canadian destination From large crowds to smaller gatherings, from old-world charm to new-world flare, Montreal exudes a joie de vivre that rivals all other major Canadian cities. Definitely on the short list of suitable candidates for any corporate meeting or business conference, Montréal is a cutting-edge urban centre that is sure to wow any guest. 22 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca When it comes to accommodations, Montréal offers a host of hotels ranging from luxurious, five-star facilities to economical, three-star sites all in short distance of gourmet dining, trend-setting entertainment and many shopping opportunities. Whatever the need or budget, Montréal offers 27,000 hotel rooms to house all visitors and guests. Finding the perfect venue is also easy when it comes to Montréal. Whether you’re looking for something artsy, high-tech, glamorous or just plain surprising, the city offers a multitude of conference and exhibition centres, hotel ballrooms and banquet facilities to suit any business need. According to Laferrière, some unforgettable venues include the Phi Centre and Pointe-à-Callière in Old Montréal, the modern, cutting-edge Espace C2 rooftop space of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel in downtown Montréal, and the historic, yet modern Stewart Museum in Parc Jean-Drapeau with a beautiful view of the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Additionally, most of Montreal’s major hotels have unforgettable meeting places, including the Hotel le Crystal’s CONNEXION floor. If it’s a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River or Old Montréal that you’re after, the Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay would be a wise choice. However, the gem in Montréal’s arsenal is the Palais des congrès de Montréal, located in the heart of downtown and 20 minutes from Montréal-Trudeau airport. Boasting 33,638 sq. metres (362,077 sq. feet) of meeting rooms, 50,535 sq. metres (543,954 sq. feet) of reception space, and 530 sq. metres (5,705 sq. feet) of VIP rooms, the Palais offers an unbeatable, modern space that can adapt to all types of events. Additionally, the convention centre is in walking distance of 16,000 hotel rooms, 4,000 of which are directly connected to the facility. Following major investment to modernize the building, the Palais recently implemented new energy-efficiency measures to reduce its environmental footprint. The convention centre also adopted an Environmental Policy that speaks to its commitment of implementing best sustainable practices. In addition to indoor space, the Palais also offers outdoor areas to add a twist to any business meeting, reception, press conference or promotional activity. Available from May to October, the 1,818-sq.-metre (19,575-sq.-foot) Terrace du Palais is partially covered with an air-conditioned/heated marquee, and offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River and the Jacques Cartier bridge. Additionally, the smaller Belédère Terrace provides an outdoor setting which overlooks the city’s business district. ACCOMMODATIONS AND VENUES The Palais des congrès de Montréal is the gem in the city’s offering of suitable venues. Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the Palais is in walking distance of 16,000 hotel rooms, 4,000 of which are directly connected to the facility.