Crafted by over 300 professionals from the business tourism industry, the ASTM-APEX standards are the first in North America to establish performance criteria for sustainable practices and responsible management systems used by tourism stakeholders in the meetings sector.
MONTREAL – Montreal has once again been certified by iCompli Sustainability according to ASTM-APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) standards. Developed in partnership with Green Meetings and Events, the certification confirms the city's position as an environmentally sustainable destination.
Crafted by over 300 professionals from the business tourism industry, the ASTM-APEX standards are the first in North America to establish performance criteria for sustainable practices and responsible management systems used by tourism stakeholders in the meetings sector. The standards cover various aspects of event organization, including meeting venues, communications, audiovisual, transportation, accommodations, energy sources, onsite offices and exhibits.
"Montreal is a popular destination for conventions and international events of all kinds. This certification gives the city an edge in a highly competitive global market in which business clients are increasingly attuned to sustainable development and environmental issues. Tourisme Montreal has been working with the tourism industry for several years to pioneer an ambitious environmental shift," said Yves Lalumiere, President and CEO of Tourisme Montreal.
"The Palais des congres de Montreal has been actively involved in sustainable development for many years and is proud to hold the ASTM Green Meetings Standards Certification. Our ambitious action plan is testimony to our commitment, with a comprehensive sustainable events program and an innovative Urban Agriculture Lab on our rooftop," said Andre Saucier, Vice-President, Finance and Administration and head of sustainable development at the Palais des congres. "These initiatives contribute to positioning Montreal as a leading destination for sustainable conventions and to raising awareness among our clients."
"In an effort to pave the way, Montreal is committed to adopting exemplary practices in terms of sustainable development. In this capacity, we could not be prouder of this certification, which allows Montreal to be internationally recognized as a sustainable city. This certification is the result of numerous efforts towards integrating the principles of sustainable management in every facet of activity within our metropolis" said Mr. Jean-Francois Parenteau, member of Montreal's executive committee, responsible for citizen services, procurement, rolling stock and workshops, environment and sustainable development and mayor of Verdun borough.
A Palais des congres de Montreal marketing campaign earns international distinction
The meetings and conventions world recognized the work of the Palais des congres de Montreal at the Meeting Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) recently presented in London. The “Numbers 1-5-52” relationship marketing and communications campaign intended for the international, U.S. and national convention markets earned the Palais the prestigious award for Best Integrated Marketing Campaign. The Palais was also shortlisted in the Best Use of Budget and Marketing Team of the Year categories.
“There’s a promotional component in our approach strategies that people notice, which this international recognition speaks to, and we are honoured. We have a magnificent convention centre and a vibrant city known for its creativity, and it is our duty to show them in the best possible light,” states Chrystine Loriaux, Palais des congres de Montreal Director of Marketing and Communications. “This campaign, which branches out to reach several geographic markets, enabled us to convey three essential messages to potential customers looking for a venue for their next international convention,” concludes Loriaux.
1-5-52: Three numbers that speak volumes
This relationship marketing campaign was rolled out by the Palais in international, U.S. and national convention markets and was aimed at associations in the final stages of deciding which city would host their next event. With a limited campaign budget, the Palais set out to attract the attention of decision-makers with a creative message and design to secure a premium spot for Montreal and its main convention centre on the shortlist of host destinations under consideration. The campaign revolved around three numbers that are undisputedly Montreal, figures that contribute to the city’s brand within the convention market, i.e.:
- 1: Montreal is the #1 host city in the Americas for international events (according to the International Union of Associations);
- 5: Montreal has retained that top spot for five straight years (2011-2015);
- 52: Montreal accounts for 52% of all the international events held in major Canadian cities.
The “Numbers 1-5-52” campaign was a joint effort between the Palais’ marketing and communications, business development, and research teams, and the Samarkand Design+Communication firm.
A year filled with accolades
The Meetings + Incentive Travel trade magazine recently announced the winners of their Readers’ Choice Awards. The Palais des congres was on the list, having earned an honourable mention in the Best Venue – Central Canada category. Palais partner Tourisme Montreal was also among the readers’ favourites, with an honourable mention in the Best Destination Marketing Organization category. These recognitions are on top of the Palais winning the AIPC Innovation Award earlier this year for its Urban Agriculture Lab – a prestigious international award given by the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
