June 14, 2017 View in browser
The meetings and events industry is enamored with innovative, experiential conference design that helps attendees aspire toward changing the world, versus zoning out in sterile hotel ballrooms and convention center breakouts without any windows or fresh air.

C2 Montreal has evolved as a benchmark for what's possible in conference design when event organizers are provided the budget to let their imaginations soar. Having Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil as a founding partner also certainly helps deliver awe-inspiring event experiences.

However, the Canadian government didn't pony up $750,000 to support C2 last month so people could network in circus-like trapeze chairs. They did so because C2 is Montreal's global invitation for outside companies and talent to scope out the city's convergence of social, tech, academic, cultural, urban, and industrial innovation.

The event is basically a postcard to promote international business development with Montreal's startup and research communities.

I talk a lot about convergence in the meetings industry, but sometimes it feels a little overly aspirational. C2 Montreal gives us something tangible today to help us envision tomorrow because the city's government, academic, and business leaders are aspiring together to change how the world drives innovation and connects people during conferences, and why.
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The Future of Meetings & Events
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler Thinks Idea to Remove SXSW From Austin Due to Texas Hate Law Is Ridiculous
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The Impact of EXPO2017 on Kazakhstan’s Tourism Industry
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How Apple’s New Augmented Reality Platform Could Help Elevate Brand Experiences
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A Flâneur on the Future: Event Tech Lab Is Nurturing Your Next Go-To App
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American Express Meetings & Events and Humber College Explore the Future of Meeting Planner Education
Attracting innovative talent to the meetings and events industry is a huge issue today due to the diverse skill sets needed. Therefore, U.S. universities and the industry need to collaborate and elevate their exposure better to attract more students into the sector.

Oracle OpenWorld Attempts to Reimagine Event ROI With ‘The Exchange’ Exhibit Hall
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