2019 Business Events Planner Guide by Destination Toronto

WELCOME TO CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DOWNTOWN MEET

INNOVATORS & INFLUENCERS EXPERIENCE

VIBRANT VENUES EXPLORE

TORONTO FOR GROUPS 1

Ignitemag.ca

Ignite Advertising Supplement

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What more can we tell you? Being in the heart of Toronto, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre comes by its multi-virtues genuinely. We reflect the essence of Toronto: culinary diversity, cultural richness, unmatched hospitality and boundless opportunity, uniquely placed to influence the world. Let us take your event to the next level of success.

mtccc.com

@mtcc_events

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W HE N A BROA D R A N G E BROADE N S YO UR H O RIZO N S

F R E S H P E R S P EC T I V E S. M A D E H E R E . At Marriott International, our 30 brands are differentiated by design, signature programming and personalized service. With 6,900 properties spanning 130 countries and territories, we offer something for every traveler and every trip. Whether you’re looking for the rich culture of Yorkville or the highlights in Harbourfront, we have you covered in Toronto. LEARN MORE AT MARRIOTT.COM

©2019 MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MARRIOTT BONVOY™ AND ALL OTHER NAMES, MARKS AND LOGOS ARE THE TRADEMARKS OF MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC., OR ITS AFFILIATES, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

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TORONTO REGION FAST FACTS CANADA’S LARGEST AND MOST VISITED CITY 4th largest in North America

6.4 MILLION+ people

Nathan Phillips Square during the annual Nuit Blanche contemporary art event

51%

foreign born

180+

DISCOVER

languages and major dialects

CANADA’S DOWNTOWN

240+

ethnic groups

Welcome to Canada’s largest and most visited city. Sophisticated and culturally diverse, Toronto attracts thousands of international and domestic groups each year, hosting everything from executive board meetings and exclusive incentive programs to conferences with attendees numbering in the tens of thousands.

TORONTO IS CELEBRATING ITS 185TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2019

Business Events Toronto has got you covered. Tap into a powerful citywide network of industry partners who will help open doors and initiate conversations with the country’s most influential thought leaders and innovators in areas such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, technology, finance, food and beverage and more.

LET YOURSELF IN! Toronto’s doors are open wide—discover how Business Events Toronto can bring your meeting vision to life. BusinessEventsToronto.com

PHOTOS: TOURISM TORONTO

Enhance your program with extraordinary local experiences. Dynamic Downtown Toronto pulses with one-of-a-kind attractions, big-ticket events and cultural hot spots. Planners looking for quick, convenient access to Toronto Pearson International Airport will love Toronto West (including the key communities of Mississauga and Brampton) for its exceptional meeting venues, accommodations and dining options for groups.

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CONTENTS

8 INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

5 Discover Canada’s Downtown

Sophisticated and diverse, Toronto attracts thousands of international and domestic groups each year

CONTACT US BUSINESS EVENTS TORONTO Queen’s Quay Terminal at Harbourfront 207 Queens Quay West Suite 405, Box 126 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 1A7 Toll-free: 1-800-363-1990 Direct: 416-203-2600 toronto@torcvb.com BusinessEventsToronto.com

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8 Innovators + Influencers DESTINATION GUIDE Produced and printed in Toronto by Ignite © 2019 Art Direction: Boomerang Art and Design Editorial: Kryhul Media Group Photos (clockwise): Tourism Toronto; Sam Barnes/Collision via Sportsfile; Library Hotel Collection; Maaz Khan; George Pimentel; Chocolat de Kat

Tap into the expertise of local industry thought leaders

18 Canada’s Gateway

How to visit Canada on business

DISCOVER

45 SEE BE SEEN +

61 INVITATION ONLY

66 TORONTO AT PLAY

Made for Meetings

Toronto Takeover

23 Cutting-edge Convention Centres 29 Room to Relax 34 New and Notable Off-site Venues 41 Tasty Toronto 49 Activities to Boost Team Spirit 54 Sports Central 68 Gifts, Swag + More

70 MPI WEC 2019 71 Reimagining the Imaginarium

Toronto at Play

68 TORONTO TAKEAWAYS

72 Business Events Toronto Connect with Toronto’s best

74 Closing Thoughts Collision’s Night Summit Experience

56 Frosty Adventures 66 Family-friendly Fun SEE MORE ONLINE

61 Invitation Only Exclusive experiences for top performers

Scan to launch our interactive digital edition or visit Ignite’s Toronto destination hub at inspiration.ignitemag.ca/destinations/toronto

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PHOTOS: TOURISM TORONTO

INNOVATION CENTRAL Join the conversations that are happening in Toronto, an economic, business and academic powerhouse where meetings tap into the expertise of local industry thought leaders to help drive conference attendance and build program content. A favourite destination for international visitors, Toronto is a sophisticated, diverse and welcoming city driven by innovation at every level.

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INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

THE TORONTO REGION NORTH AMERICA’S 2ND LARGEST FINANCIAL CENTRE 800,000+

PHOTOS: MARS DISCOVERY DISTRICT, TOURISM TORONTO

businesses

MaRS Discovery District atrium

MaRS Discovery District is affiliated with the University of Toronto and home to Canada’s largest concentration of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators and venture capital organizations. The MaRS building hosts thousands of events each year in a variety of spaces, including a 350-seat, fullservice auditorium, soaring glass atrium and multi-functional collaboration rooms.

38%

of Canada’s business headquarters

18.5%

of Canada’s GDP

$332-BILLION ECONOMY

Larger than the entire economies of countries like New Zealand and Slovakia

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP FIVE

world-renowned universities

SIX

internationally recognized colleges

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PHOTOS: STACEY NEWMAN

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

COLLISION For three consecutive years beginning in 2019, Toronto hosts Web Summit’s Collision conference, North America’s fastest-growing and most important technology marketplace and a meeting point for tech innovators, influential investors, startups and the world’s largest buyers and sellers of technology. WHY COLLISION MOVED TO TORONTO After three years in New Orleans, Web Summit moved its marquee conference to Toronto. Here are two key reasons why: VISAS: Canada’s Start-up Visa Program and the Global Talent Stream, a new fast-track immigration process designed to build a highly skilled, diverse workforce. BRAIN GAIN: As Toronto continues to generate more tech jobs than tech graduates, the current “brain gain” environment is expected to continue. SOURCE: COLLISION BLOG, “WHY WE MOVED TO TORONTO,” APRIL 4, 2019

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WHEN

2019, 2020, 2021

WHERE

Enercare Centre 25,000+ attendees 120 countries 68% senior management 3,750 CEOs

17 TRACKS IN 2019 INCLUDING • Auto/Tech • binate.io (data) • Content Makers • Corporate Innovation • Health • SaaS • Startups

$147M

Estimated economic impact of hosting Collision for three years

Collision is a sales, marketing and networking opportunity that is really without parallel. During Collision, our team met with international decision makers to present the value proposition of the Toronto region, but the real magic happens in the weeks, months and years afterwards when we have the opportunity to reconnect. We work with the universities, the incubators like MaRS and Ryerson University’s DMZ, as well as municipal partners to show companies the full grasp of what Toronto has to offer. TOBY LENNOX

President and CEO, Toronto Global

Collision 2019 in Toronto was seven times larger than the previous year and hosted twice as many speakers, startups and investors. More than 100 trade missions took place in Toronto to connect Canadian companies with international businesses.

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

There were a number of concurrent tracks located all around the Enercare Centre and there were areas for startups to pitch their concepts to potential investors. Because we knew attendees would use multiple devices at the same time, we did a complete Wi-Fi upgrade in anticipation of Collision so that our high-density coverage is exceptionally fast and very efficient. This puts the Enercare Centre at the forefront of all of North America for Wi-Fi distribution.

TORONTO IS HOME TO •N orth America’s thirdlargest tech hub with 290,000 skilled workers and multimillion-dollar investments by leadingedge companies including Microsoft, Uber and Shopify • 4,000 active tech startups

ECHNOLOGY

LAURA PURDY Acting general manager, sales and event management, Enercare Centre Enercare Centre

Q&A WITH

CIARÁN HOPE Senior vice-president, event operations, Web Summit

How does Collision differ from typical conference formats?

How can attendees make the most of their Collision experience?

My background is in entertainment, so I work very hard with [Web Summit CEO and co-founder] Paddy Cosgrave on the experience that people will have. When speakers walk onto our stages to greet the audience, the sound and the A/V make it feel like a music festival-level experience. On the show floor we have startups, investors and a very high C-suite presence, so we provide seated areas for these people to connect organically.

Time passes very fast and you can sometimes be overwhelmed. Use the calendar in the conference app to make a plan for yourself and to identify the speakers and startups you’d like to see. The app will flag you to some of the tracks and backgrounders that may interest you. When you use your smartphone to scan the QR code on your lanyard, the app matches you with other people at the conference based on how you’ve defined your interests and background.

How do you use data to improve the attendee experience? We use wristbands for security and access control, and over the past year we’ve worked with scanning solutions to track the lounges and spaces that the different ticket types migrate to. This allows us to build more of a bespoke experience for the people who attend each of these spaces.

Why is Toronto the ideal city to host a conference like Collision? The fact that Toronto is the most diverse city in North America and the third-largest tech hub is a huge draw to us. I can’t express how important it is that we’re able to attract quality startups so that we can grow the event. If we can’t attract startups to the conference, then the investors, the speakers and the general attendee won’t come. It’s a very organic process and Toronto’s talent pool of engineers and entrepreneurs really stands out to us.

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PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

TORONTO’S KEY

ECONOMIC SECTORS FINANCIAL SERVICES

LIFE SCIENCES

• Canada’s financial capital • North America’s 2nd largest financial centre after New York City

• $1 billion+ in R&D • Home to 55 per cent of Canada’s pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche and Johnson & Johnson • 36,000 people working in medical research, biotechnology, medical devices and pharmaceuticals

TECHNOLOGY • # 1 in tech job growth in North America • North America’s 3rd largest tech sector • 65+ business incubators and accelerators • Home to IBM Canada, Alphabet (Google), HP Canada, Cisco Systems Canada, Microsoft Canada and more Learn more about Toronto’s key economic sectors. Scan the QR code on page 7.

