The Québec City Convention Centre presents its new podcast L’arrière-scène, featuring exclusive interviews from behind the scenes of the events. In this first episode, our team meets Mélanie Pelletier, General Manager of the Salon international du livre de Québec. They talk about the program, but also sustainability and the positive spin-offs of this event for Québec City.
ANN CANTIN:
Good morning, Mélanie! First, can you tell us how long you’ve been working at the Salon du livre?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
I started as Assistant General Manager for the 2023 edition, and this is my very first edition as General Manager.
ANN CANTIN:
How long has the Salon been held at the Québec City Convention Centre?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
Since the opening of the Convention Centre in 1996. It has been a great collaboration between the Salon international du livre and the Québec City Convention Centre since the beginning!
ANN CANTIN:
And what are the advantages of holding an event like this at the Convention Centre?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
For all the history of the event and the experienced staff who work hard to prepare it year after year: the greeting staff, the coordinators, the sales team, the suppliers, and so on. These teams know the event very well, and are an integral part of it, so it’s very easy for us.
ANN CANTIN:
When does the planning of the Salon du livre begin, and how many people are part of your team?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
As soon as the event ends in April, we start thinking about the next edition, first in terms of budget and administration. As for operations, the team is gradually expanding, as many contract workers join the Salon each year. So I would say that in September, we start gearing up for the following April’s edition, and our in-house team consists of 3 full-time people. Then there are 2 programmers, who are on the lookout for literary entries and new releases during the autumn. In the week leading up to the event, some 10 people are on hand to set up the Salon and ensure that it runs smoothly throughout the 5 days: managing ticket sales, school visits, the 381 exhibitors, volunteers and the information kiosk. This year, there will also be a Green Brigade to increase visitor awareness, help sort residual material, and more.
ANN CANTIN:
Let’s talk about the Auteur.e Studio program.
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
It’s a literature show that includes readings, music, with a small premiere featuring local Québec City authors, followed by an interview with a guest author, to discover his or her world and get to know them on a more personal level. This year, we welcome Catherine Girard-Audet, Bernard Werber, Jean-François Lépine, Vincent Vallières and Guy Delisle.
ANN CANTIN:
Earlier, we were talking about the Green Brigade and volunteers. A lot of volunteers help out at the Salon du livre! What are their different tasks like?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
They help with everything! Reception services, exhibitor assistance, information booths, and secretarial work, they also help out during school visits to make sure the facilities are clean. We’re lucky to be able to count on our 150 volunteers, and it’s a vital aspect of the Salon’s survival because, without them, we couldn’t do it.
ANN CANTIN:
Is the whole sustainable development approach of the Québec City Convention Centre and its support relevant to the organization of the Salon du livre?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
It definitely helps us. On our side, online ticketing, the Green Brigade, our sustainable development policy and other similar initiatives mean that we will be the first Salon du livre to be certified by the Bureau des normes du Québec as a Level 2 eco-friendly event. It’s all thanks to the collaboration and impact of our two teams, working together to put on a greener and greener event. Just because we are a book doesn’t mean we can’t be green; in fact, we can take very concrete action throughout the exhibition. This year, through ticket purchases, people will also be able to donate to offset the GHG emissions associated with their visit to the Salon.
ANN CANTIN:
Is the Salon du livre de Québec a major attraction in the literary industry?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
Yes! Authors enjoy coming to Québec City more and more, and so do visitors! With the ticketing system, we can see where people come from, and I can already tell you that 19% of our clientele comes from outside the city of Québec, more than 40 km away. These visitors take the opportunity of the Salon to come and stay longer in Québec City.
ANN CANTIN:
In conclusion, as General Manager, what is your vision for the Salon international du livre de Québec in the upcoming years?
MÉLANIE PELLETIER:
To turn it into a destination, literally. I felt it last year, as I was at the ticket counter a lot during the event, and I saw young people bringing their parents to the Salon, saying “I want to see my favourite children’s author.” It’s great to be able to meet authors, and the Salon keeps them close to the public. That’s the most important thing!
ANN CANTIN:
Mélanie, I wish you a great first Salon as General Manager, and much success for 2024!
