Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Xplor 2026 is the leading convention for the mining exploration industry, taking place from November 2 to 5 at Le Westin Montréal. This event will feature nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in mineral exploration.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, networking events, and a gala celebrating industry achievements. Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention takes place in Montreal, CA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Xplor 2026 runs from November 2 to 5 at Le Westin Montréal, Canada.
- 2Scale and Focus: Nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing innovations in mineral exploration.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by AEMQ, details available at xplor.aemq.org.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attracting over 1,200 industry professionals and decision-makers.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is open now with various pass options available.
Why visit
Xplor is where Québec's exploration season gets planned.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Xplor 2026 provides companies with direct access to key decision-makers in the mining sector. Nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing innovations in mineral exploration. Attracting over 1,200 industry professionals and decision-makers. Xplor 2026 is the leading convention for the mining exploration industry, taking place from November 2 to 5 at Le Westin Montréal. This event will feature nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exploration and project geologists working grassroots to resource-definition programs
Geophysicists, geochemists and data specialists interpreting survey and assay results
Junior exploration executives, presidents and VPs of exploration assessing claim packages
Mining analysts, fund managers and prospect-generating investors
Drilling supervisors and field operations managers sourcing contractors and consumables
Government geoscientists, survey staff and permitting officers
Environmental, permitting and community-relations consultants
Earth science students and postdoctoral researchers recruiting into the sector
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Diamond drilling contractors and rig or consumable suppliers
Airborne and ground geophysical survey providers
Commercial assay labs, sample preparation and analytical instrument vendors
Geological modelling, GIS and drill data management software firms
Claim staking, land tenure and title management services
Field camps, remote logistics, helicopter and access specialists
Environmental baseline, permitting and community consultation consultancies
Exploration equipment dealers for core handling, sampling and field safety
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Diamond drill rigs, core barrels and drilling consumables
Airborne electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric survey systems
Ground geophysics including IP, gravity and seismic equipment
Geochemical sampling kits, assay and sample preparation services
Core logging, core imaging and automated assay technologies
3D geological modelling, GIS and exploration data platforms
Claim staking, tenure management and land access services
Remote camps, field safety gear and helicopter logistics
Location & Facilities
Venue
Le Westin Montréal
270 Rue Saint-Antoine O, Montreal, QC H2Y 0A3, Canada
Facilities
Parking
Le Westin Montréal in Montreal typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Le Westin Montréal in Montreal typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Le Westin Montréal for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
November 2 to 5:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
2-day pass
5401-day pass
650
Who runs the show
Organisers
Stéphane Bellavance, celebrating the achievements and individuals who contribute to advanc
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Montreal, CA
Why it matters
On 2026-11-02 to 2026-11-05, Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention in Montreal covering Mineral exploration technologies, Geological survey equipment, Mining software solutions, Environmental monitoring tools gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
The practical gateway for nearly all international delegates to Xplor. STM route 747 runs from the terminal to downtown, taxis use a posted flat rate to the city centre, and ride-hailing pickup is available. Confirm current fares and schedules before travel
Approx. 20 km from the downtown venue
to venue
Approx. 30-45 min by road; 45-60 min at rush hour
by car
Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport
A secondary South Shore airport used by regional and limited scheduled services, not a substitute for YUL on long-haul itineraries. Taxi or ride-hailing to downtown is the usual transfer; verify that your flight actually operates into YHU before booking
Approx. 15 km from the downtown venue
to venue
Approx. 20-30 min by road
by car
Plattsburgh International Airport
A US airport in New York State sometimes used by travellers chasing domestic US fares. Budget for a rental car or shuttle, a border stop and possible delays; only worth it if the fare saving is substantial
Approx. 100 km south of Montreal, across the US border
to venue
Approx. 1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min including a border crossing
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Le Westin Montréal
4-star
Downtown Montreal (venue hotel)Referenced as the Xplor venue and host hotel, which makes it the default choice for delegates who want to walk from room to floor. Confirm the delegate block and rate directly with the hotel or organiser; the band shown is an approximate November downtown rate, not a quoted convention rate.
Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil
3-star
Longueuil (South Shore)Value option across the river with free parking, which suits delegates driving in. Allow 15-25 minutes by car over the Jacques-Cartier bridge outside rush hour. Google Travel capture showed a discounted rate for the November stay window.
Holiday Inn Montréal-Longueuil
3-star
Longueuil (South Shore)Mid-tier South Shore property with free parking, indoor pool and bar; breakfast is paid. Good for a team travelling by car, less convenient if you plan to rely on the metro late at night.
Ruby Foo's hotel
4-star
Montreal (Decarie corridor)Full-service option with free parking, restaurant and pool, around 20 minutes by road from the downtown core. Useful if you are combining the show with site or office visits on the west side of the city.
Auberge L'Apéro
2-star
Montreal (central)Small-format, budget-friendly base with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, best for a short two or three night stay. Rooms are limited, so book early if the downtown core is your priority.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forSTM route 747, Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) to downtown Montreal
Cheapest fixed-cost airport transfer. The service runs from the terminal to the downtown bus and metro hub; allow 45-60 minutes door to door with luggage.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CAD 45-55 by posted airport flat rate, plus tip and any luggage charge; confirm the posted rate at the rank
Best forMontréal-Trudeau (YUL) to the downtown venue
Fastest option for two or more travellers with bags. Queue at the licensed taxi rank outside arrivals rather than accepting unmarked offers.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. CAD 40-65 depending on surge and pickup zone; confirm the app quote before requesting
Best forMontréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Le Westin Montréal
Ride-hailing picks up from a designated zone at YUL; the price fluctuates at peak arrival banks, so compare with the taxi flat rate before ordering.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forBonaventure or Lucien-L'Allier station (Orange line) to the venue district
The Orange line puts you within a short walk of the downtown core. Buy or reload a transit card at the station machines; carry a card that supports contactless payment as backup.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CAD 35-45 plus tip; confirm the meter or fixed quote before departure
Best forMontréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) to Le Westin Montréal
YHU serves a limited set of regional flights, so taxi and ride-hailing are the realistic transfers. Allow extra time if you land close to the evening rush.
parking
Estimated costApprox. CAD 25-40 per 24 hours depending on the garage, with event or valet surcharges possible; confirm with the hotel or operator
Best forDowntown Montreal hotel or public garage parking near the venue
Underground garages fill on weekday mornings and on event days. If you drive in, reserve a hotel package with parking and check clearance and in-out privileges.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PBG to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPlattsburgh International Airport (PBG) to Le Westin Montréal
Approx. 1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min including a border crossing; A US airport in New York State sometimes used by travellers chasing domestic US fares. Budget for a rental car or shuttle, a border stop and possible delays; only worth it if the fare saving is substantial.
Weather
November in Montreal is late autumn sliding into early winter: daytime highs typically 3-9 C (37-48 F), overnight lows around -3 to 2 C (27-36 F), short daylight with sunset before 17:00, and a realistic mix of rain and the first wet snow. Pavements can be slushy or icy in the morning, so dress in waterproof layers and pack boots with grip. These are approximate climatological bands for Montreal, not a forecast - check Environment Canada a few days before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Canadian carriers such as Rogers, Bell and Telus, plus their flanker brands, sell prepaid SIM and eSIM plans at airport and downtown shops; an eSIM activated before departure is usually the least friction. Check your home roaming rate first, since a week of Canadian data can cost more than a local eSIM. The venue hotel and convention floor typically provide Wi-Fi for guests and delegates - confirm the network and access code at check-in or the registration desk. Download the programme, transit maps and any delegate messaging app before you fly, and carry a power bank for long days away from a socket.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Working language
Montréal is a francophone city and French is the everyday language in shops, taxis and restaurants, while the exploration and finance community operates comfortably in English. Opening a conversation with a short greeting in French is appreciated, and having bilingual business cards or one-pagers helps with local clients.
