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MONTRÉAL—C2 Montréal is a forward-thinking business event that takes place annually in the titular Canadian city. And to think forward—literally—C2 gave BizBash an insider’s peek at this year’s location, programming, and renderings.
C2 2022 is the 11th edition of the event, taking place Sept. 26-28 and marking the first fully in-person return since the onset of the pandemic (2021’s iteration was hybrid and 2020’s was virtual). It’s “a banner year” for the conference, C2 Montréal’s president and CEO Jacques-André Dupont told BizBash.
Jacques-André Dupont, president and CEO of C2 Montréal.Photo: Courtesy of C2
Why? Because C2 has partnered with Nouveau Centre and “for the first time, the public is invited to participate in free outdoor activities on the Esplanade PVM,” Dupont said. He also noted that the Centre “brings together Ivanhoé Cambridge's flagship properties in downtown Montréal, including the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel and Place Ville Marie (PVM).”
Expanding to the complex gives Dupont and his team 65,000 square feet of blank canvas to work with. And inspired both by the “new strategic downtown location [and] by the business, progress, and future possibilities and opportunities” in Montréal, the 2022 theme is “IGNITED.”
“We are a vibrant hub for business, creativity, innovation, and opportunity—and C2 is demonstrating its dedication to Montréal and ensuring it not only shines but thrives,” Dupont said of the inspiration behind the theme.
Although the Nouveau Centre ignites business opportunities all on its own, it’s the three-day programming where Dupont and his team show that they’re talking the talk and walking the walk. The expected 3,000 guests that will be in attendance will toggle between Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, the PVM, and BDC Square for 60-minute conferences and masterclasses as well as workshops, labs, and speed-coaching sessions that range from 45-390 minutes.
Conference topics were selected to inspire creative thinking, and thus spur change. Take the first session of C2 2022 alone as an example: It’s titled “Innovation Nation” and will be led by the minister of innovation, science, and industry for the Government of Canada, Hon. Francois-Phillipe Champagne, as well as the chief creative officer of Squarespace, David Lee.
But it doesn’t stop there—all conferences throughout C2 will feature movers and shakers known for trailblazing their respective industries, such as model, philanthropist, and businesswoman Naomi Campbell; Billie Jean King, a pioneer of equity in sports; the global head of creative studio at Spotify, Archie Bell; and many more.
Also in the pipeline? Discussions on leveraging business tourism, exploring the evolution of work and play, investing for the future, integrating NFTs into your business strategy, and many more, including a panel that will ask attendees, “Are you an entrepreneur at heart?”
Following extensive discussions, expert-led masterclasses will give attendees actionable do’s and don’ts that will allow them to go home and turn words into action. Here’s a preview of what to expect: On day one, learn how to deal with labor shortages by leveraging youth in leadership positions; on day two, learn how to build a five-star online reputation and gain fans—not just customers—with the power of storytelling; and on day three, dive into digital with masterclasses on the metaverse and other decentralized technologies.
During C2's 2021 iteration, due to challenges surrounding travel—including the fact that the U.S.-Canada border was open in one direction and closed in the other—some speakers, including Mindy Kaling, were interviewed via livestream. See more: Steal-Worthy Event Strategies From C2 Montréal's 2021 Hybrid Conference
Photo: Courtesy of C2
Dupont said he’s most excited about “the highly rewarding experience” participants will receive after attending these “masterclasses, … hands-on workshops, … hyper-creative experiential labs and, of course, Braindate—the popular knowledge-sharing platform created by e180 that allows participants and partners representing over 400 companies from here and around the world to connect and collaborate.”
With the inaugural integration of Braindate at C2, after creating a profile on the platform, attendees will be able to chat one-on-one or with others to set up a time to network during the event. And because Dupont and his team know that serendipity in networking at an event like C2—where there’s thousands of industry professionals and a packed schedule—Braindate was tapped to assist in connecting businesspeople and fostering knowledge-exchange opportunities.
Dupont said that such robust programming, plus the addition of tech platforms to elevate the guest experience, is part of his effort to “always seek to incorporate [Montréal’s] unique character and energy into the C2 experience. ... [And] now, with the Nouveau Centre, we have an incredible opportunity to unleash the magic of C2.”
In addition, this year’s unique format, where the entire Montréal population will have access to select C2 experiences, is what Dupont described as “a natural extension of our commitment to bring together the best our city has to offer, including its residents.”
For professionals looking to attend C2 Montréal—taking place Sept. 26-28—passes are still available here.
