Montreal is a city where creative energy, cultural diversity, and design sensibility come together naturally. This unique blend makes the metropolis a prime location for corporate events—whether product launches, conferences, happy hours, or team-building activities.
But companies’ expectations have changed significantly. After a period of widespread remote working and digitalization, in-person events have regained considerable importance, while taking on new forms. In 2026, companies are looking for event spaces that are inspiring, flexible, and experiential, capable of creating connections, conveying values, and offering a memorable experience to each participant.
Here is an overview of the major trends that are redefining the world of corporate events in Montreal—and the reasons why venues such as Espaces Waverly embody this new vision.
1. Experience above all else
Companies are no longer just looking to “book a room.” They want to offer a complete experience. Participants should leave feeling a sense of belonging, inspiration, or emotion.
This translates into immersive events, where every detail counts: lighting, music, set design, and the atmosphere of the venue. The sensory experience becomes as important as the content itself.
In Montreal, this trend can be seen in the popularity of venues that combine architectural character with modern design, offering flexible spaces that can be adapted to any type of event. Espaces Waverly, for example, offers bright, open floors, a multisport roof, and lounge areas that can easily be transformed into conference, cocktail, or collaborative workshop spaces.
2. Flexibility as standard
Companies want to be able to design their own tailor-made events without any configuration constraints. One day, it might be a training day. The next day, a video shoot. The same space must be able to accommodate both.
The event spaces of 2026 will therefore focus on modularity: removable partitions, adaptable furniture, and hybrid areas.
HR and marketing teams appreciate this flexibility, as it allows them to vary the types of experiences without increasing the number of locations or costs. At Espaces Waverly, the open floor plans, terrace, and relaxation areas offer this freedom: you can go from a small group workshop to a festive happy hour without changing locations.
This adaptability is also economical. It reduces logistics costs, optimizes technical installations, and simplifies planning.
3. The return to humanity
After several years marked by virtual events and webinars, companies are putting people back at the center.
Managers realize that nothing can replace real interactions: eye contact, informal discussions, spontaneous connections. Corporate events thus become essential moments for strengthening cohesion and corporate culture.
The venues chosen must reflect this human dimension. Gone are the days of impersonal rooms and sterile decor: we are looking for warm environments with natural light, comfortable furniture, and an atmosphere that encourages interaction.
Companies are also looking for spaces where they can incorporate participatory activities: creative workshops, open discussions, sports, or wellness activities. The multisport roof at Espaces Waverly fits perfectly with this vision: it adds a touch of energy and conviviality to any team event.
4. Integrating well-being
Employee mental and physical health is now a central pillar of corporate culture. Events are no longer seen as a break from work, but as an extension of collective well-being.
That’s why many companies now incorporate activities such as yoga, meditation, breathing workshops, or even group training sessions into their corporate programs.
The most sought-after event spaces are those that allow professional content to be combined with physical or relaxing activities in the same location.
Espaces Waverly stands out in this regard with its rooftop sports facilities: teams can start the day with a workout, then follow up with a conference or team dinner in the indoor space. This type of format is perfectly in line with the current trend, where performance and well-being complement each other rather than conflict.
5. The importance of design and aesthetics
Corporate events are becoming increasingly visual. Photos, videos, and social media sharing are now an integral part of the experience.
Companies are therefore looking for photogenic spaces with distinctive designs that can reinforce their brand image. The venue becomes a setting in its own right, contributing to the identity of the event.
Textures, natural materials, open spaces, and light play a key role. A space like Espaces Waverly, which combines industrial charm with modern design, offers the perfect contrast between authenticity and elegance. Brick walls, large windows, and high ceilings create a setting that impresses without artifice.
In 2026, companies no longer want to simply rent a functional space—they want an inspiring one.
6. The return of hybrid events
Even though in-person meetings are once again dominant, the hybrid format remains present. Companies are seeking to maximize the reach of their events by including remote participants.
This requires suitable infrastructure: powerful Wi-Fi, high-performance audiovisual equipment, and discreet areas for video recording.
Venues that naturally incorporate this dimension—without organizers having to set everything up themselves—have a clear advantage. The trend is toward ready-to-use spaces with pre-configured technical equipment, allowing for a smooth transition between in-person and virtual events.
Espaces Waverly, with its modern and technological approach, enables this hybridization without compromising on the experience.
7. Sustainability at the heart of decisions
Environmental awareness has a strong influence on business decisions. Corporate events are no exception: organizers are looking for responsible venues that promote short supply chains, waste reduction, and sensible energy consumption.
Renovated or converted buildings are gaining popularity over new constructions. In Montreal, this trend is in line with the movement to revalue industrial heritage.
Espaces Waverly is part of this trend: a tastefully renovated old building in Mile End that retains its character while offering modern facilities. This type of eco-friendly reuse is particularly appealing to companies that are sensitive to the environmental impact of their choices.
8. The rise of hybrid formats combining work and social interaction
The line between professional events and social occasions is becoming increasingly blurred. After-work gatherings, team brunches, urban retreats, and team-building days are becoming more and more common.
The most popular event spaces are therefore those that allow for an easy transition from a formal setting to a more relaxed atmosphere.
A venue that offers a fully equipped room, a coffee corner, an outdoor terrace, and a relaxation area allows you to create fluid and natural events, where collaboration continues over a meal or an activity.
At Espaces Waverly, this approach is central to the concept: companies can plan a presentation, a brainstorming workshop, and a cocktail party on the terrace—all in one place. This continuity encourages sincere exchanges and spontaneous ideas.
9. Local and authentic
Companies are increasingly looking for locations that have their own identity, rooted in their neighborhood. The era of standardized, interchangeable spaces is over.
In Montreal, this translates into a keen interest in characterful buildings, locations at the heart of vibrant communities, and local suppliers (caterers, cafés, artisans).
Espaces Waverly, located in the heart of Mile End, embodies this authenticity. It is a vibrant place, surrounded by independent cafés, galleries, and creative businesses. Guests immediately feel a unique atmosphere that is both professional and inspiring.
Organizing an event in such a setting means offering participants an immersion in the most authentic Montreal energy.
10. Personalizing experiences
Every company now wants its events to reflect its culture and values. They are looking for venues that offer freedom of customization: choice of furniture, caterer, musical atmosphere, and complementary activities.
Event managers no longer want a fixed package, but rather tailor-made support. They want to co-create with the venue.
Espaces Waverly meets this expectation by offering neutral yet welcoming spaces that can be adapted to suit the theme of the event. Whether it’s a brand launch, a team day, or a film shoot, the venue can be tailored to the story that each company wants to tell.
11. The search for complete hospitality
Companies are looking to simplify their organization. They prefer to work with venues that can offer a turnkey solution: space, equipment, catering, technical services, schedule management.
Spaces that include an on-site coffee or catering service—such as Espaces Waverly—meet this need. This allows for a consistent experience from morning to night, without complex external management.
This “all-in-one” approach is becoming the norm in modern corporate events: a single point of contact, a single location, but a multitude of possibilities.
12. Conclusion: Montreal, a laboratory for event innovation
Montreal has always been able to combine creativity and efficiency. In 2026, this quality is reflected in the way companies design their events: more human, more immersive, more conscious.
The event spaces of tomorrow are no longer just meeting rooms, but living spaces where connections are forged, ideas are shared, and corporate cultures are built.
Companies are looking for venues that offer total flexibility, inspiring aesthetics, and a unique experience. Espaces Waverly represents this new generation of venues: a lively, bright, multifunctional space designed for modern events and teams that want to go beyond the traditional format.