uébec City excels in digital arts , animation , special effects , multimedia and video games . It also has expertise in software , web development and big data , and has grown to become one of North America ’ s most effervescent hubs for interactive entertainment , producing both original IPs and creative content for many top brands .

Québec City ’ s digital arts and entertainment industry generates over $ 100m in revenues each year .

Québec EPIX Umbrella organisations help to drive these developments . Québec EPIX is a network of stakeholders in the sectors of video games , animation , special effects and immersive and multimedia experience creation in the region . It allows businesses of all sizes to bring together their vision and skills and push forward on collaborative initiatives , including internationally .

Quebec EPIX is also able to help with financing and promoting projects through world-class events . It organises international missions and champions local talent , including sending Québec delegates to international meets like the Game Developers Conference .

Also sponsored by Québec EPIX is the Catapulte acceleration programme for young video game studios . It offers grants , support and coaching throughout the creation and launch of games .

Ambassador Louis Leclerc and his Pixel Québec team organise events for the animation sector , including Cartoon Connection Canada . The events bring creators and broadcasters together to network , share knowledge , and form partnerships . “ Our events are all about creating opportunities ,” says Leclerc . It is a powerful strategy . “ Imagine artists pitching their life ’ s creation to potential

partners . Everything is on the line . We foster an environment where proximity between delegates becomes less intimidating and more about how they can mutually help each other ,” he adds .

In other words , rather than simply bragging about the number of delegates or name-dropping high-profile companies that are participating in an event , Pixel Québec ’ s focus is firmly on the value .

Another key aspect to standing out from a glut of events is the host city . “ The bleisure aspect is fundamental . Don ’ t underestimate the marketing potential of your event ’ s location ,” Leclerc says . “ Québec City played a major factor in attracting delegates to our events .”

Pixel Québec makes a point of organising off-hour activities that enable event goers to discover the local culture . “ Attendees are more likely to be interested in an event if it ’ s combined with unique experiences ,” Leclerc adds .

And his advice for creating a successful event ? “ Give your potential delegates a real reason to choose your conference over another . Go beyond the buzzwords to craft the event of a lifetime .”

Québec City also has the highest concentration of optics / photonics experts in Canada , and global players established in the area include ABB , Optel , Exfo ,

Below : The city of Quebec

Olympus , Gentec , and Eddyfi .

Ann Cantin , director of communications and marketing , Québec City Business Destination and Québec City Convention Centre , tells CMW : “ Cutting edge infrastructures , businesses and research centres create a thriving ecosystem that fosters meetings and events . Technologies in Québec City allow for associations and businesses to attract business events and further develop the industry while spotlighting incredible advancements made in the field .”

“ When businesses set up in Québec , they are choosing an exceptional environment . Québec offers all the resources needed to support a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship ,” says Carl Viel , president and CEO , Québec International , the economic development agency for the Québec City region .

Edmonton : technologically driven

Edmonton is a leader in AI and machine learning and the University of Alberta is ranked third in the world for AI .

There is also an $ 18.7bn ICT sector in Alberta and Jobber , a scheduling software and app , Canada ’ s fastest growing software company , is headquartered in the city .

TEC Edmonton , founded out of the University of Alberta was ranked the third best university-associated business incubator in the world .

Google DeepMind has done major work here and nanotechnology , video gaming and digital media are other strong suits for Edmonton , which is hosting the NanoCanada From Earth to Space International Conference in June 2022 plus a one-day Virtual Launch Event on 21 October 2021 .