Co-developed by:
Explore the movement here Discover our sector partners
Context
Without a doubt one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Montréal’s leisure and business tourism is experiencing a sharp decline after years of sustained growth. The entire ecosystem is suffering: air transport, hotels, the convention industry, restaurants, arts and culture, sports, and retail. There are many major challenges involved, from declining attendance in the downtown core to restrictions on the holding of gatherings. Tourism’s economic ramifications are considerable. Maintaining the gains made and creating the conditions for a successful relaunch are central to the priorities of this sector, one of the most distinctive in the city.
- Demonstrate its economic and strategic importance for the city
- Identify and specify the effects, challenges and opportunities stemming from the COVID-19 crisis
- Assess the effectiveness of existing government assistance measures and present measures to be considered to support businesses
- Present the recovery or sectoral assistance strategies implemented elsewhere that may apply in Québec
- Issue courses of action and sectoral recommendations to political decision-makers in Greater Montréal (spearheaded by the Chamber and its partners)
- Promote the ability to rebound through innovation, new business models and corporate strengths
- Determine the elements to be developed to strengthen and promote a return to growth
- Identify business challenges and opportunities for companies in the short, medium and long term
- Define potential courses of action for development and relaunch based on established strategic priorities
Event format in a nutshell
- Starting at 7 a.m., log on, join the movement and take part in a networking session (optional)
- Conferences starting at 8 a.m.
- Around 12:30 p.m., end of conferences
- Discussions between all participants until 2 p.m. (optional)
- Virtual booths throughout the activity
Program
7:00 a.m. Access to the platform and networking period
8:00 a.m. Opening remarks
-
Michel LeblancPresident and CEO
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
-
Mélanie JolyMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
-
Diane LangloisVice-President, Public Affairs and Government Relations
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Master of Ceremonies
-
Caroline ProulxMinister of Tourism
Minister responsible for the Lanaudière Region
-
Luc RabouinVille de Montréal's executive committee member, responsible for economic and commercial development, and design
8:50 a.m. Talk – Presentation of current conditions and the Action Plan to Strengthen the Tourism Sector
9:15 a.m. KPMG Group brainstorming session to enhance the action plan to strengthen the sector
9:35 a.m. Panel – Destructuring of the tourism offer: how to avoid the post-COVID shock
-
Raymond Bachand President
Conférence économique de l’industrie touristique québécoise
-
François MeunierVice-President of Public and Government Affairs
Association Restauration Québec (ARQ)
-
Eve Paré President and Chief Executive Officer
Association des hôtels du Grand Montréal
-
Martin RoyExecutive Director
Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux (RÉMI)
Festivals et événements majeurs (FAME)
Moderator:
10:10 a.m. Panel – Downtown's economic vitality: one crucial challenge for Montréal
-
Paul Arseneault
Holder of the Chair in Tourism
Director of the Tourism Intelligence Network
Professor in the Marketing Department
École des sciences de la gestion (ESG UQAM)
-
Déborah Cherenfant President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal
Regional Director, Women Entrepreneurs, Quebec Region
TD Bank Group
-
Jacques-André DupontChief Executive Officer
C2 International – C2 Montréal
-
Émile Roux Executive Director, Business Development Corporation
Montréal centre-ville
Moderator:
10:40 a.m. Panel – How can the economic and scientific communities revive business tourism?
-
Luc CharbonneauDirector of Corporate Development and Strategic Alliances
Palais des congrès de Montréal
-
Virginie De VisscherSenior Director of Business Development, Economic Sectors, Business Events
Destination Canada
-
Fabrice Labeau Deputy Provost, Student Life and Learning
McGill University
Moderator:
11:15 a.m. Panel – Rethinking major sporting and cultural events
-
Michel LabrecquePresident and CEO
Parc olympique
-
Jacques PrimeauGeneral Manager
Spectra
-
Monique Simard Chair
Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles
Moderator:
11:50 a.m. Talk – 17 Grand Prix, 12 countries, 1 pandemic
12:00 p.m. Talk – Strategic infrastructure for future tourism
-
Martin MasséVice-President, Public Affairs
Aéroports de Montréal
-
Robert Mercure President and Chief Executive Officer
Palais des congrès de Montréal
12:25 p.m. Panel – Future tourism and harmonious cohabitation
-
Liza Frulla Chief Executive Officer
Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ)
-
Marie-Pier GermainVice-President of Marketing
Germain Hotels
-
Jérôme Glad Co-founder
La Pépinière I Espaces collectifs
Moderator:
12:55 p.m. Closing remarks and presentation of working session highlights
1:10 p.m. Networking
2:00 p.m. End of the Forum