Let the esteemed venues chosen for this year's Toronto International Film Festival guide your search for the ideal meeting or event space in downtown Toronto.
Every September, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) draws stars and cinephiles alike to the city in droves. For 11 days and nights, Toronto vibes with glamorous parties and film premieres in trendy theatres and avant-garde ballrooms. If you’re ready to get started on planning your event in Toronto, take inspiration from these six choice TIFF venues.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
It's impossible to talk about the TIFF without mentioning the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Built in 2010, the Lightbox is more than just the homebase for the festival, it's a cultural icon located in the heart of the Entertainment District. Residing inside a magnificent five-storey loft-style building, this prestigious event space houses five high-tech cinemas, with the largest accommodating up to 522 patrons, ensuring an exceptional movie-watching experience. Additionally, the venue features a gallery split into two sections, that can be combined, with standing room for up to 300 guests. Adding to its allure, the Lightbox features several elegant rooms and lounges, with some offering stunning views of the downtown skyline.
Why meeting planners love this venue: The Lightbox can host versatile events, including screenings, galas, cocktail receptions, professional conferences and more. You can select from in-house concessions or preferred caterers for your gathering. Plus, it’s an iconic building in the downtown core.
Roy Thomson Hall
Roy Thomson Hall is spectacular and utterly unique in design, function and form. It's a beautiful concert hall just down the street from the Lightbox, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the city. It's also an unparalleled event space that is surprisingly flexible, thanks to ingenious technology and design.
At Roy Thomson Hall, a modern three-level, 2,630-seat auditorium sets the stage for memorable galas and musical performances. Beyond the concert space lie several other key venues, including two spacious lobbies with sound systems, built-in platforms and TV monitors, ideal for trade shows, receptions and various events. There’s also an upscale wine bar and an intimate patio space that provides a beautiful setting for al fresco affairs.
Why Meeting Planners Love this Venue: Roy Thomson Hall houses a selection of versatile multi-use rooms to suit diverse needs. The main floor features four bars, with additional ones on the mezzanine and balcony levels. Whether hosting a grand event or an intimate gathering, Roy Thomson Hall ensures a space perfectly tailored to your needs.
The Princess of Wales Theatre
The Princess of Wales Theatre looks like it’s from the 1930s, but it was really built in 1993 by legendary Toronto residents Ed and David Mirvish to host the first Canadian run of Miss Saigon. It's a modern space with a classical feel not far away from the Lightbox and Roy Thomson Hall. The theatre boasts 2,000 seats spread across three levels. Attendees can enjoy everything from captivating theatrical productions to engaging lectures. Each level has a well-stocked bar and a concessions counter, further enhancing the theatre experience.
Why meeting planners love this venue: In addition to the theatre itself, a couple of versatile event spaces are available for pre-, intermission or post-show gatherings. That includes the Princess Suite, which can accommodate up to 25 guests, the Mirvish Suite for up to 12 guests and the CAA Lounge for 100 to 200 guests.
Scotiabank Theatre
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto is a traditional movie theatre, just better. Not only is its downtown Toronto location ideal for TIFF and your next business event, its modern interior and amenities ensure a great experience. While it may sometimes be overlooked, it might be the best event space in the bunch; because with 14 auditoriums, it’s flexible enough to host large and intimate gatherings, from movie screenings to hybrid and in-person meetings.
Why meeting planners love this venue: The downtown location and the theatre’s state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, of course. Plus, treat attendees to the typical movie-going experience with concessions and catered food options and luxurious plush recliners for the main event.
Glenn Gould Studio
Nestled on bustling Front Street, Glenn Gould Studio, housed inside the iconic Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) building, is a sought-after venue. The renowned space features a 340-seat auditorium and provides premium video production and audio recording services. Its stage comfortably accommodates an entire orchestra, making it a perfect choice for musical performances, but it can host corporate meetings and galas, too.
Why meeting planners love this venue: The studio's lobby is a venue in its own right, offering an ideal space for hosting silent auctions, cocktail parties and other gatherings. There’s also the conference centre, which is perfect for corporate events, with six rooms that can fit anywhere from 10 to several dozen people. Plus, the Studio provides beverage services while entrusting food services to its preferred caterers.
Royal Alexandra Theatre
Built in 1907, the Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street is a national treasure and masterpiece of beaux-arts architecture. Not only is it the longest-running legitimate theatre in North America, its ornate decor and rich historical charm exudes timeless elegance. Once inside the 1,224-seat theatre, attendees are welcomed into a setting perfect for lectures, theatrical productions and charity benefits, complete with three seating levels. Bars are conveniently available on each theatre level.
Why meeting planners love this venue: Apart from the theatre space, the Royal Alexandra presents a selection of event spaces. Additionally, there are two lounges available—the Yale Simpson Lounge and CAA Lounge. Both lounges can accommodate up to 300 guests.
