Three Event Professionals Share Their Favorite Venues in Toronto for Events

Natasha Koifman is the president of NKPR, a full-service public relations, artist management, and digital agency that represents more than 40 national and international brands, with offices in Toronto and New York. Koifman is known for being a lifestyle trend forecaster, sharing insight on life, style, and success—she also is a pop-culture, branding, and celebrity commentator. Koifman is regularly featured for her expertise in outlets such as Entertainment Tonight, the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and Marketing Magazine.

"Thompson Toronto is great for this. We regularly book offsite meetings in their bookable spaces. You can’t beat the view of the CN Tower and the energy of King West; also, you’re just steps away from their rooftop lounge, lobby bar, and, my personal favorite, the Thompson Diner. The hotel will soon be opening a brand new event and meeting space called the Park Room, which will lend itself perfectly to offsite meetings when you’re looking for some 'out-of-office' inspiration."

"Sofia Yorkville is the perfect spot for hosting an intimate dinner or cocktail night. Located in the heart of Bloor Yorkville, the space is very chic and features an incredible art collection in partnership with Taglialatella Galleries in New York—we know how much influencers like a good photo moment. The space was also designed by the amazing Studio Munge and is like nothing else you’ll find in Toronto right now. We recently hosted a cocktail party inside the space with tastemakers from across the city, and guests were snapping photos all night long while enjoying the restaurant’s delicious Italian bites."

"SoHo House Toronto is a definite go-to for client hosting. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, two people or a group of six, this members-only club can always accommodate on one of their three floors. The setting is conducive to a casual meeting on a couch or a sit-down meal in their dining area and is a lively space that is regularly full of industry leaders networking and working on interesting projects."

Aaron Kaufman is the president of Fifth Element Group, an event design and production firm that works in Canada and beyond. Kaufman also serves as the chairman of the Search Foundation, which assists event, meeting, and hospitality professionals dealing with life-threatening illnesses and other dire situations. Fifth Element Group clients have included Scotiabank, Audi, Molson, and the Canadian Hospitality Foundation.

"Nothing in Toronto beats the grandeur of the large spaces at the Fairmont Royal York hotel. The majestic spaces are some of the largest the city has to offer and the spaces are only outdone by the amazing food and great service. Large groups are their expertise and this is a not-to-miss space."

"This may be very typical, but events at the CN Tower are always a great experience and the views are second to none."

"Toronto is such a culturally diverse city with so much art. There are great spaces all over including Evergreen Brickworks, Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, and anything at the Distillery District."

Sebastien Centner is the founder and creative director of event planning and catering agency Eatertainment Events & Catering, which works on more than 900 special events annually and has a portfolio of concept restaurants that includes the Bloor Street Diner and the One Eighty. Centner has regular appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show and has spearheaded events for clients such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Red Bull, Porsche, and BMW.

"The Globe and Mail Centre. The views are magnificent and the venue is superb. Sitting out on the patio and overlooking all of downtown makes me think of how far Toronto has come to become an international destination for events and conferences."

"There’s no doubt in my mind it's Hockey Hall of Fame. The exhibits are unreal—whether you're a hockey fan or not—and of course seeing the Stanley Cup is a highlight. But my favorite is the Sportsnet broadcast booth. What can I say? I secretly dream of one day being a sportscaster."

"The One Eighty, for sure. The view over downtown and uptown is unmatched in the city, and the patios are the highest outdoor patios in the city. Their drink menu is ridiculous and the staff competes each season to develop the best creations of the seasonal drink menu, so you get an amazing variety of options."