After a whirlwind season of showing off our city as a top-tier business event destination, here is a glimpse into one of many familiarization tours hosted by the Destination Toronto team.
Spending time in the historic Distillery District
We love showing off our city.
The Destination Toronto team had the pleasure of hosting a group of 15 event-planning professionals from Maritz, a U.S.-based company that plans trade shows, meetings and events, for a familiarization a.k.a. FAM trip, giving an overview of the city as a leading business event destination. In a whirlwind few days, the group got a taste of the convention centres, hotels, venues, restaurants, neighbourhoods and unique culture Toronto has to offer. Here’s how we explored our city through the lens of conference and business event planning.
“I think Toronto is a hot spot. It has a little bit of something for everyone: the history, the culture, the food, the sports, the attractions. I really feel like it's an ideal spot for events, and it's showing up with the interest from clients.”
– Talhia McDougal, Global Event Strategist, Maritz
Touring the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building
The group stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, which boasts 259 rooms and 14,300-square-feet of event space. The property is known for its modern design, authentic French cuisine at Café Boulud, and serene spa. Its downtown location was also the perfect base for exploring Toronto.
Once everyone checked in, the evening began with a casual walk to Cibo Yorkville for dinner, located just a few minutes from the hotel. Cibo, a popular wine bar and Italian restaurant, has an incredibly cozy atmosphere, making for a relaxing first night in the city.
Day two: Exploring hotels and restaurants
The day started with a welcome lunch at El Catrin, an upscale Mexican eatery in the Distillery District. The vibrant ambiance and delicious cuisine set the tone for the day. After lunch, the group attended an education session on revenue management at the Westin Harbour Castle. The session provided valuable insights into the hotel brand's unique value propositions.
The group orders coffee at the Westin Harbour Castle
After a brief site visit to the Park Hyatt Toronto and some relaxation time back at the hotel, the day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Four Seasons, offering exquisite cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
“The city is truly an international destination. The thing I like the most about [Toronto] is the cultural diversity and the sense of the international and global perspective.”
– Debra Collins, Senior Sourcing Manager, Maritz
A group of event-planning professionals from Maritz visit Toronto’s Kensington Market
Day three: City tour and venue visits
The day began with a breakfast, presentation and site tour at the Fairmont Royal York. The educational session focused on doing business in Canada, providing insights into rebates and customs. Visits to the Delta Toronto and Metro Toronto Convention Centre highlighted the city's premier facilities for meetings and events.
Breakfast and presentation at the Fairmont Royal York
Inside the Hotel X lobby on the Exhibition Place grounds
“I think that any group that's considering Toronto should seriously take the time to come learn how easy it is to actually get here, to get your freight here and give it a shot. Give it a serious shot.”
– Brian Roe, Sourcing Manager, Maritz
Day four: Final explorations
The last full day in Toronto included a mix of site visits, educational sessions and leisure. The group enjoyed a breakfast and tour of the Beanfield and Enercare Centres, gaining insights into these premier event venues. Last stop on the itinerary: Sassafraz. The Yorkville restaurant offered an elegant ambiance and delicious fare. A great way to conclude a trip to Toronto.
