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January 10, 2009

Ample opportunity to browse big-ticket items in Montreal

By STEVEN HOWELL The Press Republican Sun Jan 11, 2009, 05:18 AM EST

From big boats to BMWs, Winnebagos to a wedding you'll never forget, public exhibition and trade shows offer great ways to learn more about the latest trends, the hottest gadgets and the newest models on the market.

While the current economy may not be the best for some of these big-ticket items, it's still fun to browse. And with the start of the New Year, it's undoubtedly trade-show time once again in Montreal . Here's a list of some upcoming exhibition and trade shows where you'll be able to attend workshops and demonstrations, talk to on-site representatives -- and dream big.

Les Grands Salon Marions-Nous, known in English as Let's Get Married, offers everything you'll need to plan for your big day from wedding gowns to tuxedos, accessories to orchestras, wedding planning to honeymoon ideas and two fashion shows daily. Les Salon Marions-Nous offers two public exhibition shows annually. Today closes out the two-day winter event at Place Bonaventure.. The show returns in the fall Sept. 6 and 7. Visit www.marionsnous.ca.

The biggest public exhibition show in town is the Montreal International Auto Show. This year marks the 41st edition from Jan. 16 to 25 at Palais des Congres. On hand are hundreds of exhibitors representing dozens of car manufacturers from Audi to Acura, Volkswagen to Volvo, and everyone in between..

Special exhibits at the show this year include Innovation -- Evolution, a grouping of rare vehicles of the past with prototype cars of the future. Classic cars from the past include a 1953 Studebaker, a 1973 Gremlin, a 1976 Pacer and a 1981 Delorean.

Looking ahead, we find that the future comes from Switzerland of all places. The Swiss manufacturer Rinspeed offers three new daring models including the eXasis, a vehicle that's entirely covered in plastic; the Splash, a car at home on the road -- and in the water; and the Senso, a car that monitors its driver with on-board sensors and then evaluates their driving habits.

In this age of hybrids and eco-friendly technology, the ever-popular segment On Route to a Green Future returns once again. This year the "Green Zone" features the latest green vehicles from Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Also a first, selected participants can test drive some of these fuel-efficient cars.

Finally, if you really want to dream, or have just recently won the lottery, the 7th Heaven section offers a collection of some of the most expensive cars you'll ever see under one roof including models made by Aston Martin, Lotus and Maserati. Also on hand are the likes of a $320,000 Bentley Continental GTC, a $439,000 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and a $500,000 Lamborghini LP640. Bring all the credit cards you own.

The show is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; until 8 p.m. the last day of the event (Jan. 25). Admission costs $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Show your Metro or bus ticket stub for a $2 discount. For more information, visit www.montrealautoshow.com.

Step aside landlubbers. The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show makes all the waves at Place Bonaventure Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. On hand are 150 exhibitors offering the latest pleasure craft models from kayaks to sea cruisers. Dozens of accessory dealers, too. Navigation Quebec is also on hand to present its Web site devoted to nautical tourism in the province. Their site, www.navigationquebec.com, offers info on marinas and waterways as well as lodging and campsites located near rivers and lakes. Admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and $4 for children 6 to 12. Call (450) 466-1777 or visit www.salondubateau.com..

Next, love (and more -- much more) is in the air at Olympic Stadium Feb 6 to 8 when the Love and Seduction Show comes to town. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Love and Seduction Show -- for adults only -- offers dozens of exhibitors who offer everything form gifts and novelties, erotic fashion shows and even pole dancing demonstrations. Call (450) 928-6969 or visit www.amouretseduction.com.

Outdoor enthusiasts, avid hunters and dedicated fishermen will enjoy the 12th edition of the National Outfitter's Hunting & Fishing Show, which is held a few weeks earlier this year from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. Here, professional outfitters can help you plan your next hunting or fishing trip. The show also offers specialized workshops on a variety of topics geared toward the great outdoors. Admission costs $10 for adults. At Palais des Congres. Call (514) 334-7277 or visit www.pourvoirie.net.

The seventh edition of the Bicycle Show Expodium rolls into town Feb. 20 to 22. Geared toward bicycling enthusiasts, the Bicycle Expodium showcases the latest bicycle models, accessories, bike-themed clothing as well as cycling tourism information. The site also features a test track and acrobatic stunt demonstrations. Admission costs $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 6 to 12. The show is free on Feb. 22 for children 12 years and younger when accompanied by a parent. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 397-2222 or visit www.expodium.ca.

The National Motorcycle Show comes to town Feb. 20 to 22 with 150 exhibitors offering the latest models in motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, custom and vintage cycles as well as specialized clothing and accessories. Motorcycles manufacturers include Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and, of course, Harley Davidson. Representatives from Quebec tourism regions will also be on hand to help you plan your next motorcycle adventure. At Palais des Congres. Admission costs $13.50. Visit www.salonmotomontreal.com.

The great outdoors continues at the Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show Feb. 26 to March 1. More than 250 exhibitors will be on hand including boat, ATV and RV dealers, outfitters and camping-gear manufacturers and retailers. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $4 for children 6 to 11. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 866-5409 or visit www.salonchassepeche.ca.

Then its time to hit the road in a really big way. The very popular Montreal RV Show comes to Olympic Stadium March 5 to 8. The RV Show features the latest motor homes, camping trailers and tent-trailers -- some 500 vehicles in all. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $4 for children 6 to 12. Call (514) 338-1471 or visit www.salonvr.com.

The Montreal Gift Show, which runs March 8 to 11, offers decorative accessories and giftware product ideas for retailers of apparel, fashion accessories, general gifts, gourmet food, garden accessories, home decor, housewares, jewelry and stationery. There are 350 exhibitors in all. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 397-2222 or visit www.montrealgiftshow.com.

Next, if your house is in the market for a makeover, get some decorating and design tips at the Montreal National Home & Landscaping Show March 20 to 29. Some 500 exhibitors will be on hand to offer the latest trends and ideas on home construction, design, renovations, decorating and landscaping. The 10-day event garners some 200,000 visitors annually. Admission costs $14 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 6 to 12. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 527-9222 or visit www.montrealnationalhomeshow.com.

Baby boomers, here's a show just for you. The Intergenerational Show, which runs March 20 to 22, features more than 150 exhibitors who offer information on nutrition, finances, home furnishings, gardening, new technology, retirement, sports and leisure, traveling and health, beauty and fashion. Free admission. At Olympic Stadium. Visit www.salongeneration.ca.

The Parents and Kids Fair, which runs April 2 to 5, is the resource for parents and parents-to-be, specifically for families with children up to age 6. Some 250 exhibitors will be on hand to offer information on health, nutrition, daycare and education. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, free for children 12 and younger. At Place Bonaventure. Call (450) 227-7221 or visit www.parentsandkidsfair.com.

The Montreal International Interior Design Show, which runs May 21 to 23, features 300 exhibitors who offer architecture and creative design space planning for your home or business. Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. At Place Bonaventure. Call (514) 284-3636 or for now visit www.sidim.com (a new Web site appears soon).

The major trade and exhibition shows, as well as most business conventions, are usually held at three locations in Montreal: Palais des Congres (also know as the Montreal Convention Centre), 1001 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle (Metro station Place d'Armes), visit www.congresmtl.com; Place Bonaventure, 800 de la Gauchetiere St. W. (Metro station Bonaventure), visit www.placebonaventure.com; and Olympic Stadium at Sherbrooke Street and Avenue Pie-IX (Metro stations Pie-IX and Viau).