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FOOD & BEVERAGE • Canada’s largest F&B sector • 3rd largest in North America

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING • $13.5 billion+ GDP impact • 13,500+ jobs •C anada’s second-largest aerospace cluster with 15,000 people working in 150 establishments in the Toronto region alone • Home to the new Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster

You want to build ramps and jump and flip snowmobiles 34 feet in the air, and you want to do it indoors? Okay,let’s do this! Every year the Toronto International Snowmobile ATV & Powersports Show likes to get the adrenaline flowing with some extreme outdoor snowmobile jumps. Could we do it indoors the organizer asked us right before the show? No problem! We worked out ramps, exhaust issues, height clearances and runway (they need lots of room to get up to speed for their jumps) and the show was a wild success. “WHATEVER IT TAKES” — it’s what we do at The International Centre.

CANADA’S LEADING EVENT FACILITY InternationalCentre.com 1.800.572.3250 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON BusinessEventsToronto.com

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

INCUBATOR CITY From animation to aviation, fashion to film, there’s a Toronto incubator ready to support Canada’s most dynamic startups.

READ THE WHOLE STORY Scan the QR code to learn how Toronto is becoming a vibrant launching pad for local and international talent.

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PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

There are some 64 incubators, accelerators and technology hubs in the city—many established in the last five to 10 years. Top entrepreneurs and talent can generally access a range of perks, such as shared working space, equipment, staff members with business and technical acumen, mentors who are accomplished entrepreneurs themselves, and matchmaking events between startups, talent, potential investors and customers.

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

TORONTO IS A UNESCO-DESIGNATED CREATIVE CITY OF MEDIA ARTS

WATCH THE VIDEO Scan the QR code on page 7 to see a new vision for the city.

PHOTOS: SIDEWALK TORONTO, PICTURE PLANE FOR HEATHERWICK STUDIO; SNOHETTA

CITY OF THE FUTURE Sidewalk Toronto is a new vision for the city’s undeveloped, 800-acre Eastern Waterfront district that combines forward-thinking urban design with the latest digital technology to address major challenges facing cities today, such as energy use, affordable housing, transportation and economic opportunity. The project is a joint effort by Waterfront Toronto (i.e., Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto) and Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs, and involves extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The project is tapping into Toronto’s thriving tech sector to develop urban innovations such as data-driven management tools that would

improve city services, as well as flexible building design and reduced energy consumption, landfill waste and carbon emissions. The goal is to improve quality of life for a diverse population and serve as a model for sustainable, mixed-use, people-centred neighbourhoods in cities around the world.

INNOVATORS + INFLUENCERS

LEADERS CIRCLE The Leaders Circle program partners with Toronto’s top thinkers, innovators, academics and researchers to bring international meetings to the city. Supported by the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) and Tourism Toronto, the Leaders Circle ensures Toronto hosts international meetings that provide a transfer of knowledge, build on the city’s global reputation, promote innovation and groundbreaking institutions and leave a legacy of social and economic benefits to the city and region. THELEADERSCIRCLE.CA Leaders Circle manager Kathy Nicolay

Q&A WITH

KATHY NICOLAY Leaders Circle Manager

Describe some of the key economic sectorrelated conferences Toronto is hosting. The two key economic sectors that stand out to me are life sciences and ICT. I think there is a continued, heightened focus on life sciences meetings in particular and where life sciences intersect with technology. For example, Toronto is hosting RehabWeek 2019 in June. It’s a life sciences conference, but it’s connected to state-of-the-art rehab technology. We’re also hosting the MedTech Conference in 2020, which focuses on medical technology and medical devices. How do local ambassadors help shape conference content? First and foremost, they focus on the science, research and academic part of the conference. It is up to the ambassadors to showcase their fields of expertise. In addition, some associations might ask the local

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organizing committee to help with social programs or venue suggestions for off-site events and executive board meetings. Why is Toronto an ideal host for international conferences? It’s an opportunity to really showcase what Toronto has to offer in different sectors. More conferences are offering technical tours so that attendees can see what’s happening at the institutes around the city. The academics here are really quite amazing. Maclean’s magazine recently ranked the University of Toronto as Canada’s top university in the medical and doctoral category. Our ambassadors tell us that hosting these conferences provides an exchange of knowledge with the top minds that are coming to the city, and the conferences enrich their own institutes and organizations as well as the community as a whole.

LOOK WHO’S COMING TO TORONTO 2019 ASTC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Association of Science– Technology Centers September 21–24, 2019

THE MEDTECH CONFERENCE

Advanced Medical Technology Association October 5–7, 2020

Many internationally recognized academic institutions are based in Toronto and provide excellent leadership for academic meetings. Toronto is a multicultural city that’s easy to access from around the globe and the MTCC is in the heart of the city where there are lots of hotels and event venues within walking distance. Throughout my journey from the bid process to actual meeting planning, both the MTCC and City of Toronto staffs were professional, helpful and nothing short of fabulous!

ICASSP 2021

IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing June 6–12, 2021

PEDIATRIC ACADEMIC SOCIETIES MEETING 2024

PHOTO: LEADERS CIRCLE

May 1–8, 2024

DR. FRANCES A. SHEPHERD

Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network; Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto; Officer of the Order of Canada Dr. Shepherd was honourary chair and team leader for: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF LUNG CANCER 19th World Conference on Lung Cancer September 23–26, 2018

Toronto ambassadors at the 2018 Leaders Circle Gala were recognized for their tireless work attracting international meetings to Toronto

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Air Canada has upgraded service and capacity between Toronto and Nashville, Washington Dulles, Memphis, Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C., and installed larger Rouge aircraft on flights between Toronto and Fredericton, Moncton and Thunder Bay.

CANADA’S GATEWAY

With two airports serving 200 destinations in 55 countries, Toronto is Canada’s gateway to the world.

Pearson Convention Center The International Centre

Toronto Congress Centre Toronto Pearson International Airport

Mississauga Convention Centre

Paramount Fine Foods Centre

TORONTO WEST Brampton, Mississauga and the Toronto Pearson International Airport area are situated at the convergence of four major highways and are less than an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto.

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Odeum Event Space Living Arts Centre

CANADA’S GATEWAY

CANADA

1. Edmonton 2. Calgary 3. Vancouver 4. Victoria 5. Ottawa 6. Montreal 7. Quebec City 8. Halifax

5 6

USA

9. San Francisco 10. Los Angeles 11. Denver 12. Dallas 13. Chicago 14. Nashville 15. Atlanta 16. Washington 17. Philadelphia 18. New York 19. Boston

18 17

10 14 12

TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

UP E XPRE SS R OUT E

• Canada’s busiest airport • Non-stop and same-plane service to more than 174 international cities • Best Large Airport in North America (Airports Council International)

D C A

DOWNTOWN TORONTO

A. Enercare & Beanfield Centres B. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport C. CN Tower D. Metro Toronto Convention Centre E. Union Station

UP EXPRESS • Toronto Pearson Terminal One express rail service to downtown in 25 minutes • Corporate and group rates for frequent travellers and groups of 50-plus

BILLY BISHOP TORONTO CITY AIRPORT • New: Restaurants, retail kiosks, rebuilt gates, refurbished runways and more • Porter Airlines has added twice-weekly summer service to Muskoka Airport

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CANADA’S GATEWAY

SMOOTH To help ensure fuss-free border crossing into Canada, Diane Labbé, director of sales at ConsultExpo, recommends educating conference-goers about new entry requirements. “I dive into it with every single group I work with,” says Labbé, whose firm offers international customs and shippingrelated services. She notes that events hosted in Toronto by U.S.-based groups often attract international attendees.

PHOTO: PORTS TORONTO

LANDINGS

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

HOW TO VISIT CANADA ON BUSINESS 1. R egister your event with Canada Border Services Agency or, for international conferences, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Special Events Unit. 2. Remind attendees they need to bring a valid passport, their conference details and enough money for their stay and return journey. 3. Visa-exempt foreign nationals (excluding U.S. citizens) now require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada.

PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

4. Visa-required foreign nationals may need to submit a photo and fingerprints (biometrics) to fly to Canada. 5. A customs broker knows the ins and outs of the Canadian tax system and can help prepare documentation and ensure you receive the most favourable duty rates. Learn more about bringing your meeting to Canada: https://bit.ly/2Umm4Fb

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HOST BETTER EVENTS Redefine the meaning of fun when you plan your next event at The Rec Room. With up to 60,000 sq. ft. of entertainment space, Canadian-inspired dining and gaming options ranging from ping pong to the latest virtual reality, it’ll be like nothing you’ve hosted before. With our onsite professional event planner always ready to assist, you’ll have everything you need to pull off your best event yet.

Locations: South Edmonton (AB), West Edmonton Mall (AB), Calgary (AB), Toronto (ON), London (ON), Mississauga (ON), St. John’s (NL) Coming Soon: Vancouver (BC), Winnipeg (MB)

® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license.

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Ready to take your event to the next level? 1-833-256-4159 HostBetterEvents@cineplex.com TheRecRoom.com

CONVENTION CENTRES

AMONG NORTH AMERICA’S TOP-RANKED MEETING DESTINATIONS (Watkins Research Group)

PHOTOS: METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE; TOURISM TORONTO

Toronto offers over 3.2 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space at four major convention centres

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE Flexible and easy to access, Toronto’s cutting-edge convention and conference centres provide the perfect canvas for your successful event. MTCC is within walking distance of more than 11,000 downtown hotel rooms, the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, and is linked to PATH, Toronto’s underground pedestrian walkway featuring 1,200 shops and services and with access to downtown hotels, offices, attractions and public transit.

Barrier-free, fully accessible and situated in the heart of Downtown Toronto, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is Canada’s largest convention facility covering more than two million square feet, including 442,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 77 meeting rooms, multi-purpose ballrooms, a theatre and 28 loading docks. A recent $23-million modification project saw the addition of eight contemporary new meeting rooms to MTCC’s South Building 600

level, and upgrades to the 1,232-seat John Bassett Theatre, including state-of-the-art lighting and acoustic technology. MTCC recently added five new digital walls to engage attendees. Strategically positioned in high traffic areas, the walls can be used to display photos, videos, social media feeds, trivia games and digital art created by students from OCAD, Toronto’s art and design university.

