This text is part of the special Business Tourism brochure
Whether it’s for the stunning natural setting, the local dishes of a small inn or the simple pleasure of avoiding Montreal traffic, organizing a convention or symposium in the region has many benefits. Here are some business destinations that will surprise your eyes and taste buds.
“Sherbrooke is the urban city in the heart of the eastern towns; it is very popular for its natural setting while still having the advantages of the city, ”says Lynn Blouin, director of promotion and business and sports tourism at Destination Sherbrooke.
Announced shortly before the pandemic, renovations at the Delta Sherbrooke by Marriott hotel were recently completed. Recently renovated, the venue offers a conference center with 22 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 1,300 people, depending on the configuration chosen. For smaller groups, the 5-star OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke hotel has nine meeting rooms and 126 rooms in a warm and modern atmosphere. A few steps from the Marché de la gare, in the heart of the city center, the Grand Times Hotel stands out for its conference room which offers a panoramic view of the Lake of Nations and Mount Orford.
In addition to the hotels, the Italian-inspired theater of Granada is used to organize gala evenings. The OMG restaurant, located in a former church, is ideal for happy hour or a meeting with a relatively small group. These two places are generally popular with delegates, according to Mmyself Blouin. From this autumn they will also be able to board the Sherbus, a guided tour to discover the history and heritage of the city. In particular, it will be possible to stop in the microbreweries of Sherbrooke, or take the tasty “route des cafés”, a circuit that offers stops in the best cafes in the city.
After two difficult years, business tourism has resumed this year in Sherbrooke. Nearly thirty events are already planned for next year. Lynn Blouin would like to highlight the work of Sherbrooke’s tourism team, concerned with supporting customers. “We offer a turnkey service, hand in hand,” she concludes.
The Laurentians, between nature and diversity
The Laurentians region has something to seduce with its proximity to Montreal, its breathtaking landscapes, but also with the diversity of its offer and the quality of its tables. “There is something for all tastes, with more urban hotels, resort hotels such as the Estérel Resort and smaller inns in the heart of nature,” explains Manon Lefebvre, marketing director of Tourisme Laurentides.
The Auberge du lac Morency is located in the small commune of Saint-Hippolyte, located at the foot of Mount Tyrol. This rustic property features eight function rooms of various sizes and configurations, for intimate corporate events or meetings of up to 100 people. The restaurant stands out in particular for the excellence of its restaurant, whose specialty is smoked salmon directly on site.
Just outside Montreal, in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, the Lacroix cider house is also an original place to host a corporate event. Its “from farm to table” philosophy and its dishes enriched with seasonal local produce should satisfy the taste buds of the most gourmet delegates. A meal service is also offered in the form of a packed lunch.
For larger events, the Manoir Saint-Sauveur may be a wise choice. Located in the heart of the village and completely renovated, its 23 multifunctional rooms can accommodate from 10 to 500 people. “It is really ideal for a village experience, where many activities can be organized,” says Manon Lefebvre.
For six months, the region’s hotel industry has seen a sharp rise in demand, and often at the last minute. “2023 will certainly be a great year”, cheers Mmyself Lefebvre. And for those who do not know how to choose the ideal place, Tourisme Laurentides offers to do it for them, according to the criteria, dates and budget required.
Drummondville, central and accessible
Poutine’s birthplace, Drummondville is also a prime destination for business tourism. “We have a lot of calls, it’s crazy and we’re already starting to be books for 2023, “says Julie Verreault, tourism development consultant for Tourisme Drummondville. At the intersection of Montreal, Quebec, Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke, Drummondville stands out as a solution in Montreal, both central and accessible.
“It’s very easy to get in and out of the city,” says Ms.myself Verreault. We have no orange cones, no traffic and we have plenty of parking spaces. If you prefer to avoid the car, the train is a practical and comfortable option.
The Cogeco Centrexpo can accommodate more than 3,000 people for large-scale events, such as exhibitions, conventions, and trade shows in its 60,000-square-foot main hall. Not far from there, the Best Western Hotel Universel and the Hotel and Suites Le Dauphin have their own congress center. The two factories consist of more than twenty meeting rooms each.
When it comes time to take a well-deserved break in nature, delegates also have access to the hiking trails and, currently, the vibrant autumn colors of the Drummond Forest Regional Park.
This special content was produced by the special publications team of Must, related to marketing. The editorial staff of Must did not take part.
