35,000 delegates, one merger, and a yoga class.

Montréal's numbers, and one merger

📈 Montreal's delegate numbers nearly doubled

Tourisme Montréal's mid-season report revealed significant growth in convention activity. The city welcomed 35,000 convention delegates in July, against 19,300 in July last year. Hotel occupancy from May through July reached 82%, a seven-point increase year-over-year, with 144 conventions scheduled between May and September.

The practical takeaway: if you're booking room blocks for a fall Montréal event, secure reservations earlier than usual — July occupancy already hit 86%.

🤝 Emerald and Questex are now one company

Two major events companies, both acquired by Apollo-managed funds in July, have consolidated under a new parent entity called Forge. The organization positions itself as the largest B2B events and media company in North America. Individual show brands keep their original names, with Paul Miller (formerly Questex CEO) leading the combined operation.

No immediate changes affect exhibitors, but companies with properties across both portfolios should ask whether they now negotiate with a single counterparty instead of two.

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☕ ALL IN: The Debrief

Friday, September 18 · 5–7pm — Café Paper Hill, 1030 Rue St-Alexandre. A post-conference follow-up session where attendees can finish their outreach and connect with peers. No agenda, no panels, no name tags. Free to attend.

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🧘 1 Hour Yoga + Hangout

Thursday, October 8 · 6:30–8:30pm — a World Mental Health Day special. One hour of yoga (all flexibility levels welcome) followed by informal conversation about mental health and workplace wellness. Lululemon provides the mats; Gutsy sponsors the event.

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