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VIBRANT MEETINGS •

Over 32,000 sq. ft of versatile & accessible event space featuring 18 breakout rooms

•

Meeting space concentrated on two consecutive ﬂoors providing ease of access for delegates

•

Complimentary Wi-Fi & in-room charging stations

•

In-house meeting planner & dedicated on-site hotline for urgent requests

•

Innovative menu options to keep participants energized and focused

•

In-house audio-visual services and on-site parking

•

In the heart of downtown Toronto – walking distance to restaurants, theatres & attractions

•

Discounted accommodation rates & cost saving solutions in one ideal location

chelseatoronto.com / (416) 585-4340 / cstor.sales@chelseatoronto.com 24

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A member of Langham Hospitality Group

CONVENTION CENTRES

The Enercare Centre, Canada’s largest trade show facility, now offers a 20 gigabyte Wi-Fi pipeline throughout its halls, making it North America’s fastest Wi-Fi-equipped convention centre. A LEED Gold-certified venue, the centre offers over one million sq. ft. of flexible event space and is just minutes from downtown’s Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Experience Ar t,Culture and Nature in an

EXTRAORDINARY VENUE

Enercare Centre

By enhancing the free Wi-Fi in its ballrooms, Beanfield Centre has made its state-of-the-art service faster and more efficient. Beanfield’s underground access to adjacent Enercare Centre will soon be complemented by an elevated walkway to neighbouring Hotel X, Toronto’s new waterfront luxury hotel.

Enercare Centre

Featuring exceptional caterers: Beanfield Centre

DANIEL ET DANIEL L-EAT CATERING OLIVER & BONACINI PRESIDENTIAL GOURMET

PHOTOS: EXHIBITION PLACE

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY! events @ rom.on.ca 416.586.5572

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BRING YOUR EVENTS TO LIFE

HILARIOUS SHOWS

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS

ENGAGING ON-YOUR-FEET EXPERIENCES AND WORLD-FAMOUS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Call us at 416-343-0033 or visit secondcityworks.com/events 26

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UNIQUE VENUES

Toronto West convention centres boast major pluses for large-scale events

The elegant Mississauga Convention Centre’s recently renovated centre lobby and inside meeting spaces are perfect for trade shows, award dinners, galas, fundraisers and meetings. This venue’s large foyer opens into a central hall that can be configured as one large function space or divided into seven breakout rooms. New this year: the centre’s outdoor patios have been updated for warm weather event hosting, according to Ann Boyd, director of corporate sales.

PHOTO: RICK O’BRIEN

The International Centre has multiple buildings and a separate conference wing to accommodate large-scale events, trade shows and meetings. Executive Chef Tawfik Shehata spearheads the centre’s new focus on health and wellness cuisine in partnership with Registered Dietitians Lucia Weiler and Sue Mah. Together they developed the criteria for the centre’s health and wellness menu items. “There is a dearth of healthy options on menus for large groups,” according to Shehata. “Fresh and healthy is important to me, and by tracking what’s popular and what people are asking for, we had a direction for where we wanted to go.” The centre also offers a large selection of glutenfree, vegan and vegetarian items.

• Close to Canada’s busiest airport and commercial hub for cargo • Access to four major highways • A variety of meeting spaces • 10,000 hotel rooms nearby • Free parking • Forward-thinking cuisine

The International Centre

Located just north of Toronto Pearson International Airport in Brampton, Ont., the Pearson Convention Center features a 25,000-sq.-ft. central hall that can accommodate 1,900 people for seated dining, or opt to divide the entire space into six roughly equal areas. The venue also offers four smaller meeting rooms off of the central hall. The adjacent Hilton Garden Inn and 750 complimentary parking spots make it easy for delegates to attend functions, and full-service catering and an on-site events coordinator ensure seamless program delivery.

At one million sq. ft., the Toronto Congress Centre is a prominent fixture on Toronto’s trade show and conference scene. The centre features two very different corporate styles in its main venues: the North building has one of the city’s largest pillar-free ballrooms at 30,000 sq. ft., and the South building features the in-house Sketch café that can be used for special dinners, shows, receptions and multi-purpose meetings for up to 200 people.

PHOTO: ODL AGENCY

Celebrity Chef Mark McEwan brings four decades of success as a chef and restaurateur to the Toronto Congress Centre as its consulting chef. Scan the QR code to learn more about the centre’s uncompromising attention to elevated dining and presentation.

Pearson Convention Center

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LIBERTY GRAND • CASA LOMA • ROSEWATER ROOM BLUEBLOOD STEAKHOUSE • DON ALFONSO 1890 • XANGO - 2019 CIBO WINE BAR | KING ST. W • YONGE ST. • YORKVILLE • ARCANE - 2019

Torontos’

Premier Hospitality Collection

L IB E RTY G RO UP.CO M TORONTO • MIAMI

MIAMI CORAL GABLES COUNTRY CLUB • LIBERTY CAFFÉ • CORAL GABLES ATHLETIC CLUB CIBO WINE BAR | SOUTH BEACH • CORAL GABLES 28

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ACCOMMODATIONS

PHOTO: THOMPSON TORONTO

STYLISH

Thompson Hotel Lobby Bar

ROOM TO RELAX

PHOTO: THOMPSON TORONTO

The Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto–Harbourfront is being converted to a Radisson Blu, the first in Canada, with 157 stylish and contemporary guestrooms and suites, refreshed public and meeting spaces, as well as an updated food and beverage offering. Voted Toronto’s top hotel by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, Thompson Toronto’s deluxe rooms offer expansive views over bustling King West Village. The on-site bars and lounges are sought-after hot spots for locals and tourists alike.

PHOTO: BISHA HOTEL

From sky-high luxury to carefully curated boutique experiences, these hotels are proof that Toronto offers accommodations to please every style.

Bisha Hotel

Bisha Hotel offers unparalleled style with a big personality via iconic room design, heated floors in marble bathrooms and awardwinning restaurants, including Akira Back, the namesake restaurant of Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back, blending modern Japanese cuisine with authentic Korean flavours.

Thompson Toronto BusinessEventsToronto.com

TORONTO IS CANADA’S #1 MEETINGS DESTINATION 2018 (Cvent)

170 Hotels 36,000 Total Hotel Rooms

Kimpton Saint George

The Kimpton Saint George on bustling Bloor Street channels the neighbourhood’s vibrant spirit by hanging local art, serving local whisky and loaning bicycles to curious explorers. One hundred and eighty-nine well-appointed guestrooms make this boutique hotel a picture perfect place to stay. Kimpton Saint George

REFRESH

RECENT RENOVATIONS

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Redesigned Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms and suites feature glamorous finishes and carefully planned living spaces. The updated Club Lounge with its mesmerizing views is finished in marble and accented with rich colours and relaxing greenery. Just steps to neighbouring St. Lawrence Market, the Novotel Toronto Centre welcomes guests with its renovated lobby, fitness and pool areas and updated rooms with smart, in-room technology.

PHOTO: BRANDON BARRÉ

The storied Fairmont Royal York celebrates its 90th anniversary with a reimagined Fairmont Gold experience as well as renovated common areas, meeting, event and dining spaces. It’s the final phase of a multi-year refresh that includes two new Legacy Suites combining Downtown Toronto’s metropolitan grandeur with sophisticated, residentialstyle living.

The Ritz-Carlton

PHOTOS: NAOMI FINLAY FOR KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE

ACCOMMODATIONS

PHOTO: WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE

ACCOMMODATIONS

Westin Harbour Castle

MEET. EAT. SLEEP.

These downtown hotels are the whole package: Superb accommodations, next-level dining and expansive convention space.

SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO HOTEL A new banquet menu with an all-vegan option enhances the conference experience at Toronto’s expansive Sheraton Centre, featuring 130,000 sq. ft. of event space.

THE WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE Boasting 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, this notable lakeside location overlooks the Toronto Islands and the city’s revitalized Harbourfront.

PHOTO: SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO

HILTON TORONTO A sophisticated venue offering a renovated ballroom and more than 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, right beside Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel BusinessEventsToronto.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

TORONTO WEST EASE AND CONVENIENCE

PHOTO: SHERATON TORONTO AIRPORT HOTEL

Situated just minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto West’s major brand hotels offer convenient and accessible options to regional and out-of-town visitors.

Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport |

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PHOTO: COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT TORONTO AIRPORT

Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport

The all-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport likes to showcase local independent restaurants by inviting guests to evening hors d’oeuvres get-togethers once a week. The hotel also provides a grocery shopping service for long-stay guests, as the suites contain full-size kitchens. There is a small meeting room on the ground floor with natural light.

PHOTO: RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT TORONTO AIRPORT

ORONTO WEST

Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, a favourite of planners for its 19,228 sq.-ft. conference wing and separate entrance, has unveiled a new state-of-theart boardroom with built-in television and whiteboards.

A full renovation of all 168 guestrooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport features bright modern rooms with full connectivity. Look to the hotel’s nimble food and beverage department to supply healthy meeting menus to keep your group energized and engaged. “We’re smaller and it’s easier for us to brainstorm and execute changes to our menus,” says James Wu, area director, sales and marketing. “They’re low fat, healthy and have been very well received by our planner partners.”

PHOTO: HILTON GARDEN INN TORONTO

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport West/ Mississauga has completely renovated all 152 guestrooms in a classic contemporary style. Host 200 guests, theatre style, in the McCallion ballroom, or divide the room. Two boardrooms round out the event space. The hotel has a young chef with a creative philosophy of light, energizing foods.

PHOTO: HILTON MISSISSAUGA

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale

Located across from the Toronto Congress Centre, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre is one of the largest conference hotels in the area with just over 60,000 sq. ft. of total event space on two floors, including 27 meeting spaces and four foyers that can be used for breakouts or exhibits.

Situated amid Mississauga’s Fortune 500 head offices, Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale is a hub for business meetings. Both the North and South Tower meeting spaces have been refreshed, the ballrooms are getting a makeover and the Summer, Club and Patio meeting rooms are being updated to reflect a contemporary palette of blues and greys. The hotel lobby’s Grab ’n Go convenience debuted in June.

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto

THE BROADVIEW HOTEL is a historic landmark hotel rooted in downtown Toronto’s east end. Originally built in 1891, the property has been meticulously restored and reimagined as a 58 room boutique hotel and charismatic gathering spot. With over 4000 sq.ft of event space, The Broadview Hotel is your unique meeting destination in the emerging east end of the city!

THE BROADVIEW HOTEL WWW.THEBROADVIEWHOTEL.CA EVENTS@THEBROADVIEWHOTEL.CA 416.362.8439 | 106 BROADVIEW AVE BusinessEventsToronto.com

NEW + NOTABLE

MADE FOR MEETINGS

PHOTO: CN TOWER

From the continent’s tallest tower to reimagined heritage spaces, Toronto’s unique off-site venues ensure your event hits a home run.

Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame pays homage to Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, two of Canada’s greatest hockey players, in a special exhibition running until March 2020. The exhibit features more than 150 historic artifacts and rare personal memorabilia from the Howe and Gretzky family collections. An impressive meeting and event venue, no visit is complete without a selfie taken with the Stanley Cup.

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PHOTO: HOCKEY HALL OF FAME

CN Tower’s LookOut Level

Easily Toronto’s most recognized landmark, the CN Tower has unveiled a stunning renovation of its LookOut Level, a full 360° space 114 storeys up! Event lighting is customizable and the space can be partitioned, or left fully open for up to 700 guests. A locally focused food and beverage program completes the experience. Panoramic city and lake views greet guests at The Globe and Mail Centre, a flexible, purpose-built 17th-floor event space with a seasonal outdoor terrace and space for 400 guests. Located in the King East Design District, the venue offers state-of-the-art digital connectivity and modern décor and furnishings.

Renovated and re-opened for the first time in decades, the Omni King Edward Hotel’s 5,000-sq.-ft. Crystal Ballroom boasts magnificent chandeliers, intricate mouldings and floor-toceiling windows. The Aga Khan Museum dazzles with its striking architecture and six exceptional event spaces— including a 336-seat auditorium, glass-enclosed interior courtyard and Patrons’ Lounge boasting panoramic views of the city. A full museum buyout accommodates more than 350 guests.

DISCOVER TORONTO’S UNIQUE SPACES

ENERGETIC VIBES REBEL Entertainment Complex is Toronto’s largest nightlife destination with 45,000 sq. ft. of event space and breezy waterside terraces showing off Toronto’s skyline.

Over the past century, The Concert Hall has had a colourful history as a Masonic Temple, a music club and a TV studio. The newly renovated venue, located in chic Yorkville, is now a 5,500-sq.-ft. event space. Located in Toronto’s Queen’s Quay, Artscape Daniels Launchpad is a vibrant space built to facilitate connection. This creative hub features a 4,800-sq.-ft. venue for larger events.

Iconic Massey Hall is undergoing a $139-million, multi-phase revitalization that includes the restoration and renewal of both the interior and exterior of this 125-year-old National Historic Site. The project calls for an expanded footprint, improved artist and patron amenities, state-of-the-art acoustics, two new music venues and the restoration of more than 100 original stained-glass windows.

BMO INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING A 150-room on-site hotel, a fully renovated main presentation hall and a 450-person capacity make this north Toronto facility stand out. PHOTO: REBEL

Cineplex Entertainment has opened a brand new 44,000-sq.-ft. Rec Room in Mississauga’s Square One Shopping Centre featuring new attractions such as axe throwing, bowling and virtual reality experiences. In Downtown Toronto, The Rec Room Toronto Roundhouse boasts over 40,000 sq. ft. of event space filled with games, food and entertainment, and is just steps away from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

REBEL Entertainment Complex

The Rosewater Room is a photogenic venue situated atop Don Alfonso 1890 (the first North American location of the acclaimed Italian restaurant) in Toronto’s historic Consumers Gas Building. The Rosewater’s impeccably trained fine dining staff and recently refreshed décor— featuring handcrafted chandeliers and mahogany floors—make an unforgettable space for exclusive events. Both spaces are managed by Liberty Entertainment Group.

ART SPACES

PHOTO: MASSEY HALL

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s new home is a generous, 55,000-sq.-ft. renovated warehouse space in Toronto’s hip Junction Triangle neighbourhood. The respected museum features a café, meeting rooms and large event hall. Art Gallery of Ontario is home to an impressive Canadian and international art collection as well as special event spaces for intimate and large groups. The gallery recently unveiled Let’s Survive Forever, a permanent exhibit infinity mirrored room by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

MARIPOSA CRUISES Host a meeting or a special event with Toronto’s spectacular skyline, harbour and islands as a backdrop. Mariposa offers six ships, including the 140-foot Northern Spirit, which recently completed a $500,000 interior renovation. STACKT Located at Bathurst and Front, Stackt is a city block-sized maze of 120 shipping containers housing cafes, takeouts and retail spaces as well as craft workshops. The pedestrian-only marketplace will remain on the city-owned property until 2021.

Scan the QR code to get a closer look at these fantastic venues.

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NEW + NOTABLE

PHOTO: LIVING ARTS CENTRE

LIVING ARTS CENTRE

ODEUM EVENT SPACE

Living Arts Centre

This former Greek restaurant and Polish nightclub has found a new purpose as an event venue. A 5,500-sq.-ft. hidden gem in Etobicoke, the space features exposed brick walls, booth seating on the east and west sides of the space, an open-concept kitchen and long bar. The space can be reconfigured for seated events for up to 200, or receptions for 300. Use Odeumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred caterer, or bring in your own.

SIZEABLE SPACES PHOTO: ODEUM EVENT SPACE

C BANQUETS Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Celebration Square and Mississauga streetlife. Suitable for both corporate and social events, the venue can host up to 210 for receptions or 150 theatre-style. Complimentary AV and an in-house catering service are an added plus for busy planners. Located just steps from the Square One Shopping Centre and a seven-minute walk from the Novotel Toronto Mississauga Centre Hotel.

Located in the heart of Mississauga, the Living Arts Centre has distinct venues for corporate and social events. The soaring atrium can be used for trade show booths, seated dinners and receptions, while Hammerson Hall offers theatre seating for 1,300 people in grand style. The RBC Theatre has flexible seating for up to 310, while The Rogers Theatre is suitable for smaller groups of up to 110 people. There are a further 11 meeting rooms available, suitable for breakout sessions.

Odeum Event Space BusinessEventsToronto.com

MEET WITH PURPOSE

MAKE A BIG

Impression MEET WITH PURPOSE BY HILTON—RESPONSIBLE, SOCIAL AND HEALTHIER OPTIONS FOR TODAY’S PLANNERS. A recent survey1 of a few thousand planners confirmed what many of us already know: It’s hard to stay awake after a lunch buffet loaded with temptations. Thing is, what you eat make a difference in how you feel two hours later. Through Meet with Purpose, we change all that, so your meeting vibe stays up, right up until 5 o’clock. With menus that feature healthy and tasty dishes, plus a light physical activity and a group give-back opportunity, you can be sure that they’ll “strongly agree” this was the best meeting ever. MINDFUL MEETING Make your mark but with a smaller footprint with paperless registration, better climate control in meeting rooms, and our award-winning LightStay™ sustainability calculator.

MINDFUL EATING

MINDFUL BEING

Indulge the senses with our unique menus that are a feast for the eyes, mind and stomach, featuring locally sourced ingredients and dishes designed to boost energy and reduce leftovers.

Keep everyone invigorated—mentally and physically—with fitness and stress-relief activities and rewarding give-back opportunities, like our Rise Against Hunger mealpacking partnership program.

meetwithpurpose.com

www.hiltonmeadowvale.com

www.toronto-apt.hilton.com

www.toronto.hilton.com 1

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Rockbridge: “Meeting Attendee Perceptions Study” May 2016

PHOTOS: GEORGE KRAYCHYK/HULU

NEW + NOTABLE

Fairmont Royal York Hotel

REBRANDED Some of Toronto’s landmark venues, as well as a few hotels, are sporting new names and a refreshed guest experience. SCOTIABANK ARENA (formerly Air Canada Centre) COCA-COLA COLISEUM (formerly Ricoh Coliseum) MERIDIAN HALL (formerly Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)

PARAMOUNT FINE FOODS CENTRE (formerly Hershey Centre) OVO ATHLETIC CENTRE (formerly the BioSteel Centre) KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE HOTEL (formerly the Holiday Inn) ST. REGIS TORONTO (formerly The Adelaide Hotel, and before that, Trump International Hotel)

Toronto puts in a stellar performance as the theocratic Republic of Gilead in the television adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. See how many of the city’s iconic venues you recognize from the popular television series. Praise be! • Toronto City Hall / Nathan Phillips Square

INSPIRE

MERIDIAN ARTS CENTRE (formerly Toronto Centre for the Arts)

A HANDMAID’S TORONTO • Bonjour Brioche Bakery Café • TTC’s Lower Bay Station • Beanfield Centre • Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 • Artscape Wychwood Barns • Dark Horse Espresso Bar • Ontario Square, Harbourfront

Ripley's Aquarium

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PHOTOS: LES GARÇONS

TASTY TORONTO

TORONTO’S MANY ETHNIC CUISINES INCLUDE: Chef Duff Lampard (left) and Richard Willett

THINK GLOBAL. EAT LOCAL. Executive Chef Duff Lampard and Richard Willett, vice-president, food and beverage, describe how Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) menus are inspired by the latest innovations and trends as well as Toronto’s rich cultural diversity. How do you incorporate Toronto’s diversity and regional abundance into event menus? Chef Lampard: We’re in a great spot to be able to showcase the trends that are going on in Toronto. For example, some people on my team are from different regions of India and they have the opportunity to offer a diversity of cuisines. We make all of our pastas in-house, and we often set up stations where we build and cook Italian pizzas right in front of guests. We do all of our own charcuterie from scratch, and, on the dessert side, we’re doing a lot of the classic French and Austrian pastries. How do you educate planners about local ingredients and products? Richard Willett: The first thing we do is to offer them a glass of really great Ontario wine to whet their palate because 90 per cent of our sales are Ontario wines, which is a significant commitment for us. We also let them know that we have our own on-site

dry-aged Ontario beef program that allows for a better quality product, versatility in use and competitive pricing. Our program is large enough to provide dinners for up to 5,000 guests.

Indigenous Chinese Ethiopian Greek Indian Italian Jamaican Japanese Korean Mexican Polish Portuguese Syrian

TORONTO HAS THE WORLD’S 3RD MOST DIVERSE FOOD SCENE (Bott+Co)

Chef Lampard: We have partnerships and relationships with local farms. In some cases, there are opportunities to purchase an entire field or harvest. How do you manage dietary restrictions and special requests? Chef Lampard: We have a very progressive program when it comes to special meal requests. If it’s a lifestyle choice, we take components of our menu and ensure they’re as friendly as possible. We’re trying to stay natural and really take a restaurant approach. Richard Willett: We do significant labelling—both on printed menus and at the buffets, whether it’s gluten free, vegetarian, lactose free or whatever the case may be.

