For Lyon’s Pollutec trade show, a delegation of Quebec businesses tied to the environmental innovation sector travelled to France, from October 11 to 15, for a trade mission led by our Acclr team of international trade experts.
Three participating businesses agreed to reflect on the first in-person trade mission since the start of the pandemic: Waste Robotics, CNETE, and Kourant Technologies Inc.
Major opportunities for a booming Quebec industry
The 2021 Pollutec trade show attracted 2,200 exhibitors that specialize in environmental solutions for industry, cities, and territories. With 70,000 professionals on site and a program of 400 sessions, participating businesses had incredible opportunities to meet and network to advance their activities, all in a safe environment that respected health measures.
The trade show was a great opportunity for a sector that is booming in Quebec. An estimated 82% of exhibitors at the show anticipated that connections made at Pollutec would turn into concrete business relationships in the coming year. This estimate was echoed by members of our delegation:
“Our objective was clear: we wanted to get in contact with companies that are active in wastewater treatment in Europe.” – Richard Painchaud, Kourant Technologies Inc.
“We had high expectations, because it’s the type of event that helps us a great deal as we grow our business.” – Katherine Diamond, Waste Robotics
A resounding success for Pollutec and the environmental innovation sector
Participants in the trade mission were pleasantly surprised by the traffic at the Pollutec trade show. Worried that the event would not be very busy because of the pandemic, they reported having discussions with many actors in environmental innovation to get in touch with actors in the sector and grow their business base.
“The main concern was that there would be fewer people because of COVID. In the end, the trade show was well attended and the atmosphere pleasant, and we were able to meet many potential business partners.” – Katherine Diamond, Waste Robotics
“The trade show was a great experience, and the participation rate exceeded my expectations.” – Richard Painchaud, Kourant Technologies Inc.
A welcome return to normal
This trade mission also marked the return of international trade missions led by the Chamber. They enable participating businesses to expand their network of contacts, build new partnerships and further their activities. The Chamber plays a facilitation role that is valued by participating businesses, which can only benefit from the return to in-person events.
“It was really great! I am so pleased to have been able to get back to a normal way of doing business.” – Nancy Déziel, CNETE
“We missed contact with people. There is a big difference between Zoom and in-person meetings. It was a lot warmer in person, and it was easier to make connections.” – Katherine Diamond, Waste Robotics
“What really stood out was the enthusiasm of the people we met in person. It was satisfying seeing each other in person and enjoying human contact.” – Richard Painchaud, Kourant Technologies Inc.
The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and its Acclr experts will be partners for the trade mission organized by Investissement Québec International at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 4 to 8, 2022. To stay informed about trade missions the Chamber is holding in the coming months, follow our news on our website.