This content was created in collaboration between Business Events Montréal and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
Great ideas don’t happen in a vacuum. They are the result of creating an atmosphere conducive to innovative thinking. Finding an environment that inspires high energy and big dreams is critical for meeting planners, especially those in the technology, medical, and scientific fields.
Montreal has a vibrant culture, bright colours, creative cuisine and inspiring venues that inspire attendees to innovate. It’s no accident that some of the world’s brightest minds study, live and work here. From circus magicians to technologists shaping the future of the world, Montreal is where new ideas are born.
In fact, meetings are not just held here. This experience provides the foundation for successful business strategies and long-term planning for companies across industries. The fusion of innovative ideas and rich culture adds a humanity that permeates the creative process, resulting in discoveries that the world admires.
Read on to learn more about how Montreal’s unique culture inspires innovation at meetings and events.
Think from another perspective
Circuses without animals used to be unheard of. Today, Cirque du Soleil is the gold standard in entertainment. Not only did Cirque du Soleil originate in Montreal, but it remains an important part of the city. This is just one example of how unconventional thinking can make a difference.
Likewise, in Montreal, meetings are more than just handshakes and plenary sessions. C2 is one of the industry’s most inspiring events, transforming conferences into groundbreaking gatherings long before creating unique experiences became fashionable.
C2 CEO Anick Beaulieu said the creative-commercial event (hence the name C2) would not be possible in any other destination than Montreal.
“We have three pillars: sustainability, experiential technology and transformative technology,” Beaulieu said of C2. “When you look at the DNA of the city and our economic strengths, you see those three pillars Critical to our economy and its transformation.”
It’s no coincidence that booming economic sectors such as life sciences, artificial intelligence and clean technology have their headquarters here and create solutions that benefit the planet.
Planners can take advantage of this incubator of great ideas by finding local thought leaders who can inspire attendees. Likewise, work with Montreal’s elite universities, including world-renowned McGill University, to develop better learning and creative strategies.
Perspectives from experts in their fields will inspire new ways to solve challenges so your organization can thrive in the long term.
“Montreal is a mosaic. It absorbs differences, brings them together, and lets the whole shine,” said Norma Taylor, U.S. regional director for Business Events Montreal
inspired by venue
Montreal is a hotbed of creativity, largely because of its venues designed to inspire visitors.
Convention Center – a colorful kaleidoscope known as the Montreal Convention Center – high-tech, green, and located in the heart of the city. It is one of the first carbon-neutral building conference centers in the Americas, with 113 meeting rooms and 508,756 square feet of total exhibit space.
It’s not just a place used by tourists – local artists and thought leaders enrich the venue. The innovation lab within the center is dedicated to generating new ideas and exploring new technologies.
The Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) at the Dome, the PHI Center and New City Gas are other inspiring venues for immersive conferences, receptions and special events.
Beaulieu said she sees herself as a presenter, noting C2 as a selling point for planners considering future conference destinations. “There are endless ways our city inspires us,” she said. “A rich ecosystem of innovative creators and artists always infuse events with their talents.”
“I think the best proof of this is that many of the participants came back,” she added.
Embrace convenience and culture
Getting to Montreal is easy, with direct flights to more than 160 destinations around the world, and getting around the city is easy. This takes much of the stress out of traveling and allows your creative brainwaves to flourish.
The subway is the top form of public transportation. There are miles of bike lanes and a public bike rental system – BIXI – a global organization born in Montreal in 2009 that currently offers 9,600 bikes in destinations.
Environmentally friendly transportation adds to the science and sustainability themes promoted by many conferences here.
Find a range of conveniently located hotels. Of the 24,600 hotel rooms, 16,000 are located downtown and 4,000 are directly connected to the Convention Center through Montreal’s famous Underground City, a 20.5-mile pedestrian network with retail and dining options.
Refuel with one of the many delicacies. From five-star restaurants to food trucks, there’s something to suit your budget. Make sure your attendees sample iconic foods like poutine, bagels and smoked meats, and experience the culinary creations of Montreal’s creative chefs for a true taste of the city.
Montreal’s honor is proof of that. It was recently voted the easiest place to do business in North America by Evidénz Research Group and ranked number one among North American international association conferences by ICCA and UIA. Montreal’s architecture is all about inspiring, whether you’re strolling the streets, doing business in unique venues, or grabbing a bite to eat. It is a breeding ground for innovators.
“Montreal has demonstrated innovation from the ground up,” Brown said. “Give us your fundamentals and we’ll build you something extraordinary. We inspire people to think differently.
Please contact the Montreal Business Events team to learn more about the destination.
This content was created in collaboration between Business Events Montréal and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