In 2018, MTCC’s food donation program provided more than 50,000 kilograms of food to local charities Second Harvest and Daily Bread Food Bank. BusinessEventsToronto.com

MEET FOR A PURPOSE, S TAY F O R T H E

EXPERIENCE.

The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto offers the ideal setting for your downtown events. From board meetings to product launches or corporate-wide celebrations, we feature spectacular event spaces from the iconic Crystal Ballroom to the exquisite Vanity Fair Ballroom. With delectable cuisine that is second to none, our event planning professionals will ensure all your events are a success.

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OMNIHOTELS.COM/TORONTO 416-863-3241

PHOTO: ALEX LASSOS

TASTE THE CITY

Cagneys Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Contemporary steak and seafood reign supreme in Toronto West. These dining spots combine well-aged steak and well-stocked wine cellars with sleek dining rooms and pre-dinner lounges for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Ruth’s Chris Steak House takes the idea of meeting and dining to new levels at its airport location. Five different spaces are available for groups, as glass walls can partition the restaurant. All event rooms have 55-inch HD televisions for presentations, and the largest space, the Spruce Goose, can host up to 130 people. A superlative wine list and covered outdoor patio complements the USDA Prime 28-day dry-aged steaks and sustainably-sourced seafood. Ruth’s Chris can also handle breakfast and lunch meetings. Cagneys Steakhouse & Wine Bar has been a part of Toronto West’s Streetsville neighbourhood for over 45 years and prides itself on a well-rounded upscale

PHOTO: RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

SURF & TURF Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

menu featuring steak, seafood and Greek cuisine. An extensive glass-walled wine cellar takes pride of place in the central dining area. A full buyout for groups seats 200, while a private dining room seats 100. Chop Steakhouse & Bar is right next to Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre and offers three semi-private areas for drinks or dining. Sleek and contemporary styling complements a crafted drinks menu, Canadian-sourced beef, responsibly sourced seafood and classic side dishes. The largest dining area seats up to 30 and the lounge can hold up to 130 people.

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PHOTO: WORKERBEE

The Nest at Falcon SkyBar, Hotel X

SEE & BE SEEN

The Broadview Hotel

Northern Maverick: Bigger is better at this comfy downtown brewhouse with a 110-seat patio and a 1,000-litre brewing capacity. Enjoy raw oysters, or a charcuterie platter paired with a flight of house-brewed beer while you soak up downtown vibes.

With a soaring skyline and vibrant street life, it’s no wonder outdoor patios and rooftop bars are treasured Toronto hot spots. Here are just a few of the best venues in Canada’s Downtown.

Against the Grain: Perched beside trendy Sugar Beach and looking out over the Toronto Islands, this waterside restaurant and patio invites you to sink into comfy lounge seating and enjoy tabletop fire pits.

LOOK UP Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Toronto: A chic Toronto staple with show-stopping 360° city and lake views, this stylish downtown rooftop—with infinity pool—is a great place to relax. Sky Yard, The Drake Hotel: Perched above artsy Queen St. West, the Sky Yard’s eclectic, colourful vibe is energizing with plenty of greenery, vibrant murals and a locally sourced, scratch-made menu. The Rooftop, The Broadview Hotel: With its retro-chic vibe and killer view from east of the Don River, The Broadview Hotel’s Rooftop is a haven for local hipsters.

The Nest at Falcon SkyBar, Hotel X: The 27th floor Nest at Hotel X offers indoor and outdoor spaces with luxe, contemporary furnishings and a unique, water’s edge perspective on the city. Overnight guests can also visit the 28th floor’s stunning outdoor pool, open year-round. &Company Resto Bar: A seasonally inspired menu, vibrant night-life and stunning view over Mississauga’s award-winning “Marilyn Monroe” condo towers make &Company the go-to rooftop in Mississauga.

El Catrin: A six-course tasting menu features 11 authentic and modern dishes from five regions of Mexico. El Catrin is just one of a number of restaurants in the historic Distillery District offering a charming outdoor patio experience.

Canada’s first Eataly Italian food marketplace is scheduled to open on chic Bloor Street West by the end of 2019 and will feature a mix of restaurants and food markets in a 50,000 sq. ft. venue.

HOT SPOTS

STREETSIDE

PHOTO: CNW GROUP/EATALY

PHOTO: LIBRARY HOTEL COLLECTION

TASTY TORONTO

E X T R A O R D I N A RY E V E N T S H A P P E N N A T U R A L LY W H E N YO U ’ R E S U R R O U N D E D BY P O S S I B I L I T I E S

FROM ROOFTOP TERRACES WITH EXQUISITE VIEWS OF TORONTO, TO DEDICATED CINEMAS AND NATURALLY LIT BALLROOMS, CHOOSE FROM A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF SPACES, DESIGNED TO MAKE YOUR EVENT MEMORABLE.

CONTACT US TODAY TO START PLANNING YOUR EXTRAORDINARY EVENT 111 Princes’ Boulevard Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 | 647.943.9300 | Sales@HotelXToronto.com | HotelXToronto.com/Meetings

LIBRARY HOTEL COLLECTION | NEW YORK | TORONTO | BUDAPEST | PRAGUE BusinessEventsToronto.com

The Ballroom

GET YOUR GAME ON! Fuel up before the big game—or celebrate after—at these crowd-friendly hangouts all within minutes of Downtown Toronto’s pro sports facilities. Real Sports Bar & Grill: With a whopping 39-ft. HD screen (and 199 smaller ones), there’s no better place to get your game on than this busy restaurant right beside Scotiabank Arena.

Pick 6ix Sports: Canadian rapper Drake has reinvented his restaurant as a sports bar specializing in elevated bar classics such as baby back ribs, fish tacos, jerk chicken and more.

The Loose Moose: Cozy up at communal tables and chat with locals in this friendly, 30-year-old haunt featuring dozens of beer choices. An easy walk from the Scotiabank Arena.

Brazen Head Irish Pub & Restaurant: Raise a glass with throngs of Toronto Football Club fans who frequent this Liberty Village local on match days at nearby BMO Field.

Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto: Hockey’s “Great One” opened his signature eatery 25 years ago, decorating it with his personal collection of memorabilia. The restaurant, sports bar and rooftop patio venue is a short walk to the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena.

The Ballroom: Watch the game on 60+ in-house screens, or play one of your own on ping-pong and foosball tables, bowling lanes and video terminals; all a stone’s throw from the Rogers Centre.

PHOTO: BALZAC’S

PHOTO: KARLY RUESEN

TASTY TORONTO

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters

BALZAC’S COFFEE ROASTERS Diana Olsen, CEO and founder of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, is a champion of a gender-balanced workforce—more than 70 per cent of Balzac’s 150 employees and the majority of the executive team are women. Looking for a charming venue for evening corporate and social functions? Each of Balzac’s five Toronto cafés is uniquely designed to fit with their iconic neighbourhood locations.

The Pint Public House: Located right beside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and a two-minute walk from the Rogers Centre, this 770-seat shrine to sports is filled with memorabilia, offers 40 flavours of chicken wings and has 40 beers on tap.

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The

MASTER CHEF Advantage InterContinentalÂŽ Toronto Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Chef Shawn Whalen has achieved culinary mastery! Chef Whalen is one of only five people in Canada to reach Certified Master Chef (CMC), the highest attainable culinary designation. As the only CMC working in a Canadian hotel, he will continue to deliver an exceptional and worry-free culinary experience exclusive to all of our guests.

225 FRONT STREET WEST, TORONTO, ON CANADA M5V 2X3 (416) 597-1400 | torontocentre@ihg.com | torontocentre.intercontinental.com 48

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EXPLORE THE CITY

INSPIRE

YOUR DREAM TEAM Encourage your team to reach for the top with these uniquely Toronto teambuilding activities. Bust out of a Toronto-themed escape room

Fire up your inner artist Playing With Fire’s glassblowing workshops at the Artscape Wychwood Barns let participants experience a unique art form in an idyllic setting. The entertaining workshops are geared towards absolute beginners who learn and observe the art of glassblowing and take home their own lovely creations: a glass ball, paperweight or wine stopper.

Playing With Fire

PHOTO: KANCHAN MAHARAJ, INHEREYE.CA

Creativity and teamwork save the day as groups of escape artists unravel the threads of a Murdoch Mysteries-themed escape room presented by Secret City Adventures at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma. The detective (made famous by the clever TV series) is missing and teams must solve puzzles, interact with live actors and trust one another to find him. Another theme plunges adventure-seekers into the Prohibition-era world of Toronto speakeasies in a quest to dominate the city’s bootlegging scene.

Laughs that last

Break a sweat for charity

Interactivity and creativity are on tap at The Second City comedy club where improv workshops promote communication, innovation, leadership—and fun! The recently renovated, fully loaded facility offers audio/visual equipment, event staff, catering and breakout rooms to help create an all-star teambuilding experience.

The CN Tower does double-duty as the world’s tallest StairMaster when determined steppers tackle the tower’s 1,776 stairs in annual climbs for charity. The World Wildlife Fund and Toronto’s United Way both organize annual CN Tower climbs, and corporate teams who plan ahead are welcome to raise pledges and join the trek to the top of the tower. The fun and inspiring events include an opportunity to enjoy the view from the CN Tower’s newly renovated LookOut Level observation deck.

50 BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2019

Graffiti Alley

PHOTOS: TOURISM TORONTO

(Travel + Leisure)

Casa Loma BusinessEventsToronto.com

PHOTO: THE SECOND CITY/SECOND CITY WORKS

EXPLORE THE CITY

Create better Instagram moments Sharing our lives through photography has never been more popular and GTA Photography classes are an interactive way to hone this useful skill. The two-hour class teaches how to take frame-worthy pictures using your smartphone. Other workshop options include night photography, a phototaking tour of Toronto and more. All can be paired with customized teambuilding activities, or get out on your own and explore the city’s colourful places such as Graffiti Alley.

The Second City

Great taste

PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

My Place for Dinner serves up hands-on cooking classes, where teams work with a chef and instructor to create a delicious meal they’ll enjoy later at beautifully set tables. The highly collaborative classes encourage teamwork and interactivity. Workshops can be hosted at the state-of-the-art Miele Showroom in Vaughan Mills, just north of the city, or at a wellequipped downtown location. Teambuilding never tasted better.

