MONTREAL — Robert Mercure is leaving his position as CEO of the Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal to take on the role of executive director of the Office de tourisme de Québec (OTQ).
Mercure took over as Société du Palais des congrès de Montréal’s CEO in September 2018 and is credited with injecting new energy into the Palais by laying the foundation for a promising vision.
“I would like to thank Robert Mercure from the bottom of my heart for his exceptional work throughout his tenure at the Palais des congrès,” says Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism. “His leadership not only resulted in bolstering the Palais brand globally, but also served to deepen the Palais’ involvement with communities, partners and stakeholders devoted to the development of Montreal and Quebec as whole. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for his exceptional contribution. We are on solid footing to continue to move the Palais forward and vigorously get things back on track, once the situation allows.”
Accomplishments during his tenure include:
• OASIS immersion, a permanent immersive attraction inside the Palais
• Palais Média Propulsion’s high-tech studios for producing and streaming TV, radio and podcasting content
• the CITÉ Events Lab, which allows strategic partners and Montréal start-ups to work side by side on generating unique and affordable event experiences
• The Palais Seasons cultural series and initiative, which aims to spotlighting local artists, in collaboration with MASSIVart
• achieving carbon neutrality for the Palais building via a joint partnership with Université Laval
“I am leaving the Palais filled with emotion and pride,” says Mercure. “Since my arrival in 2018, I have had an amazing opportunity to work with a very dynamic and professional team I have come to appreciate enormously. I will miss them dearly. Together, we succeeded in launching numerous initiatives that I am convinced will help drive and support the success of future events in Montreal. More than a convention centre, we are now a solutions centre adapted for the events industry’s new reality and future needs.”
Mercure will officially take office at OTQ on April 26. The position marks his return to Quebec City, where he was general manager of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac prior to joining the Palais des congrès.
“I am convinced that Mr. Mercure will be able to ensure the revival of the region’s tourism and I offer him all my support to achieve this,” says Régis Labeaume, mayor of Quebec City.
