Toronto put a brief pause on indoor events earlier this year when the Omicron variant arrived. Indoor capacities for meeting and event venues have gradually increased and returned to 100% on February 17. It’s full steam ahead now, with a number of significant business events taking place throughout the year.
“Planners often ask us ‘why Toronto?’ This is our favourite question!” says Heather Neale, managing director of sales, Destination Toronto. “We are a business hub for key sectors, including life sciences, technology, food and beverage, finance, and advanced manufacturing. Our business community consists of bright minds and thought leaders who deliver meaningful conversation and support for business events.”
A SAFE AND LIVEABLE CITY
Toronto provides “a spirit of inclusiveness and a sense of welcome that meeting attendees will feel upon arrival,” Neale says. Over 50% of residents were born outside of Canada, and more than 180 languages and major dialects are spoken here. “The influence of these diverse perspectives can be seen in all aspects of the city — culinary, entertainment, business, education, and innovation,” Neale adds.
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Most highly-educated population in North America
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More than 240 ethnic groups
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55% of Torontonians identifying as visible minorities
“With the return of business events, our community remains committed to innovative solutions that achieve meeting objectives while prioritizing health and safety,” Neale says.
BUSINESS AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Toronto is the country’s economic hub and home to 38% of Canada’s business headquarters.
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A $364-billion economy
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20% of Canada’s GDP
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North America’s second-largest financial centre, second-largest food and beverage industry and third-largest tech sector
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Five world-renowned universities and six internationally-recognized colleges
ACCESSIBLE AND CONVENIENT
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More than 135 million people live within a 90-minute flight of Toronto
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Two airports serving 200 global destinations in 55 countries
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Flexible meeting and event spaces: two large-scale convention centres feature hotel accommodations within walking distance
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7,500 restaurants representing the world’s culinary diversity
Need more reasons to meet in Toronto? Here are 10 more to think about.
A SUPPORTIVE DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION
“Destination Toronto brings people together, including options for wonderfully unique hotels, convention venues, restaurants, off-site venues, audio-visual partners, service contractors and so much more,” says Neale. “This process starts early on when planners are sourcing destinations and continues right through until they host their meetings in Toronto.” Throughout the planning process, Team Toronto will share applicable incentives, offers, and access to the best of the city for your event.
Look Who’s Coming to Toronto
Toronto is preparing to host a number of significant events this year. Here are just a few:
May 9–11: RC Show: Canada’s Largest Foodservice & Hospitality Event
May 15: The Juno Awards
May 24–27: IAPP Canada Privacy Symposium
May 24–27: Rendez-vous Canada+
June 2–5: Call of Duty League Major
June 20–23: Collision
June 25-29: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
July 19–21: Destinations International Annual Convention
September 19–23: International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress
October 17–22: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry AACAP/CACAP’s 2022 Annual Meeting
October 29–November 3: League of Legends World Championship – Semi-finals