Great ideas need space. The future of meetings is changing. It’s about inspiring people to learn and collaborate in fresh, new ways. At BMO IFL, we pair unique, bright spaces with memorable food offerings and best-in-class service. Find out how our great space can help you define your next event. Book a tour today.

bmoifl.com

®”BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. Hospitality services provided by Dolce Hotels & Resorts

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Now open! A new, modern meeting space featuring the latest amenities, an immersive AV experience, and seating for up to 450.

Graffiti Alley

Library-inspired meetings

For your next meting or conference, we invite you to meet in the library.

unique cultural spaces tpl.ca/venuerentals TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY BusinessEventsToronto.com

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EXPLORE THE CITY

PHOTO: OMII THOMPSON

Meetings Simplified Pursuit OCR

GO WEST FOR

ADVENTURE Explore the Wild Work together to build a sturdy forest shelter or explore eco-systems during an outdoor scavenger hunt; both teambuilding activities—and more—are available at the Humber Arboretum. Surrounded by 250 acres of botanical gardens and wild natural areas, the Arboretum offers unique group experiences and corporate workshops. Indoor activities unfold in the Centre for Urban Ecology, with expansive views, flexible layouts and seating for 90 people.

Clubhouse Event Space An enviable view over the Royal Woodbine Golf Course Terms & Conditions: Hilton HHonors membership earning of Points, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors is the backdrop for the Clubhouse Event Space’s Terms and Conditions. ©2019 5,000-sq.-ft., two-tiered patio. A large cedar gazebo provides a focal point and remarkable food is prepared on-site daily by the executive chef. Teambuilding events, group lunches and golf tournaments are all possible at the byPeterandPauls.com venue, the same accomplished hospitality team providing the foodservice program at Toronto’s Hotel X.

Bring Recess Back Let team members get in touch with their inner child at Pursuit OCR, an indoor adult playground in Etobicoke with a superfly obstacle course. Think: ball pits, monkey bars, hanging rings and skateboard ramps. The vibe is dynamic and fun, and custom teambuilding workshops are available.

We Can Take Care of Your Meeting Needs • 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space • 490 guest rooms and suites • Diverse catering options DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown 108 Chestnut Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1R3 For Group Rooms, please contact 416-597-6350 For Event Space & Catering, please contact 416-597-6343 www.torontodowntown.doubletree.com

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READY FOR ACTION Toronto is a pro sports market and an accomplished host to national and international amateur competitions. RAPTORS 905 Looking to watch professional basketball at an affordable price? Raptors 905 is the development team for the Toronto Raptors and has, since its inception in 2015, produced multiple NBA players. Catch this next-generation action from November to April at Mississauga’s Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Reserve courtside seats or book an executive suite for 12 to 24 guests. You can even rent the court on game days for a pre-event group activity.

PHOTO: CITY OF MISSISSAUGA

SPORTS CENTRAL

Paramount Fine Foods Centre is the new name of the former Hershey Centre, Mississauga’s multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue. Paramount Fine Foods, a local chain of Middle Eastern restaurants, purchased the naming rights for 10 years.

Raptors 905

TRAILS AND WATERWAYS With its abundant green spaces, Toronto is often referred to as “a city within a park.” The region is also rich in waterways. Magnificent Lake Ontario is perfect for sailing excursions, and the city’s many beaches, bays, island lagoons and rivers are just right for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and kite surfing. Harbourfront Canoe Kayak Centre offers groups an historic voyageur canoe experience. Originally designed to carry people and goods across Canada, the highly stable canoe replicas seat 17 paddlers plus a guide for a leisurely paddle through the Toronto Islands’ many channels and lagoons.

Dragon boat racing, Toronto Islands

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PHOTO: WWW.TORONTOWIDE.COM

Check out these Toronto waterways • Toronto Island lagoons • The Beaches and Ashbridges Bay Park • The Humber River • Rouge National Urban Park • Bluffer’s Park and Beach

SPORTS CENTRAL

HOME TO THE PROS • TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (National Hockey League) •T ORONTO RAPTORS (National Basketball Association) •T ORONTO ARGONAUTS (Canadian Football League) •T ORONTO FC (Major League Soccer)

St. George’s Golf & Country Club

HIT THE LINKS Toronto boasts dozens of public and privately owned golf courses. For golf enthusiasts craving a championship experience, the greater region boasts exclusive clubs that provide the perfect getaway for golf tournaments, business meetings, conferences and special events. Host an intimate board meeting, seminar or training session or a gathering of 500 in 35,000 sq. ft. of event space at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre where you’ll find two championship courses on 520 beautifully landscaped acres.

• TORONTO WOLFPACK (Professional rugby) •Y ORK 9 FC (Canadian Premier League soccer) PHOTO: WWW.TORONTOWIDE.COM

PHOTO: ST. GEORGE’S GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

• TORONTO BLUE JAYS (Major League Baseball)

•R OGERS CUP (Professional tennis) •H ONDA INDY TORONTO (IndyCar Series) • TORONTO ARROWS (Major League Rugby) Toronto FC fans

Angus Glen has hosted the Canadian Open and was the host golf venue for the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games. St. George’s Golf & Country Club was designed by legendary Canadian course designer Stanley Thompson, has hosted the Canadian Open and is rated among the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest.

TORONTO’S ULTIMATE OUTDOOR EVENT VENUE ON THE HARBOUR!

LOOK WHO’S COMING MLSE will host its Global Sports & Entertainment Conference in Toronto in September 2020, attracting as many as 2,500 attendees and generating an estimated $8.8 million in economic impact. 416.203.0178 | MariposaCruises.com | #Cruisethe6ix BusinessEventsToronto.com

PHOTO: SEAN GALBRAITH

WINTER IN THE CITY

The Bentway

BUNDLE UP FOR FROSTY FUN

PHOTO: CITY OF TORONTO

Toronto takes on a different hue in winter: bright lights twinkle, outdoor adventure rewards those who bundle up and cozy indoor comfort is always on offer. Explore all the great ways to experience the joys of a Canadian winter during your stay in Toronto. The Carbon Bar

THE BENTWAY

WINTERLICIOUS DINING

Toronto’s Bentway is an underpass reinvented as a vibrant four-season urban park with a 220-metre ice-skating loop that snakes around concrete pillars holding up an expressway. Winter fun also includes ice dancing shows and a winter village, while the park’s full four-season programming features photography festivals, dance events and an open-air beer garden. “Every time you come down, you are likely to find something different,” says Ilana Altman, The Bentway’s director of programming. Groups are welcome and programmers will work with planners to accommodate their needs. “I think The Bentway is going to be a core piece of Toronto’s identity going forward,” says Altman. “It’s a great example of an industrial reuse site and it’s a wonderful space to be in.”

From taco lunches and Asian streetfood to globally inspired small plates, Toronto offers a taste of the world during the annual Winterlicious dining festival. More than 200 restaurants participate in this citywide extravaganza offering prix fixe, three-course lunches and dinners. It’s a great time to discover the city’s many neighbourhoods and sample new cuisine. Reservations strongly recommended. (January-February)

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PICTURE YOURSELF IN TORONTO Scan the QR code to see more of Canada’s largest city.

WINTER IN THE CITY

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKETS

TIE ONE ON There’s nothing more Canadian than tying up a pair of skates and touring around an ice rink. Toronto has many outdoor skating facilities open all winter long, day and evening—most with refreshments and skate rentals.

OUTDOOR ART 2019 During winter 2019, these annual outdoor art festivals featured creative installations by Canadian and international artists. Visitors enjoyed kaleidoscopic mirrors, arches of bells and chatting with friends through an artful tangle of giant tubes along the waterfront Ice Breakers art trail. (January-March) Adults and children alike mingled amid a colourful crowd of cut-out people at the Winter Stations on Toronto’s Eastern Beaches. (February-March) The Toronto Light Festival is a great place to bask in artful light as international artists transform the historic Distillery District into a free, outdoor light gallery. (January-March)

Nathan Phillips Square: Take a selfie with the iconic Toronto sign and enjoy the bright lights of Downtown Toronto’s key gathering spot. Check with facility staff to pinpoint a quieter time for larger group visits. (November-March)

The Aurora Winter Festival, Canada’s largest, takes over Ontario Place with a tube park, light displays, food gardens and amusement rides. (November-December)

Harbourfront Centre: Enjoy DJ skate nights as you glide along the impossibly lovely lakeside Natrel Rink. Exclusive rink rentals are available Thursday afternoons, 4-8 p.m. (November-March)

The Holiday Fair lights up Nathan Phillips Square with its Holly Jolly Midway, arts and crafts sales, gourmet snacks, an ice bar with festive drinks and the square’s renowned skating rink. Quaint wooden huts sell holiday treats while lights twinkle overhead in the Distillery District during the Toronto Christmas Market. It’s a slam-dunk winner filled with holiday cheer, a vintage carousel and Ferris wheel, and clever pop-up shops. Nestled in the forested Don Valley, the Evergreen Winter Village at the Brick Works has its own holiday market with food truck treats, local vendors and a picturesque skating rink.

Chinguacousy Park: The deep curves around Brampton’s new 2,000-sq.-ft. skating trail offer quiet pockets that let skaters of all abilities find their comfort zone. Seats dot the trail and up to 500 skaters are welcome at a time. (November-March)

PHOTO: CITY OF TORONTO

Celebration Square: Skate in the heart of downtown Mississauga at the city’s award-winning Celebration Square, a lively public space that is close to rentable city-owned venues such as the Meadowvale Theatre. (November-March)

Toronto Christmas Market, The Distillery District BusinessEventsToronto.com

Meetings

From the big screen and immersive sound to convenient locations and professional in-house event planners, we make it easy to bring your message to life. Imagine your meeting at

Cineplex.com/MeetingsPlus

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PHOTO: 2019 DESTINATION ONTARIO

WINTER IN THE CITY

WINTERY DAY TRIPS It’s all thrills (no fancy skills required) when you enjoy Ontario’s longest snow tubing hill at Horseshoe Resort. Blue Mountain, Collingwood

Ski hills of all intensities are an easy day trip away from Toronto: from beginner-friendly hills at Dagmar Ski Resort in Uxbridge, to the steeper slopes of Collingwood’s Blue Mountain. Indulge your senses at destination spas near Toronto: Nordik Spa-Nature, a new 8.8-acre site in Whitby, is projected to open mid-2020 and promises swoon-worthy indoor and outdoor pools, exclusive body treatments and a capacity of 700. Blue Mountain’s award-winning Scandinave Spa is a well-known retreat offering leading edge treatments and incredible views of the mountain in a wooded setting. Sip on hot chocolate (or an ice-cold craft beer) while you spend an afternoon on a frozen Muskoka lake dotted with ice fishing huts. Let a local guide teach you how to reel in your own catch of lake trout or whitefish. Finish the day the Canadian way, with a fish fry on the lake.

