Toronto Goes All In on Meeting Planner and Attendee Ease

When it comes to hosting meetings and events, Toronto goes all in, 100 percent of the time. With more than half its population born outside Canada, Toronto brings together hundreds of perspectives, creating a destination that is globally minded yet distinctly its own. Here, big ideas find a home, and bold visions are met with support at every turn.  

Seamless Global Access

With direct flights from major global cities and efficient public transit, getting attendees to and around Toronto is easy. The city is served by two international airports with connections to over 180 destinations worldwide, placing 60 percent of the global economy within reach via daily flights. Once on the ground, attendees benefit from efficient, easy-to-navigate transit options, with the UP Express and Billy Bishop Airport Shuttle providing seamless airport connections to downtown, while the city’s public transit system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), makes it a breeze to move between venues, hotels, and attractions. 

Accessible, High-Quality Accommodations 

With more than 180 hotels and roughly 43,000 rooms, Toronto offers a wide mix of three-, four-, and five-star stays, many newly refreshed, across downtown and key districts. Major brands cluster near popular venues, giving planners flexibility and attendees comfort. Many downtown hotels are purpose-built for conferences, offering integrated meeting spaces that streamline logistics. 

Versatile Venues for Every Vision 

From expansive convention centers to historic landmarks and waterfront spaces, Toronto has a venue for every kind of event. Standout spaces include the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Exhibition Place, the industrial-chic Evergreen Brick Works, and the historic Distillery District. Unique options like the Art Gallery of Ontario and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada lend one-of-a-kind charm. Many venues across the city prioritize sustainability, featuring LEED-certified spaces that align with environmentally conscious planning goals. 

Walkable Downtown Core  

Toronto’s downtown makes it easy to move between hotels, venues, dining, and entertainment. This simplifies scheduling for planners while maximizing time for attendees to connect and explore. Efficient public transit, including the TTC, further enhances accessibility across the city, while the city’s underground PATH network (a vast network of pedestrian walkways connecting office towers, shopping centers, hotels, and transit stations) offers more than 30 kilometers of convenient, weather-protected walking paths to navigate key downtown locations. Known for its safety—especially compared to other major urban areas—Toronto provides a comfortable, pedestrian-friendly environment for events of any size. 

Experienced Talent Pool 

As a leading hub for finance, tech, and life sciences, Toronto naturally brings together top talent. Ranked third in CBRE’s Tech Talent report, the city reflects the rise of AI and creates built-in opportunities for meaningful, high-value networking. Its diversity further strengthens this, with a population representing over 250 ethnicities and 180 languages, creating a truly global pool of attendees and speakers. At the same time, Toronto’s scale ensures access to highly experienced event professionals, from production crews to hospitality teams who know how to deliver seamless experiences. 

Standout Culinary Scene 

Toronto’s culinary scene is bold, diverse, and deeply rooted in the many cultures that shape the city. Its recognition by the Michelin Guide has further elevated Toronto’s global food reputation. As the first Canadian city featured in the guide, Toronto has over 100 listed restaurants representing more than 30 cuisine types. Additionally, the 22nd season of Top Chef was filmed in Toronto, highlighting its status as a must-visit culinary destination. 

City Support That Helps You Win Internally 

Toronto offers strong support to help planners build a compelling case from the start. Destination Toronto provides site selection tools, bid development assistance, and attendance marketing support to strengthen proposals and drive results. On top of that, Canada offers valuable cost-saving incentives, including tax rebates for qualified events. Through the Foreign Convention & Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP), eligible international organizers, sponsors, and exhibitors may receive rebates on goods and services tax (GST)/harmonized sales tax (HST) for certain expenses, helping stretch budgets further and maximize event value.