C2 Montreal 2024: How a New Venue Aimed to Inspire Networking and Connection

The three-day event was built around some of the key industries driving the Montreal economy, including sustainability and artificial intelligence.

Michele Laufik

June 5, 2024

Discussion topics included renewable energies, sustainable architecture, and the societal impact of technology, as well as "The XP Fronts," an immersive session, presented by XP Land, that explored the future of experiential with industry leaders.Photo: Courtesy of C2MONTREAL—More than 5,000 attendees from all over the world gathered for the 13th edition of C2 Montreal, which was held May 21-23 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal.

Comprised of over 40 discussions, labs, and coaching sessions, each day of the three-day business event was orchestrated around a theme: Experiential & Immersive, Sustainability & Innovation, and AI & Commerce.

“Recently, we've seen these themes emerge prominently in the global business landscape. Montreal is particularly strong in these areas, thanks to our vibrant creative community, internationally renowned studios, established sustainable innovation businesses, and leading AI research organizations like Mila [the city's artificial intelligence institute],” explained Anick Beaulieu, CEO of C2MTL, about the decision to focus on these three areas.

“By focusing on these themes, we create a bridge between Montreal's ecosystem and the international community. This facilitates meaningful connections and exchanges between participants, fostering forward-thinking conversations and collaborative opportunities across diverse fields,” she said.

Discussion topics included renewable energies, sustainable architecture, and the societal impact of technology, as well as "The XP Fronts," a new immersive session, presented by XP Land (the editorial arm of Liberty & Company), that explored the future of experiential with industry leaders like Jay Rinsky of Little Cinema, Michael Barclay II of ESSENCE Ventures, and Félix Lajeunesse of Felix & Paul Studios. Attendees also had the opportunity to attend performances, master classes, Braindate sessions, networking cocktails, and other educational activities.

This year, the event was held at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal because of “its versatile, campus-like setting that fosters creativity and collaboration,” Beaulieu explained. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the new venue space “moves away from the conventional office environment, providing an inspiring backdrop for our event. Its unique configuration is designed to facilitate new encounters and the exchange of fresh ideas,” she added. The Grand Quay is C2’s sixth site since its inception.

To encourage networking, organizers introduced a new AI-powered app that helped participants connect. The app launched three weeks before the event, allowing attendees to chat and schedule meetings in advance. Organizers also brought back Braindates, enabling attendees to book meetings based on specific topics.

Unlike last year, this year’s event did not include a virtual component. However, Beaulieu said that organizers will be sharing C2MTL insights and continuing discussions throughout the year “in a surprising way.”

Keep scrolling to see more from this year's C2 Montreal...

This year, C2 was held at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, which featured views of the St. Lawrence River.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the new venue “moves away from the conventional office environment, providing an inspiring backdrop for our event. Its unique configuration is designed to facilitate new encounters and the exchange of fresh ideas,” Beaulieu said.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Each day of the three-day business event was orchestrated around a theme: Experiential & Immersive, Sustainability & Innovation, and AI & Commerce.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Discussion topics included renewable energies, sustainable architecture, and the societal impact of technology, as well as 'The XP Fronts,' an immersive session, presented by XP Land, that explored the future of experiential with industry leaders.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Among the creative installations, "HALLUCINOSE by POFA," produced by Futil Studio, was a modular sofa system inspired by a shattered disco ball.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Organizers created an on-site restaurant specifically for the event, providing a unique setting for attendees to meet and interact.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Digital artist Pierre Thirion presented a quiz where participants were invited to answer specific questions on topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and ethics.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

A lab, led by CEO of Better Being Shi Diwen Zhu, chef Michael Ho, and co-founders of Nüense Melissa St-Louis and Fran Delhoume, used the metaphor of preparing a lasagna to explore neurodiversity and promote inclusion through collective effort.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

Immersive experience facilitator Cath Laporte guided a session through active engagement in movement, music, and drawing, helping attendees discover the creative tools needed to effectively tackle challenges.

Photo: Courtesy of C2

At this year’s C2, nonprofit environmental organization Age of Union alliance unveiled "The Black Hole Experience (BHX)," designed by multidisciplinary artist Kelly Nunes. BHX is a mobile exhibition housed in a 53-foot double expandable trailer with 1,000 square feet of interior space that hosts an LED tunnel leading to the black hole projection chamber, which was created with special light-absorbing paint. There are two rooms for waiting and exiting with information about the experience and Age of Union. It is set to tour major festivals and cities across North America this year.

Photo: Courtesy of C2