MONTRÉAL, July 19, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - The selection committee for the International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB) has officially chosen the Palais des congrès de Montréal to host their global conference in 2026. The IMLB is the premier international conference on the state of lithium battery science and technology. It attracts 1,600+ researchers and students from every continent, and is expected to generate over $4 million in tourism spending. Montréal last hosted this conference in 2010.
Everyone at the Palais wishes to acknowledge the unfailing involvement of Prof. Karim Zaghib, researcher, scientist, Concordia University professor, and the main brainchild behind Montréal's bid, also appointed chair of IMLB 2026.
The bid enjoyed the support of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the Premier of Québec, François Legault, the Mayor of Montréal, Valérie Plante, and the Chief Scientist of Québec, Prof. Rémi Quirion.
Québec and Canada have been involved in lithium battery research and innovation for over 30 years, and play a central role in the lithium battery supply chain. This conference will therefore represent a phenomenal opportunity to showcase Québec's and Canada's battery ecosystem, and to also examine the stakes surrounding the green economy, electrified transportation, recycling and sustainability.
Quotes
"We wish to thank our bid champion Prof. Karim Zaghib for his steadfast commitment. Being awarded the 2026 International Meeting on Lithium Batteries is a credit to the strength of our teamwork and ecosystem." – Emmanuelle Legault, CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal
"I was immensely pleased with the news. After supporting Montréal's bid in 2010, it only seemed natural to get involved in the process of bringing IMBL 2026 to the Palais. This conference will help broaden the reach of the Québec and Canadian ecosystem, and its supply chain of battery parts, as also promote the emphasis we are putting on the green circular economy within the field. – Dr. Karim Zaghib, Scientific Researcher
"For Tourisme Montréal, this is very welcome news! It once again consolidates Montréal as a leading convention city and host destination for business meetings. Not only does it recognize our city for its hospitality, but also as a top-flight university hub, at the forefront of green energy technologies and innovations. Dr. Karim Zaghib has our complete support as he continues his exceptional work." – Yves Lalumière, CEO of Tourisme Montréal
About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
Hosting more than 350 events 
each year, the Palais generates significant economic, social and cultural benefits for the tourism, business and research industries. As a true trailblazer, the Palais created the Events Lab , which works hand in hand with some of the most innovative young businesses in the industry to reinvent the way conferences are planned and staged. The Palais is a leader in sustainable development and social impacts, and was one of the first convention centres in the world to operate a carbon-neutral building. The Palais is widely known as a proud supporter of emerging talent, the arts and community-based initiatives and offers a dynamic, innovative and forward-looking environment. Visit https://congresmtl.com/en/
About Business Events Montréal
Business Events Montréal (BEM) is a specialized team within Tourisme Montréal that works to attract, facilitate and promote a wide range of events to the city of Montréal. Working closely with Team Montréal, a coalition of the city's meeting and convention industry leaders, BEM highlights event venues, hotel choices, subsidy options, local thought leaders, and cultural opportunities for event professionals planning corporate, association, and incentive meetings. With its client-focused and collaborative approach, the BEM team accompanies their clients each step of the way to ensure that every Montréal meeting is successful, enriching and memorable.
Tourisme Montréal is a 100-year-old private, non-profit organization that works to position Montréal as an international-calibre leisure and business travel destination. Visit https://meetings.mtl.org/en
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