March is maple syrup time in Ontario. Sugar Shack TO opens its doors on Toronto’s Queens Quay in early March and Mississauga’s Bradley Museum hosts Maple Magic for much of the month.

BUSINESS HAS NEVER BEEN MORE ENTERTAINING ...

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4141 LIVING ARTS DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA , ON L5B 4B8 u HWYS 403 & 10, WEST OF SQUARE ONE u UNDERGROUND PARKING

A Signature CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE A Signature

With views just steps from the brink of the thunderous Horseshoe Falls or overlooking tranquil wine country, let Niagara Parks show you how we make memories that last a lifetime. Transform your next conference and customize a signature experience with our five full-serve restaurants, three championship golf courses, and enjoy exclusive tours of our eleven attractions along the Niagara River corridor. With views just steps from the brink of the thunderous Horseshoe Falls or overlooking tranquil New in 2019, Table Rock House Restaurant, our flagship restaurant at the edge of the falls wine country, let Niagara Parks show you how we make memories that last a lifetime. is a must-see venue for an unforgettable off-site conference event. Add some wonder Transform your next conference and customize a signature experience with our five to your meeting plans with incredible views day and night, expertly refined decor, full-serve restaurants, three championship golf courses, and enjoy exclusive tours of and locally sourced food and beverage options. our eleven attractions along the Niagara River corridor. Unforgettable experiences begin here. New in 2019, Table Rock House Restaurant, our flagship restaurant at the edge of the falls is a must-see venue for an unforgettable off-site conference event. Add some wonder to your meeting plans with incredible views day and night, expertly refined decor, and locally sourced food and beverage options.

CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

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LUXURY + INCENTIVES

INVITATION ONLY PUT THESE POSH PROPERTIES ON YOUR RADAR • Four Seasons Hotel Toronto • The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto • Shangri-La Hotel • The Hazelton Hotel • Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer •L e Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square

PHOTO: ST. REGIS TORONTO

Your top performers are one of a kind, so why not show your appreciation with exclusive experiences offered downtown and throughout the region.

Louix Louis restaurant, St. Regis Hotel

BESPOKE LUXURY

Expect authentic, boutique experiences with local panache. Perfect for small groups or a unique incentive for top performers. Canada’s first St. Regis Hotel is open after a year-long renovation that included a redesigned lobby and refreshed décor. This ultra-luxury hotel offers butler service, large guestrooms, a five-star spa and Instagramworthy grand bar. The onsite restaurant, Louix Louis, is garnering attention for its Canadian-inspired menu, warm elegance and spectacular views from 31 storeys above downtown. Hotel X, the first Canadian luxury boutique property by the New York City-based

Library Hotel Collection, is a dynamic addition to the Toronto skyline. Located on the Exhibition Place grounds, just minutes to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and adjacent to the Enercare and Beanfield Centres, the hotel offers spectacular city and lake views, 404 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, movie theatre, two libraries and 80,000 sq. ft. of elite athletic space. Host to visiting royalty, heads of state and industry captains, the Windsor Arms Hotel offers discreet luxury and exceptional

service. The modernized 1927 hotel offers 28 luxury suites as well as 24-hour butler service. The Courtyard gala ballroom features a soaring 50-foot ceiling, historic limestone walls and David Bierk artwork. Located in a former 1850s chocolate factory and inspired by the luxury boutique hotels of Europe, The Ivy at Verity offers elegant accommodations, access to five-star dining as well as an exclusive women’s club, and is just steps from the Distillery District.

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LUXURY + INCENTIVES

TORONTO IS LISTED AMONG THE MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS FOR 2019

PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

(National Geographic)

Holt Renfrew, a luxury shopping destination on Toronto’s stylish Bloor St. West.

Don Alphonso 1890

PHOTOS: LIBERTY GROUP

BEST OF THE CITY Creative young chefs looking to broaden their horizons are drawn to Toronto for its creative energy, diversity and ready access to fresh regional ingredients. Toronto Life’s list of Best New Restaurants for 2019 includes Don Alfonso 1890, Kōjin, Donna’s, Giulietta, Alobar, Yukashi, Arthur’s Restaurant and more.

HOCKEY HALL of FAM VENUE RENTALS

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V E R S AC E

MONCLER

JIMMY CHOO

B V LG A R I

S A LVATO R E F E R R AG A M O

MONTBLANC

C H LO É

B U R B E R RY

C A RT I E R

VA L E N T I N O

N O R D S T RO M

SAINT LAURENT

C A N A DA G O O S E

VA N C L E E F & A R P E L S

O F

Plan a truly stylish event. With more luxury brands than anywhere else – plus exclusive privileges, services and programs – Yorkdale is the ultimate shopping experience for your clients. 270 STORES & LUXURY BRANDS | DISCOVER YORKDALE.COM | TOURISM@YORKDALE.COM

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EXCLUSIVE DAY TRIPS Plan a day’s excursion to any one of these exceptional nearby destinations.

PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

LUXURY + INCENTIVES

Wine tasting, Niagara Region

The Waterloo Warbirds offer guests the rare opportunity to fly in an authentic Cold War-era jet. Select from four different vintage aircraft—the Silver Star, Viper, Vampire and the MiG-15—flying out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

Wood craftsman David Schonberger knew he was onto something when guests completing his hands-on Tree to Table charcuterie boardmaking workshop gave him heartfelt thank-you hugs. Awarded Ontario’s Southwest Innovative Experience of the Year for 2018, guests are rejuvenated by the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the tranquility of the Carolinian Forest and get their hands dirty creating a unique conversation piece. Schonberger invites guests to use his grandfather’s antique hand tools to help turn a rough, live-edged piece of local, sustainably harvested black walnut, cherry or maple into a treasured family heirloom. Participants end the day with a shared meal featuring local charcuterie and cheeses. Schonberger’s Ottercreek Woodworks artisanal workshop is located in Tillsonburg, just west of Toronto.

PHOTO: OTTERCREEK WOODWORKS

PHOTO: WATERLOO WARBIRDS

The Niagara Region is an easy drive west of Toronto where a rich terroir, unique microclimate and talented vintners have produced internationally acclaimed wines. Enjoy guided vineyard tours and private tastings at award-winning estates. If you like icewine, be sure to visit in January during the annual Niagara Icewine Festival to learn how frozen grapes are harvested during the coldest nights of the year and crafted into one of the world’s most coveted beverages.

David Schonberger (centre) with Tree to Table workshop participants BusinessEventsToronto.com

FAMILY TIME

FESTIVAL CITY Woofstock: North Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest festival for dogs is an entire weekend in May featuring outdoor play for pooches and people, too. Taste of the Danforth: Held every August, this huge festival takes over the streets of Greektown with authentic cuisine, music and entertainment.

Museum of Illusions

Ontario Science Centre

PHOTO: 2019 DESTINATION ONTARIO

PHOTO: MAAZ KHAN

Cabbagetown Festival: The fun unfolds downtown in early September right beside charming Riverdale Farm, with live entertainment, a massive arts and crafts show, food trucks and a free historic walking tour.

TORONTO AT PLAY Tourism Toronto has lots of ideas for family fun. Scan the QR code, or visit SeeTorontoNow.com. Woofstock Festival 66

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PHOTO: WOOFSTOCK

Mix business and pleasure (bleisure!) by extending your stay in safe, diverse and accessible Toronto. This city of neighbourhoods is a great place to bring the entire family.

FAMILY TIME

TOUR THE WORLD, ONE NEIGHBOURHOOD AT A TIME

Wander through Kensington Market and adjacent Chinatown to shop for exotic spices, vintage clothes and other rare finds. Grab lunch at Chinatown’s Mother’s Dumplings followed by trendy, gold leaf-covered ice cream at Eative Film Cafe. Happiness is gelato from the Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe in College Street’s Little Italy. Enjoy fresh fruit markets and trendy shops before dining on traditional Italian fare at any one of the neighbourhood’s familyowned restaurants.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Museum of Illusions: This buzzedabout new attraction is a visually thrilling and educational tour through over 80 interactive, psychological illusions including holograms, tilted rooms and a vortex tunnel. Ripley’s Aquarium: Explore a room inspired by Robert Ripley’s boat at the aquarium’s new Curious Creatures exhibit, featuring rare marine animals and artifacts including bioluminescent Flashlight Fish and colour-changing Frogfish. Royal Ontario Museum: From dinosaurs to ancient artifacts, you could easily spend an entire day at the ROM. Don’t forget to check out The Rotunda, the museum’s stunning ceremonial entrance hall featuring a gold mosaic dome ceiling, installed in the 1930s using more than a million tiny squares of imported Venetian glass.

Ontario Science Centre: Celebrating 50 years, the centre has something to engage every age group. Teens can chill out in the Weston Family Innovation Centre while kids under age eight will love everything from house building to music making in the KidSpark zone. Toronto Zoo: Canada’s premiere zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals representing over 460 species. Explore the African Savanna, Tundra Trek, Canadian Domain, Indo-Malaya exhibit and more.

PHOTO: CANADIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

PHOTOS: TOURISM TORONTO

Gerrard India Bazaar delights with colourful sari shops, street food and authentic restaurants like Lahore Tikka House.

Kensington Market

GIFTS, SWAG + MORE

TORONTO

TAKEAWAYS Show them the love with uniquely Toronto rewards, welcome gifts, thank-you treats and giveaways.

