Cross-border meetings are made easy in Montréal

Several well-respected customs broker companies operate in Montréal, specializing in wrinkle-free cross-border meeting preparation and finding one to suit your needs is a breeze. We turned to Diane Labbé Deegan, co-founder of ConsultExpo and a customs broker with over 20 years’ experience, to explain the process of getting you and your events to Montréal.

Share the reins

Once your customs broker has joined the team, you’re ready to start the ball rolling. Following a one-page event registration form with the Canada Border Services Agency, it’s time to hand over the in-Canada reins to your broker and focus on the details that will keep your event first and foremost in the minds of your participants.

Enjoy the freedom of building the big picture experience for your guests while your customs broker works behind the scenes to pull together the necessary on-site minutiae. All steps from shipping to liaising with exhibitors and the CBSA are handled by your broker, from the earliest days of planning to in-person assistance on the day of the event.

First things first: consult our (truly essential) visitors’ guide. It’s packed with useful information and tidbits, with both event professionals and attendees in mind.

Getting here is easy. Montréal is an international destination of choice, accessed by land, water and air. Savvy planners check back regularly with the government’s website to keep up to date on any changes in documentation requirements. Include a link to the Government of Canada’s easy-to-navigate Visit Canada site on your conference website and in other communication tools to keep your attendees prepared and up to date.

A few years ago, the Government of Canada introduced the eTA, the Electronic Travel Authorization system, which is now required for many travellers. (Residents of the United States and holders of a valid visa are exempt.) It’s easy to fill out online and takes just a few minutes. The video below lays it all out like a well-packed suitcase. 

For quicker and more efficient cross-border experiences, also consider applying to the NEXUS program, jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It helps avoid long line-ups and save time.