More than 24,000 technology companies flourish in Toronto
In Canada, Toronto is where the tech companies are. “Toronto has become a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, attracting top talent from around the world,” said Kathy Tavares, Sales Director at Destination Toronto. “Over the last five years, jobs in the tech sector in Toronto have grown by more than 25 per cent, the highest growth in North America.”
Stackt Market can accommodate up to up to 3,000 guests
For event organizers, Toronto offers access to potential partners and sponsors, including tech giants like Shopify, Cisco and IBM.
Not only are there over 24,000 thriving technology companies employing nearly 290,000 professionals here, the Big Five—Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook) and Microsoft—all have offices in Toronto. And the city’s position as a leader in the tech space doesn’t stop there. Toronto was home to Collision (2019–2024), the continent's fastest-growing tech conference, drawing over 40,000 attendees annually from over 140 countries, and now hosts Toronto Tech Week, a cross-city, decentralized collection of events. Toronto is undoubtedly a hub for notable tech startups and founders.
Collision was hosted in Toronto from 2019 to 2024
For event organizers, Toronto offers access to potential partners and sponsors, including tech giants like Shopify, Cisco and IBM. Its affordability and innovation-friendly ecosystem make Toronto the ultimate destination for business events, connecting industry leaders, startups and global experts.
Here’s an array of venues and tours that will make your next tech event truly unforgettable.
MaRS Discovery District is home to over 1,200 innovative startups
Technical Tours
Here are a few unique technical tours meeting planners can organize for their conference attendees, giving them a hands-on experience of the tech sector in the city.
MaRS Discovery District
MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, is home to over 1,200 innovative startups, many specializing in areas like AI, fintech and clean energy—ranging from cloud-based retail solutions to lithium extraction technology. A tour of the facility offers an immersive experience, including visits to its dedicated research institute for machine learning and AI and the Autodesk space for software development. Along the way, you’ll find creative touches like chess tables and basketball hoops that encourage collaboration. Notable stops on corporate tours include Borealis AI, Autodesk and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
HOW TO TOUR: To explore this tech hub, fill out the tours form on their site here.
LevelUp VR and Sandbox VR
For an unforgettable team-building experience, head to LevelUp VR, the top-rated virtual reality arcade in downtown Toronto. Offering over 80 immersive VR experiences, it has something for everyone, with a diverse range of action, adventure, sports, escape rooms, puzzles and simulations. Just down the street, Sandbox VR uses full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics. (If your controller has ever vibrated while your vehicle left the track in a racing game, that’s haptic feedback at work.) You can also get the opportunity to become a character with the full-body motion capture.
HOW TO TOUR: Immerse yourself in one of the VR experiences at LevelUp VR and Sandbox VR by visiting their respective sites here and here.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ
Located in the heart of Toronto, DMZ is recognized by UBI Global as the top university-based tech incubator in the world. Since launching in 2010, it has supported 822 tech startups by connecting them with customers, capital, expert guidance and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and influencers. Spanning 35,000 square feet, DMZ’s space features sleek meeting rooms, a spacious communal area and a striking mural of Toronto’s skyline. For members of the tech industry—including government representatives, academic institutions, corporate partners and international delegations—DMZ offers guided tours that provide a firsthand look at its high-impact, tailored programs designed to accelerate innovation and growth.
HOW TO TOUR: Check out this tech innovation hub by booking a tour of the space. Tours can be facilitated by emailing dmz@torontomu.ca.
MaRS Centre has seating for up to 350 guests and an in-house audio-visual services
Unique Venues
Here are a few unique venues that are well-suited to the tech sector.
MaRs Centre and MaRs Waterfront
Continuing on the technical tour mentioned above, MaRS is also a renowned venue for hosting meetings and conferences. The MaRS Centre features a 4,500-square-foot auditorium with seating for up to 350 guests and an in-house audio-visual services team to support all event needs. Several prominent tech events have been hosted here including TechTO and the Canadian Fintech Summit. The MaRS Waterfront location, which opened in 2022 in partnership with the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, includes an event space, Lake Lounge, a 250-capacity venue which consists of two amphitheatres, outdoor terraces, three conference rooms and private meeting rooms.
Illuminarium
An immersive venue located in the Distillery District, Illuminarium is a one-of-a-kind immersive venue. Featuring soaring ceilings, 4K interactive projection, 360-degree immersive audio, in-floor vibrations and even a scent system, Illuminarium brings everything from the wonders of space to natural and cultural marvels to life with a full sensory experience. Spanning 7,000 square feet of customizable event space and a maximum capacity of 499 people, Illuminarium is an ideal setting for technology events, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of immersive technology and innovative gatherings.
Arcadia Earth incorporates augmented reality for a unique event setting
Arcadia Earth
Located in The Well—Toronto's vibrant hub for dining, shopping and entertainment—Arcadia Earth opened its doors in 2023 and provides a unique event space that was inspired by art, nature and technology. With a max capacity of 300 people, the 17,000-square-foot venue offers a multi-sensory experience incorporating augmented reality, virtual reality and interactive projection mapping. The flexible setup of the VR room and interactive installations provide an adaptable space for networking, presentations and product showcases—like the pre-Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit party that was hosted by Predictif Solutions—fostering an environment that is both visually captivating and aligned with forward-thinking values.
Automotive Building and Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place
Automotive Building and Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place are key venues in Toronto, hosting major events like the previously mentioned Collision conference. The Enercare Centre, Canada's largest exhibition and convention facility, boasts over one million square feet of space with eight connected exhibit halls, ideal for trade shows and large conventions. Just a pedestrian walkway away, the Automotive Building features a 44,000-square-foot ballroom, 20 meeting rooms and built-in AV equipment, offering flexibility for corporate events.