Tipping and payment
Tips of roughly 15-20 percent are the norm in sit-down restaurants and bars and are commonly added to taxi and ride-hailing totals. Contactless cards and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere, so a large cash float is not necessary, but keep small change for tips.
Business manners
Québec business culture is relatively informal in dress but punctual in scheduling. Meetings start on time, small talk comes before the technical discussion, and exchanging cards at the start is standard on the show floor.
November rhythm
With sunset before 17:00, evening receptions tend to start early and finish earlier than summer events. Build in travel time for rush hour around 16:00-18:00 and keep a coat check strategy for evening functions.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: YUL
Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) is the only realistic long-haul gateway for Xplor; search YUL rather than 'Montreal all airports' so secondary fields do not dilute results. Google Flights snapshots for the early November 2026 window showed New York JFK round-trips from about USD 406 and a London routing at about USD 813, with London pricing flagged as currently high at the time of capture. Nonstop options were visible from London at roughly 7.5 hours and from Tokyo at roughly 12.25 hours via Air Canada. Several long-haul markets still showed incomplete results, so re-run searches six to ten weeks out and set price alerts. Arrive the day before the opening session: November weather in Montreal can delay inbound connections, and a same-day arrival leaves no margin for badge pickup.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL): Approx. 30-45 min by road; 45-60 min at rush hour; Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU): Approx. 20-30 min by road; Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG): Approx. 1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min including a border crossing. Allow road or rail time to Le Westin Montréal; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Le Westin Montréal: Downtown Montreal (venue hotel): Le Westin Montréal; Longueuil (South Shore): Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil; Longueuil (South Shore): Holiday Inn Montréal-Longueuil.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing is well established in Montreal, with major international apps operating alongside local taxi-hailing services. At Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) pickups happen in a designated zone outside the terminal rather than at the taxi rank, and prices rise at peak arrival periods. For the short hop between a downtown hotel and the venue, a metered taxi or the metro is often faster than waiting for a car, especially in the 16:00-18:00 window. Confirm the app quote before requesting and check that your payment card works on a Canadian account. Data access matters here, so sort out an eSIM or roaming before you land.
Public transit: Montreal's STM network covers the airport and downtown efficiently. The 747 bus links Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) with the downtown bus and metro hub for an approximate CAD 11 fare that includes 24 hours of onward travel, and the Orange line puts you within walking distance of the downtown venue through Bonaventure or Lucien-L'Allier stations. Single metro trips run around CAD 3.75, with day and multi-day passes available from station machines, and contactless bank-card payment is increasingly accepted on fare readers. Trains and buses run frequently but thin out late at night, so check the last connection if you stay for an evening reception. Confirm current fares and routes with STM before travel.
Parking: The venue hotel operates its own underground parking, and several public garages serve the downtown core within a few minutes' walk. Expect approximately CAD 25-40 per 24 hours depending on the garage and any event surcharge, with higher rates for valet or premium locations. Weekday morning entry fills quickly, so arrive before 08:30 or pre-book a space through your hotel. South Shore hotels such as the Sandman and the Holiday Inn Montréal-Longueuil include free parking, which can offset the bridge crossing if you are driving in. Confirm clearance height, in-out privileges and rates directly with the operator.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 3-9 C (37-48 F) and overnight lows around -3 to 2 C (27-36 F). Approximate November climate bands for Montreal - confirm with Environment Canada before travel.
Seasonality: November is a grey, damp month in Montreal with frequent overcast days, a realistic mix of rain and the season's first wet snow, and short daylight with sunset before 17:00. Precipitation is spread across the month rather than concentrated in a single rainy season, so plan for wet pavements on any given day. Approximate seasonality - check the forecast in the final week.
Packing: Pack a waterproof outer layer with a warm insulated mid-layer, a hat and gloves for early mornings and evenings, and boots with grip for slush or ice on the pavements. Bring an umbrella or a hooded coat, a power bank for long days out, and business-casual clothing for the show floor plus a warm overcoat for evening receptions. A spare pair of shoes is worth the space if the weather turns wet.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration category on xplor.aemq.org and print or download the confirmation with any QR code.
