November 16, 2024
The International Association for Earthquake Engineering (IAEE) has selected Montréal to host the 19th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE 2028). This major global event, scheduled for October 1-6, 2028, will bring together approximately 3,200 specialists from around the globe to the Palais des congrès de Montréal, creating an unparalleled opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration in seismic resilience.
Beyond its intellectual impact, the conference is expected to generate nearly $7 million in economic benefits for Montréal and Québec. This achievement underscores Montréal’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and research in earthquake engineering.
The success of Montréal’s bid stems from the close collaboration between the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Tourisme Montréal, as well as a unified effort by Canadian and Québec organizations. This marks only the second time the WCEE will be held in Canada—the first being in Vancouver in 2004.
Montréal stood out among formidable competitors like Guadalajara (Mexico), Taipei (Taiwan), Los Angeles (United States), Auckland (New Zealand), and New Delhi (India). The city’s accessibility, vibrant academic and industrial ecosystem, and strong government support were key factors in its selection.
This event will be the first to benefit from two recently established government initiatives aimed at attracting major international conferences:
These funds, combined with Montréal’s innovative proposal, secured the city’s win at the last WCEE in Milan, July 2024. Notable components of the bid included financial support for delegates from less wealthy countries and a partnership with the World Bank to enhance the seismic resilience of schools in high-risk zones.
Montréal’s bid was spearheaded by a parity-based Canadian committee featuring equal representation of women and men in earthquake engineering. The committee was led by:
This diverse and inclusive team, supported by Canadian and Québec governments, academic institutions, and the industrial sector, played a crucial role in securing the WCEE for Montréal.
Organized by the Canadian Association of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (CAEES), WCEE 2028 will focus on the theme, “COLLABORATE, LEARN, INNOVATE and IMPLEMENT: Building a Safer and More Resilient World TOGETHER.” The event will foster global collaboration among researchers, engineers, and businesses, driving advancements in earthquake engineering and seismic resilience.
For Canada, which experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, this conference presents a unique platform to enhance the safety and preparedness of earthquake-vulnerable communities, particularly in the western regions like Vancouver and Victoria.
Hosting WCEE 2028 is a testament to Montréal’s leadership in the fields of earthquake engineering and seismic resilience. The conference will shine a spotlight on local expertise and help propel the global conversation around prevention and resilience in the face of seismic risks.
With its collaborative spirit, innovative vision, and robust support systems, Montréal is poised to make WCEE 2028 a landmark event that shapes the future of earthquake engineering worldwide.
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