes convention centre excellence. So, when a convention centre gets the AIPC stamp of approval, it has been recognized for accomplishments like offering quality service and infrastructure, sound management and continuously improving programs to offer delegates a top-notch meeting experience!
Want to read more useful Blog posts?
Visit: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/meetings/