Alzheimer's Association at MTCC
The impact of business events is shifting beyond economic benefits. Over the past few years, the global business community has been reimagining the way they measure an event’s success. It’s no longer solely about economic metrics, but about incorporating legacy, too. This can range from sparking leading-edge research and meaningful industry collaborations to public education and awareness, community building, sustainability initiatives or attracting top talent.
Toronto is a driving force in key Canadian business sectors, from tech and finance to life sciences and manufacturing, giving the city a unique strength as a meetings destination. The Leaders Circle—a network of innovators, researchers and top thinkers dedicated to bringing international meetings to Toronto, and the legacies created long after the last session has wrapped up. Here are six examples of events leaving a legacy on our city.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
1. Community work: American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics 2024 conference
When the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) hosted its annual conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) in 2024, not only did they gather to discuss the latest discoveries and treatments in genetic disorders, they gave back to the community, too. Thanks to a grant from Revvity, the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine gifted 10 custom-designed bicycles to local children with developmental disabilities. The foundation partnered with the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario and Kerry’s Place Autism Services to identify the recipients and understand their unique needs.
2. Cutting-edge research: International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 2025
In May 2025, the International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus a.k.a. LUPUS, brought together more than 1,100 attendees from 65 countries to the Westin Harbour Castle to explore the latest breakthroughs in lupus research and treatment. Toronto was an ideal host, home to leading healthcare institutions and research centres such as the University of Toronto Lupus Program at University Health Network (UHN), which provided attendees with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge. But that exploration didn’t end when the conference wrapped. Through Leaders Circle Research Grant, UHN researchers were awarded a grant to fund a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of emerging therapies for lupus over a span of three years.
3. Sustainability evaluation: YMCA World Council 2026
In July of this year, YMCA Canada will host the 21st YMCA World Council, the first time this international convention will be held in Canada. As a result of this milestone, Leaders Circle awarded a research grant to YMCA Canada to support the organization in advancing a national, evidence-based climate strategy by expanding carbon footprint assessments across YMCA locations. The project outcomes will be showcased at the 2026 conference at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, highlighting strategic achievements in climate action. While the event will showcase this work, the study will also leave a long-term legacy by ensuring local community hubs in Toronto and across Canada are doing their part in protecting our planet.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
4. Student support: International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Congress 2026
The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Congress—which takes place once every four years—is returning to Canada for the first time since 1972. The non-governmental organization fosters international cooperation for the advancement of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences. In addition to learning about the latest research this July at the MTCC, they’re also planning a legacy project—thanks to a Leaders Circle Research Grant—that will have a lasting impact in Canada and beyond. It will be a grant designed to address longstanding barriers to Congress participation by supporting up to 65 students and professionals who are often underrepresented due to cost and access restraints.
Leaders Circle Research Grant
5. Scientific preservation: 24th World Congress of Soil Science
It’s been half a century since the World Congress of Soil Science hosted by the International Union of Soil Sciences took place in Canada, but in 2030 it will return, focusing on “Soils in a Warmer World.” The Canadian Society of Soil Science worked with Leaders Circle to win a successful bid for the World Congress; and while the event takes place in 2030, its legacy is already in the planning stages: the preservation of the Canadian Soil Thin Section Collection. The collection will be imaged using high-resolution multispectral photography and linked to relevant scientific papers through a dedicated open-access website. This will help facilitate research by future generations of Canadian soil scientists and their international colleagues.
6. Public education: Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science and clinical practice. Each year, the conference brings together researchers, clinicians and dementia professionals to share breaking research discoveries. At AAIC 2025 at the MTCC in Toronto, event organizers also offered a free-to-the-public educational session on Alzheimer’s to make the latest research findings available to a broader audience. Aside from sharing these discoveries in plain language, the session helped to provide hope and support to people affected by the disease.