T-2
Check passport validity and, if you fly into Canada, whether you need an eTA or visitor visa before booking.
T-3
Book the flight into Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) and compare the STM 747 bus, taxi flat rate and ride-hailing for the airport transfer.
T-4
Reserve a downtown or Longueuil hotel room early; November is low season but the block around the venue fills with delegates.
T-5
Download the programme and mark the technical sessions and exhibitor stands that match your projects or targets.
T-6
Draft a shortlist of 10-15 exhibitors and request meetings with drilling, geophysics and assay suppliers before arrival.
T-7
Prepare a one-page project or target summary if you are looking for partners, financing or joint-venture interest.
T-8
Check the November forecast and pack a waterproof coat, warm layers and boots for wet or slushy pavements.
T-9
Confirm roaming or buy a Canadian eSIM so you can use maps, ride-hailing and messaging on arrival.
T-10
Arrange currency and a card that works contactless; most Montreal venues and taxis accept card payments.
T-11
Save the venue address and a screenshot of the metro route from your hotel in case mobile data fails.
T-12
Check whether any evening receptions need a separate RSVP and add them to your calendar.
T-13
Leave buffer time for badge pickup on the first morning and identify the registration desk location in advance.
T-14
Share your travel dates and hotel with colleagues and keep digital copies of bookings and insurance.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Le Westin Montréal
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention registration concourse
Le Westin Montréal
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Le Westin Montréal
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · 2-day pass
USD 540 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · 1-day pass
USD 650 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 2-day pass | USD 540 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 1-day pass | USD 650 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Mineral exploration technologies and Geological survey equipment solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention in Montreal.
Min. budget
$1,100.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Mineral exploration technologies and Geological survey equipment products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$4,950.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Montreal show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- NI 43-101
- The Canadian disclosure standard for mineral projects. It sets out how technical information, resource estimates and qualified-person sign-off must be reported by companies listed in Canada, and it is the format most Xplor exhibitors and delegates work to.
- Qualified Person (QP)
- An engineer or geoscientist with the experience and professional standing required to take responsibility for the technical content of a disclosure. Exploration companies need a QP before a drill result or resource can be published.
- Drill core
- The cylindrical rock sample recovered by a diamond drill. Core is logged, photographed, split and sent to a lab, and core handling or imaging systems are a fixture of the exploration supply chain represented at Xplor.
- Assay
- The laboratory measurement of element concentrations in a rock, soil or till sample. Assay turnaround and accuracy directly govern how fast an explorer can decide whether to keep drilling.
- QA/QC
- Quality assurance and quality control: the standards, blanks and duplicates inserted into a sample stream to prove lab results are trustworthy. Reviewers and investors ask for it before accepting any assay table.
- Till and soil geochemistry
- Sampling of glacial till, soil or lake sediment to trace mineral signatures through overburden. It is a low-cost targeting tool widely used in Québec's covered terrains before a drill is ever moved.
- Airborne geophysics
- Surveying magnetic, electromagnetic or radiometric response from an aircraft to map geology and conductivity at regional scale. VTEM and similar systems are commonly flown over Québec claim blocks to rank targets.
- Claim block
- A group of staked mineral titles held under Québec's mining act. Claim status, expiry and ownership are the first things a buyer or joint-venture partner checks when evaluating a project.
- Option and joint-venture agreement
- A deal where a partner earns an interest in a project by funding exploration spend over time. These agreements are a core currency of the exploration sector and a common reason to meet at the show.
- Critical and strategic minerals
- The minerals governments designate as economically important and supply-exposed, including lithium, nickel, copper, graphite and rare earths. Québec policy for these commodities shapes which projects get financed and drilled.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Xplor 2026
- Quebec Mining Convention
- Montreal Mining Events
- Mining Industry Canada
- Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention 2026
- Xplor - Quebec Mining Exploration Convention Montreal 2026
- Xplor Montreal 2026
- Montreal CA
- Mining Montreal 2026
- Natural Resources
1 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
AEMQ
- event_website
- event_registration
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.