More funding, more support: Bring your international event to Montréal
Federal and provincial funding programs add another competitive advantage to Montréal’s proven expertise as a global host city
Planning an international convention means managing hundreds of details, often from thousands of kilometres away. Having experts on the ground can make all the difference.
As Montréal’s official destination experts, Business Events Montréal understands what organizers need to develop a competitive bid and deliver an exceptional event — even more so now, thanks to two new financial programs that are giving international organizers even more reasons to choose Montréal.
Let us introduce you to the Federal International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF) and Québec’s International Business Events Stimulus Fund, known by its French acronym FSTAI.
Strengthening international bids through ICAF
Administered by Destination Canada, ICAF provides financial support to eligible Canadian destinations bidding to host high-value international conventions.
In April 2026, the Government of Canada announced an additional $15 million over three years for the program. This brings federal investment in Destination Canada’s efforts to attract major events to $60 million since 2023. As of March 2026, ICAF had helped Canadian destinations secure 116 events expected to attract approximately 324,200 attendees and generate $803.3 million in direct economic impact.
ICAF applications are submitted by eligible destination marketing organizations such as us, Tourisme Montréal. Qualifying events must demonstrate economic benefits, align with a priority economic sector or federal objective, support at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and meet Destination Canada’s definition of a citywide event.
That means Business Events Montréal can work with organizers and local partners to assess an opportunity, guide the application process and build a stronger host-city proposal.
Provincial support through FSTAI
Québec’s FSTAI program also supports international business events at different stages of their development.
Its four components can help organizations create bid books and business plans, undertake prospecting and familiarization activities, develop financial incentives for competitive bids and increase international participation once the events are confirmed.
Together, these programs help Montréal compete for major events while supporting the economic, scientific and intellectual legacies they create.
The results are already significant. ICAF has supported 31 Montréal projects representing an estimated $200 million in economic benefits. FSTAI has contributed to 17 projects with an estimated economic impact of $22 million. Among them is the 2028 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, which is expected to bring more than 3,200 specialists to the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
A destination with a proven track record
The new funding builds on Montréal’s longstanding success as an international meeting destination.
In the latest International Congress and Convention Association ranking, Montréal was named North America’s leading destination for international conventions for the 10th consecutive year. The city hosted 83 qualifying conventions in 2025, placing second in the Americas and 26th worldwide.
Montréal also led the Union of International Associations ranking for international meetings in the Americas for the ninth consecutive year. Its 89 qualifying meetings in 2025 placed it ahead of Washington, with 68, and New York, with 54.
These results reflect the strength of an entire event ecosystem, including the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the city’s hotels, universities, research centres, industry clusters and experienced event suppliers.
Your Montréal team is ready
Financial support can give a bid a competitive edge. Local expertise is what brings it to life.
Whether you need help preparing your proposal, connecting with Montréal leaders, coordinating travel and shipping or creating an unforgettable delegate experience, Business Events Montréal is ready to support you from the first conversation to the final farewell.
Bring us your vision. Together, we’ll make it happen in Montréal.