Tealish puts the fun back in wellness with a large selection of natural, high-end teas. Popular for large groups: printed pouches containing 35 grams of looseleaf tea. tealish.com

An art history major turned chocolatier, Kata Ambrus handcrafts these tiny pieces of edible art with meticulous care from the very best ingredients. Among her most popular flavours is Yuzu Caramel, which she designed for the debut of the Art Gallery of Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Yayoi Kusama Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Survive Forever exhibit. chocolatdekat.com

Bring the beauty of hand lettering and original illustrations to your photo booths, banquet tables and selfie stations with Posecards. These oneof-a-kind pieces by artist Doris Wai are fully customizable for any occasion. lovelettering.ca

B O O K YO U R P R I VAT E PA R T Y

LARGE GROUPS, CORPORATE EVENTS & CATERING

Located right beside the historic St. Lawrence Market

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GIFTS, SWAG + MORE

Handcrafted from a single block of locally sourced FSC-certified walnut, cherry or ash, the Canadiano is an elegantly minimal pour-over coffee brewing experience. The easy to clean, ultra-fine, medical grade stainless-steel system means no paper filters or replacement parts. Custom branding available. canadiano.co

Okazu is a Japanese-inspired sesame oil, miso paste and spice-based condiment that is all natural and just as delicious with plain rice as it is as a marinade for chicken and fish. The Okazu Tasting Set includes all three flavours: Chili Miso, Spicy Chili Miso and Curry Miso. abokichi.com

Teeny Tiny Bakeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sweet gift sets leave a big impression and can be customized to any theme, logo or corporate event. These mini-cookies make adorable table favours and delegate bag treats, or order full-sized cookies for your dessert table. teenytinybakery.com

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WHEN

June 15–18, 2019

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

ATTENDEES

2,500–3,000

Planners at the leadership village, one of the redesigned concepts for WEC 2018

EVENT PREVIEW

MPI WEC 2019 The Meeting Professionals International (MPI) events team did a radical redesign of the World Educational Congress (WEC) experience in 2018 in collaboration with Denmark-based Event Design Collective, and tweaked sections of that design for 2019 with an overarching theme of “Stop Planning Meetings; Start Planning Shared Experiences.” Numbers were tracking higher than usual for the Toronto 2019 WEC gathering and Melinda Burdette, CMP, CMM, HMCC and director events for MPI, says the combination of the destination and the fear of missing out certainly helped with the draw for planners to attend. “We really threw everything against the wall last year and tore it apart, and this year is another shared experience,” Burdette explains. “We’re continuing with short, focused general sessions that are very high energy, with entertainment values mixed in with education. We really feel it’s important to bookend each day, to gather everyone together so that planners will share all they have learned that day with each other.”

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According to Burdette, the 2018 experience “was so different from any other conference [attendees] had ever been to. We’ve mixed it up so that planners can craft whatever experience they want.” Burdette understands who the audience is and the pressure to produce a meeting for meeting planners is understandably daunting. But at the end of the day, Burdette says, “planners have to make the conference work for them; you have to be there for your own professional development.” Business Events Toronto collaborated with partners to host the opening night reception at Ontario Place featuring the tastes of Canada. The closing gala featured a night at REBEL Entertainment Complex at Polson Pier, set against a dramatic summer view of Toronto’s skyline.

MPI WEC 2018 closing event in Indianapolis, Indiana

SHARE THE EXPERIENCE Scan the QR code to see how MPI redesigned WEC for 2019.

PHOTO: SOLIMAN PRODUCTIONS

WHERE

TORONTO TAKEOVER

PCMA ACTIVATION

REIMAGINING THE IMAGINARIUM For more than 10 years, Business Events Toronto has presented its signature Imaginarium inside the convention at PCMA Convening Leaders. The idea started with the desire to give planners a relaxed space to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the conference for a little while.

PHOTOS: BUSINESS EVENTS TORONTO

“It gave us a chance to have non-invasive conversations about our city and to bring the flavour of Toronto to people who might not know about us, through food and beverage, music and gifts,” explains Alison Owers-Graham, senior event planner, business events, Business Events Toronto. After a decade of success, Owers-Graham says it was time to freshen-up the execution. In January 2019, the Imaginarium was reimagined for the PCMA convention in Pittsburgh. Business Events Toronto chose to move the Imaginarium outside the convention centre and create a pop-up close enough to get people buzzing.

The team took over a nearby restaurant, wrapping the exterior in Toronto’s signature red and creating a key symbol entrance. With “Let Yourself In” as the driving concept, selected planners were given keys that provided entry to the space. Inside, the windows were papered over with scenes of the Toronto skyline, and guests were invited to take selfies on a reproduction of the CN Tower’s famous Glass Floor. Guests also used their keys to open a locker containing parting gifts from the city.

TORONTO TAKEOVER WHERE THE TEAM WILL BE IN 2019 MPI WEC

June 15-18 Toronto, Ont.

PCMA EDUCON

June 25–28 Los Angeles, Calif.

CESSE ACCESSE ANNUAL CONFERENCE July 23–25 Baltimore, Md.

ASAE ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO August 10–13 Columbus, Ohio

CMEE, CANADIAN MEETINGS & EVENTS EXPO

(formerly IncentiveWorks) August 13–14 Toronto, Ont.

IMEX AMERICA September 10–12 Las Vegas, Nev.

CSAE NATIONAL CONFERENCE & SHOWCASE October 22–25 Vancouver, B.C.

PCMA CANADIAN INNOVATION CONFERENCE November 17–19 Quebec City, Que.

IBTM WORLD

November 19–21 Barcelona, Spain

ASSOCIATION FORUM OF CHICAGOLAND HOLIDAY SHOWCASE December 17 Chicago, Ill.

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BUSINESS EVENTS TORONTO

CONNECT WITH

TORONTO’S BEST RESOURCES

A TORONTO CITYWIDE CONVENTION OR EVENT • Uses at least 1,100 hotel rooms on a peak night • Includes a minimum of two hotels for delegates • Uses a convention centre or event complex

The dedicated team at Business Events Toronto provides 360° Service to organizations meeting in Canada’s Downtown. From trade shows and conferences to large city-wide conventions, the team offers personal attention, unique market insights and recommendations, connections to a network of more than 1,000 member businesses and all the tools and resources you’d expect from Canada’s most dynamic meeting destination. BusinessEventsToronto.com

Q&A WITH

TARA GORDON Vice-president, business events, Tourism Toronto

Business Events Toronto (BET) is the first point of contact for planners when considering Toronto for meetings and events. Why is that important? It’s important because members of our team truly are destination experts who can help you unlock the best of the city for your event. Our team will work with you every step of the way, from your initial site visit to registration and well after teardown to ensure your event gets the most out of our destination. As well, we have access to local businesses that are thriving here and putting Toronto on the map as a hub of innovation. We can connect you to experts who are here to benefit your event. 72

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How does BET build upon its team members’ members. While it was challenging in terms experience and vast knowledge of the city to of coordinating logistics and transportation fulfill a client’s needs and requirements? around the city, the attendees were able to share a good meal with great company and Business Events Toronto acts as a gateway experience a very unique taste of Toronto that to the very best this city has to offer. But they might not have experienced otherwise. every client experience is different and we recognize that. We live and breathe the Last year we also welcomed more than belief that there are no limits to hospitality. 4,000 elite salespeople from NU SKIN Creativity and personalization go a long way Greater China for their annual incentive trip. and we go out of our way to deliver that. Attendees arrived from China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan over six days—this was Describe two recent events where the BET the largest single company trip from Greater team went above and beyond to bring a China to ever visit Toronto. The itinerary client’s vision to reality. encouraged attendees to explore Downtown Toronto as well as the surrounding region, In 2018 we welcomed 24,000 members of including an exclusive dinner party in Niagara Rotary from more than 175 countries for the Falls featuring a fireworks and light show at 109th annual International Convention. It was the Horseshoe Falls. As well, the attendees the largest convention Toronto had hosted experienced a study abroad component with in the past five years, as well as the largest a lecture program at the downtown University multicultural gathering based on the country of Toronto campus. Accessing the thought of origin of attendees. We helped manage leadership and excellence in the educational off-site dinners for 2,400 people at local field was something that appealed to the Rotary clubs, restaurants and in many cases organizers and ultimately the partners who the dining rooms of Toronto-area Rotary were in attendance.

BUSINESS EVENTS TORONTO

2018 HIGHLIGHTS

1,025 events 26 citywide conventions 500,200+ delegates $565 million in economic impact for the Toronto region

PHOTO: TOURISM TORONTO

BUSINESS EVENTS TORONTO 360° SERVICE

• Attendance-building and promotional resources • A ssistance with site selection and visits • Customized microsites • Customs and immigration liaisons • A ssistance identifying local leaders in your field • Access to innovative partnerships within the local community • Media support including PR, social media and online resources

LOOK WHO’S COMING IN 2019 MPI WEC 2019 TORONTO June 15–18, 2019 2,500 delegates

OPENTEXT ENTERPRISE WORLD July 9–11, 2019 2,200 delegates

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION July 19–21, 2019 50,000 delegates

SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES ANNUAL MEETING + EXHIBIT October 27–30, 2019 2,000 delegates

SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY (SETAC) November 3–7, 2019 1,500 delegates

180° CHANGE. 360° VIEW. Toronto has changed and so have we. Discover the CN Tower’s newly revamped event spaces and let the one-of-a-kind view provide the inspiration for your next meeting or party.

To book, email events@cntower.ca BusinessEventsToronto.com

CLOSING THOUGHTS

We are not your normal nine-to-five conference— we’re driven by networking and bringing people and ideas together. A lot of our networking happens after 5 p.m. My team of producers goes out and looks for undiscovered but upcoming spots that offer novel, exciting and memorable experiences to attendees. CIARÁN HOPE

Senior vice-president, event operations, Web Summit

COLLISION’ S NIGHT SUMMIT EXPERIENCE Collision Night Summit 2019 kicked off its first evening with a meet-and-greet in Toronto’s trendy King St. W. Fashion District, followed nightly by a get-down-to-business gathering in the historic Distillery District, a patio party in the trendy Esplanade area, and a farewell evening celebration in Liberty Village, Toronto’s epicentre for creative young professionals.

BusinessEventsToronto.com

PHOTO: STACEY NEWMAN

A social event is often the best environment for making new business connections. Collision organizers wove Night Summit gatherings into the fabric of the city so that attendees had the opportunity to see, taste and experience the best of Downtown Toronto.

Get Down to Business With Us Elevate your next business event at Toronto’s most spacious conference hotel, the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Plan for success with over 130,000 square feet of meeting room across a broad range of venues, accommodating events of all types. From large-scale conferences in our Grand Ballroom, to intimate business meetings in one of 60 flexible spaces, your event is sure to impress here. Enjoy expert planning assistance, updated accommodations, and an ideal location in the centre of the action in Downtown Toronto. Our commitment to environmental and sustainable meeting practices provides us with the ability to offset a meeting’s carbon footprint. CONTACT US TODAY AT +1 416 947 4807, OR VISIT MARRIOTT.COM/YYZTC TO START PLANNING YOUR EVENT.

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