Welcome to Québec City

A Strong Industry, Serving Society

Safe drinking water, secure transportation, reliable communications and efficient energy are the backbone of our global economy. The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) 2008 Québec conference will challenge consulting engineers to build a stronger industry that can serve society even more effectively. The focus will be on the role of engineers in influencing decision-makers and opinion-leaders while delivering quality services to meet global needs.

FIDIC 2006 Budapest highlighted the industry at the cross-roads, exploring the essential criteria of quality services, whether as a trusted advisor or as a commodity supplier.

FIDIC 2007 Singapore explored the key factors that lead to successful relationships between all the partners supplying professional services to the infrastructure sector.

FIDIC 2008 Québec conference “A Strong Industry Serving Society”, pulls together the themes of these last two FIDIC conferences.

The 2008 conference takes place in Quebéc City, the capital of Canada’s Québec province, in the city's mythic Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel. The only walled city north of Mexico and an UNESCO world heritage treasure, Québec City has a proud history blending French and English influences with a distinctive character, in a setting beyond compare that is blessed by exceptional natural surroundings. With breathtaking architecture, beautiful streets and fortifications unique in North America, Quebec recounts a fabulous story of history and culture.

Québec City also celebrates its 400th birthday in 2008 – a momentous occasion with year-round celebrations that bring an added, and unforgettable, dimension to the FIDIC 2008 Québec.

The conference starts with a Welcome Reception in the Musée National des Beaux-Arts on Sunday evening, 7 September 2008. The business programme begins with an Opening Ceremony and a plenary session on Monday, 8 September 2008, in the Palais Montcalm theatre in the heart of Québec City. Under “Influencing Society” - the theme for the day - speakers representing society-at-large will speak on the needs of society and the contribution that engineers can make. For the Monday local flavour night, participants will be taken for a cruise on the beautiful St Laurence river, that will include a buffet dinner and lively entertainment.

“Delivering Quality” is the theme for the second day, Tuesday, 9 September. Leaders of the consulting engineering industry's client groups will describe their expectations and their vision for working as partners with consulting engineers. The business programme ends with the Young Professionals Future Leaders Workshop that has become a feature of FIDIC conferences.

“Building Strong Organizations", the theme for the third day, Wednesday, September 10, is at the heart of the industry's call for action. It will be addressed by sessions focussing on how the industry can organize itself to meet both the needs of society and the expectation of clients.

The FIDIC General Assembly Meeting is held on Wednesday afternoon, and the closing gala banquet in the city's Capitole Theatre on Wednesday evening will feature Québec's fine cuisine and amazing circus acts.

Throughout the conference there is a lively and entertaining series of optional events and tours, and a full programme is offered for accompanying persons.

FIDIC and the local hosts, the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies and the Association of Consulting Engineers Québec, look forward to welcoming you in beautiful Québec City for FIDIC 2008.

John Boyd
President, FIDIC
Leon Botham
Chair of the Board, ACEC
Michel Lalonde
Chair of the Board, AICQ