As we celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) Tara Gordon, CMP, Senior Vice-President, Global Sales & Services at Destination Toronto, gives insight into business event planning during this time of global uncertainty.
Business events help to feed Toronto’s vital economic sectors, with global leaders in life sciences, technology, manufacturing and more visiting the city to do business, network and engage with city thought leaders. Toronto is expecting 361,000 meeting attendees in 2025, bringing an estimated $1 billion in economic impact.
This year, Toronto is hosting a number of major meetings and events including: Alzheimer's Association International Conference; American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2025 Annual Meeting; International Bar Association 2025 Annual Conference, and many more.
"Business events build bridges across cultural, technological, and ideological divides where transformative ideas emerge, are questioned, and reshaped."
- Tara Gordon, SVP, Global Sales & Services, Destination Toronto
Kathy Motton: As we mark Global Meetings Industry Day, how do you see major meetings driving societal progress and fostering innovation?
Tara Gordon: "Meetings are a fundamental nexus where ideas are born, challenged, and transformed. In today’s knowledge economy, the exchange of information is our most valuable currency. They enable the cross-pollination of ideas across disciplines, organizations and cultures, breaking down silos and creating opportunities for innovations that no individual or organization could achieve alone.
In an era of unprecedented global complexity, these intentional spaces evolve from simple gatherings to powerful instruments of social and economic change. Business events build bridges across cultural, technological and ideological divides where transformative ideas emerge, are questioned and reshaped. When people meet face to face, trust is built, empathy is cultivated, and shared purpose emerges from the intersection of diverse perspectives. I truly believe that meetings are one of our most profound mechanisms for addressing global challenges, not through confrontation but through connection."
KM: What approaches does your team take to keep Toronto top of mind with international planners?
TG: "Our approach to keep Toronto top of mind for international planners is focused on bold storytelling, market diversification and showcasing the city's unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. As other destinations may pull back on DEI, Toronto stands out as a vibrant, inclusive hub that welcomes and celebrates people from all walks of life.
A key strategy for promoting Toronto is our 100% brand anthem, which highlights the city’s energy, diversity and openness, creating a welcoming environment for all. 100% invites visitors to come to Toronto as themselves, showcasing Toronto’s ability to host events that welcome diverse communities. Our city's openness fosters innovation, creating an inclusive atmosphere where global participants feel valued, empowered, and connected."
TG: "For global meeting planners, this sends a powerful message: Toronto is a place that embraces and celebrates a wide range of perspectives. When attendees feel a sense of belonging, events become more enriching, dynamic, and truly reflective of our global society.
To further diversify our market reach, our global sales team is proactively engaging with emerging international markets while deepening ties with established ones. This strategic initiative ensures that Toronto remains a premier destination for a broad spectrum of industries. Whether in technology, healthcare, finance or the creative sectors, Toronto offers an unparalleled environment for hosting diverse and impactful events.
Toronto’s story is one of bold ambition, resilience and a future-focused vision, and we will continue to share that story in innovative, compelling ways. Our goal is to show that Toronto is not just a place for meetings, but a city where global leaders, creators and thinkers come together to shape the future."
"To make each delegate’s experience truly unforgettable, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to service excellence, even amidst the challenges we face."
KM: What message would you like to share with the tourism and hospitality community as we navigate the road ahead?
TG: "Toronto is a city that excels in hospitality, where every event is an opportunity to create lasting connections and meaningful impact. To make each delegate’s experience truly unforgettable, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to service excellence, even amidst the challenges we face. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming environment from the very moment they arrive, ensuring they feel valued, cared for, and connected to the heart of what makes Toronto unique.
By providing exceptional service and thoughtful touches, we will not only exceed expectations, but also ensure that today’s events lead to future opportunities. The success of each business event contributes to stronger connections for future business, helping our visitor economy thrive and grow."
