Join a Strategic Forum at HEC Montréal on May 5 to accelerate your market diversification efforts
On May 5, take part in a Strategic Forum at HEC Montréal to accelerate your diversification efforts, learn from entrepreneurs who have successfully entered high-potential markets, access new funding programs, and benefit from expert advice. This event will provide you with concrete strategies to diversify your markets and seize new business opportunities internationally.
Co-developed by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM), Investissement Québec International (IQI) and Québec International (QI), the "Diversification of Export Markets for Québec Businesses" initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of local businesses in the face of economic and political fluctuations.
As an exporting company, imagine the possibilities available to you by exploring international markets beyond the United States. Thanks to our initiative, you will gain access to practical tools, insights from experienced exporters, expert guidance, and valuable networking opportunities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your company’s competitiveness and explore new business horizons—register now for this Strategic Forum!
A winning formula to boost your international strategy
Meet decision-makers
Attend inspiring conferences and strategic panels featuring international trade experts and key players in global business development.
Practical workshops to equip you
Join small-group sessions with experts, choose the topic that fits your business needs, and walk away with actionable insights to accelerate your market diversification.
Exhibition area
Explore our exhibition zone and connect with leading international trade organizations offering the tools, advice, and support you need to succeed abroad.
Why participate?
- To develop strategies to diversify your export markets while mitigating risks
- To access available resources to help you diversify your markets
- To understand the challenges related to entry barriers and applicable regulations
- To identify short- and medium-term business opportunities in high-potential markets
- To participate in hands-on workshops led by specialists (expert sessions), designed to guide your project towards success
- To gain inspiration from real-life examples of successful export ventures
- To engage with other businesses and experts who can answer your questions
- To take advantage of networking opportunities with strategic ecosystem partners
Who this forum is for:
- For exporters, small, medium, and large enterprises, looking to diversify their markets
- For investors
- For specialists in export and market diversification
With the participation of:
The program for your day
9:00 a.m. – Welcome, coffee, exhibitor meet-and-greet, and networking
BLOCK 1
BLOCK
1
Diversify to grow better: Understand, anticipate, act internationally
10:00 a.m. – Shuffling the deck: Québec’s economic vision for international growth
10:30 a.m. – Where to export in 2025? Trends, promising markets and key opportunities to seize
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Hubert Bolduc
President
Investissement Québec International
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Maxime Dea
Vice President, Business Relations
CDPQ Global
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Scott Moore
Executive Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Export Development Canada
11:00 a.m. – Exporting further: the Port of Montreal, a logistics pillar to help you reach global markets
11:20 a.m. – Exporting further: bridging businesses and their export markets
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David Rheault
Vice President, Government and Community Relations
Air Canada
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Martin Massé
Vice-President, Public Affairs and Sustainability
Aéroports de Montréal
11:35 a.m. – From local ambition to global impact: The journey of Québec’s export champions
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Marie-Christine Cloutier
Vice President, Performance, Strategy and Marketing
CAE
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Germain Lamonde
Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board
EXFO
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André Noreau
Senior Vice-President and Chief Innovation Officer
Premier Tech
12:00 a.m. – Beyond U.S. borders: Winning strategies for ambitious businesses
12:20 a.m. – Conclusion of the morning
12:30 p.m. – Networking break and access to exhibitors who can support you
BLOCK 2
BLOCK
2
Take action – Practical workshops to succeed in your export strategy
Practical workshops
Discover and explore the various funding programs and financial solutions offered by development finance institutions and economic support organizations. Ask all your questions directly to the program specialists.
Your experts:
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Vincent Fortin
Senior Advisor, Programs and Business Solutions
Investissement Québec
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Ghislain Robichaud
Regional Director and Senior Trade Commissioner, Québec and Nunavut Regional Office
Global Affairs Canada
-
William Archambault
Product Manager, Financing
BDC
-
Frank Trentadue
Regional Director
Export Development Canada
Explore the different financing options available through the support ecosystem by speaking directly with the experts who manage the programs and solutions. Learn about the objectives of each program, their eligibility criteria, and the steps required to benefit from them. This is also an opportunity to better understand the advisory services available in the market and identify the most suitable solution for your needs.
During this interactive session, you will learn:
- Key programs and funding solutions from Investissement Québec, BDC, EDC, and Global Affairs Canada;
- The eligibility requirements and terms of each offer;
- A comparative view of the benefits of different options;
- The available support and advisory services.
- 2:45 p.m. – Workshop 2 – Two options
Choose the one that suits you best on-site.
With experts from Investissement Québec International
- European Market – France:
- Canadian Market:
- Mexican Market:
- Asian Market:
Thanks to active free trade agreements, several markets are prime targets for diversifying your exports. In this interactive session, our experts will share insights into their respective markets (Europe, the Americas, Asia), highlight high-potential sectors for Quebec businesses, and explain the tangible advantages offered by existing trade agreements.
You will learn:
- The key characteristics of each market (opportunity sectors, business practices, cultural differences);
- How to leverage free trade agreements (such as CETA, CPTPP, or CUSMA);
- How to access support services to facilitate your international expansion.
Come ask your questions directly to the experts from Investissement Québec International and leave with a clearer vision for your export projects.
Leverage international agreements and reduce legal risks related to exporting.
With the guidance of an experienced lawyer, learn how to protect your business by addressing key legal challenges.
Learn how can you make the most of free trade agreements.
Connect with key players in the international business ecosystem
Key organizations will be on site to present their services and answer your questions about export, financing, support programs, and market development.
- Global Affairs Canada – Trade Commissioner Service
- The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
- Commerce International Québec
- Export Development Canada
- helloDarwin
- Investissement Québec International
- Québec international
The support from our partners allows us to offer this event at a lower price than our regular forums.