The Quebec metropolis has just confirmed, once again, its status as an undeniable powerhouse on the global business tourism chessboard. According to the prestigious annual ranking by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Montreal sits at the top of North American destinations for hosting international conventions for a 10th consecutive year. Across the Americas, it ranks 2nd (just behind Buenos Aires) and holds the 26th position globally, with 83 major events planned for 2025.

it is fascinating to see how this business tourism shapes the face of the city. The constant influx of international professionals not only stimulates the hotel market but also catalyzes investments in our urban infrastructure, transit, and public spaces.

The Montreal Synergy: A High-Performing Ecosystem

"This distinction is far from trivial in a market where the world's major cities fiercely compete," says Mylène Gagnon, Vice-President of Member Services and Conventions at Tourisme Montréal. She attributes this success to the city's natural appeal, but above all to the strength of its partner network, bringing together the Palais des congrès, the hotel industry, and academic institutions.

For the residential and commercial real estate sector, these conventions are a vital engine. They guarantee high hotel occupancy rates, justify the construction of new accommodation complexes, and revitalize the commercial arteries of the Quartier International and the downtown core.

Budgets, Attraction Levers, and Economic Impact

Attracting thousands of convention-goers requires strategic investments. In a highly competitive market, grant programs act as essential levers.

• The Foreign Convention Attraction Fund (FACI): To date, it has supported 31 Montreal bids, generating direct economic spin-offs estimated at $200 million.

• The Fund to Stimulate International Business Tourism (FSTAI): Its investments have helped secure 17 conventions, translating to an estimated $22 million in economic returns. It is thanks to this fund that Montreal will host the World Conference on Earthquake Engineering in 2028 (3,200 specialists).

  
  

"Business events generate major economic spin-offs for Montreal, while contributing to its international reputation as a city of knowledge and innovation," emphasizes Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Beyond the dollars injected, the social impact is immense: these gatherings foster local job creation, the sharing of cutting-edge knowledge, and consolidate the reputation of our universities.

2025: A Pivotal Year for Knowledge

Among the 83 international events that will animate the Palais des congrès and the city's hotels next year, note these very large-scale gatherings that will fill our infrastructure:

• ISPOR Annual International Meeting 2025: 4,200 participants (Health Economics).

• International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRÉ) Symposium: 2,500 participants.

• International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM): 1,900 participants.

• ISPAD 51st Annual Conference: 1,290 participants (Pediatric Diabetes).

Exclusive: A Look at the 2026 International Convention Calendar

Building on its momentum, Montreal is already preparing for an exceptional 2026. Here is a strategic overview of the major conventions planned, demonstrating the diversity of the sectors of excellence that will choose our metropolis:

Planned and Confirmed Conventions (2026):  The 2026 schedule shows that Montréal is now the top choice for U.S.-based associations looking to internationalize their sessions without American geopolitical risks:

• American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) – July 2026: This major convention of 2,500 delegates chose Montréal for its 44th annual edition.

• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) – October 2026: A sector giant with 4,600 delegates expected at the Palais.

• SCAI 2026 (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions): Another leading medical association relocating its scientific sessions to Montréal.

• IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) – July 2026: Bringing together 3,500 experts, this event confirms Montréal as a hub for clean energy in the face of U.S. energy policy uncertainty.

Note: Exact dates and 2026 attendance figures are based on current forecasts from organizing committees and the Palais des congrès.

The continued hosting of such events confirms that Montreal is not just a tourist destination; it is a true hub for global meetings whose economic and real estate dividends will be felt for decades to come.