Cities Initiative 2024 Annual Conference

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

8:30 am Cities Initiative Member Meeting (restricted to Cities Initiative members)

11:30 am Member Meeting concludes / Free time

1:00 pm 2024 Annual Conference Opening and Welcome

1:45 pm Plenary #1 – Transforming Economies - Leading by Example: Showcasing Basin Cities' Progress on Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Economic Transformation

3:00 pm Break

3:15 pm Plenary # 2 – Transforming Energy - Local Power: Catalyzing the Transition to Clean and Renewable Energy at the Community Level

4:15 pm Break

4:30 pm Transforming Energy breakout sessions

5:30 pm Day 1 Closing / Free Time

7:00 pm Cities Initiative Networking Dinner Reception – Port of Montreal Tower

THURSDAY, MAY 16

9:00 am Breakfast

9:30 am Plenary # 3 – Transforming Transportation - Sustainable Commerce, Transit and Mobility: Reducing Emissions and Building New Economic Opportunities in Moving Goods and People through Freshwater Waterways and Communities

10:30 am Break

10:45 am Transforming Transportation breakout sessions

11:45 am Lunch

12:30 pm Luncheon/Special Sessions

1:30 pm Break

1:45 pm Plenary # 4 – Transforming Industry - A Thriving Blue-Green Economic Corridor: Promoting Freshwater Innovation, Green Businesses and Jobs and Sustainable Industry Practices

2:45 pm Break

3:00 pm Transforming Industry breakout sessions

4:00 pm Break

4:15 pm Plenary #5 – Transforming Industry

5:15 pm Day 2 Closing / Free time

6:30 pm Cities Initiative Cocktail Reception

7:15 pm Cities Initiative Annual Awards Dinner

FRIDAY, MAY 17

8:00 am Breakfast

8:30 am Plenary #6 – Transforming Waterfronts - Waterfronts for Everyone: Designing Accessible, Multi-Purpose and Resilient Centers of Environmental and Socioeconomic Revitalization

9:30 am Break

9:45 am Transforming Waterfronts breakout sessions

10:45 am Annual Conference Closing Ceremony

11:00 am Annual Conference Adjourns

12:00 pm Lunch Boxes Available

12:30 pm Educational Tours

Option #1 – Visit with City of Montreal/Metropolitan Community of Montreal

Option #2 – Visit of Kahnawake Mohawk Territory

5:00 pm Return to Montreal Chateau Champlain Hotel

Photo credit: Daph & Nico - Tourisme Montréal

OUR HOST CITY – Montréal, Quebec

A striking union of European and North American cultures, Montréal seduces visitors with a wonderful pairing of history, beautiful architecture and exquisite fine dining and entertainment.

The island of Montréal was originally a diplomatic trading area for regional First Nations: the Atikamekw to the north, the Anishinaabe (Algonquin) to the west and the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), part of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, to the south.

During the 16th century, the first French settlers arrived at the shores of this island, followed by the English, the Scottish and the Irish. Today, more than 3.6 million people representing over 120 distinct ethnic communities have come to call Montréal home.

The world’s second largest francophone city after Paris, Montréal is a cosmopolitan centre with proud roots in the past and an enthusiastic embrace of the future.

Whether strolling in the Old Port, around the city’s many distinct neighbourhoods or up Mount Royal, where the city derives its name, there is no shortage of things to do during your stay in Montréal.

Come discover all that the Francophone Metropolis of the Americas has to offer!

Host or Publisher Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative