montréal Retains Top Spot in the Americas for International Gatherings

MONTRÉAL, July 2, 2025 – Montréal has once again been recognized as the leading city in the Americas for hosting international gatherings, securing the top position for the eighth consecutive year. The Union of International Associations (UIA) bestowed this honor, highlighting Montréal’s continued dominance in attracting global events.

Montréal’s Dominance in International Events

In 2024, Montréal hosted an impressive 103 major events that met the UIA’s stringent criteria, significantly surpassing Washington, D.C., its closest competitor, which hosted 71 events. This achievement propelled Montréal from 20th to 11th place in the global rankings. This recognition follows closely on the heels of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) naming Montréal the top destination in North America for international association events for the ninth year in a row.

Did You Know? montréal’s convention center, the Palais des congrès de Montréal, has one of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the world.

A Collaborative Effort

This sustained success is attributed to the strong partnership between Tourisme Montréal, the palais des congrès de Montréal, and a dedicated network of business tourism stakeholders. This synergy positions Montréal as a premier destination for meaningful international professional gatherings.

Montréal’s ability to consistently attract international events underscores its strong appeal and the substantial contribution of business tourism to Québec’s economic vitality and global presence.

Key Players Weigh In

“This ranking confirms that Montréal possesses a unique allure that attracts and retains associations worldwide,” states Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. “It reflects a vibrant and adaptable ecosystem, along with a committed business and scientific community that actively collaborates and mobilizes. This top ranking is, above all, a recognition of the passion we invest in creating memorable experiences that align with our city’s esteemed reputation.”

Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, adds, “Being number one in the Americas for the eighth year is no accident. It is a testament to a city that excels in welcoming, innovating, and mobilizing. The numerous accolades-from UIA, ICCA, and others-clearly demonstrate that Montréal is more than just a destination; it’s a reliable choice for congress and event organizers.”

Comparative Data: Montréal vs. Washington D.C.

Pro Tip: When planning an international event,consider Montréal’s proven track record and collaborative support network for a seamless and successful experience.

The Palais des congrès de Montréal: A Hub of Innovation

As 1983, the Palais des congrès de Montréal has been a creative solutions center and a showcase for the city’s expertise, promoting and hosting large-scale events. It generates significant economic, social, and intellectual benefits, fostering innovation and driving progress for both Montréal and Québec. The palais is deeply committed to sustainability, implementing numerous innovative and concrete measures to make it a core element of its business development. With extraordinary customer satisfaction, the Palais actively enhances Montréal’s international reputation as a leading host city for international events in America.

Tourisme montréal: Promoting the City on a Global Scale

Tourisme Montréal, a private, non-profit organization with a century of history, is dedicated to positioning Montréal as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel. The organization pioneers innovative hospitality strategies with the dual goal of ensuring memorable visitor experiences and maximizing the sustainable economic benefits of tourism for the city. Uniting nearly 1,000 businesses and organizations involved in tourism, Tourisme Montréal plays a crucial role in managing and developing Montréal’s tourism sector