Deciding where to hold an event in Toronto can be tricky, in a good way. The city has countless venues for all types of events. BizBash asked three notable event professionals to share their favorite downtown venues for influencer events, stylish dinners, big groups, and more.
This story originally appeared in BizBash Best 2019—Downtown Toronto.
Natasha Koifman

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.
Photo: Courtesy of Natasha Koifman
For an Offsite Board Meeting

"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."
Photo: Michael Weber
For an Influencer Event

"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."
Photo: Ben Rahn/A-Frame
To Entertain Clients

"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."
Courtesy of SoHo House Toronto
Aaron Kaufman

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.
Photo: Courtesy of Aaron Kaufman
For a Big Crowd

"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."
Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Royal York
To Entertain First-Time Visitors

"This may be very typical, but events at the CN Tower are always a great experience and the views are second to none."
Photo: Courtesy of CN Tower
To See Art and Culture

"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."
Photo: Courtesy of the AGO
Sebastien Centner

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.
Photo: Courtesy of Sebastian Centner
To Get Inspired

"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."
Photo: Garrison McArthur Photography
For a Fun Activity

"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."
Photo: Courtesy of Hockey Hall of Fame
To Grab Drinks

"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."
Photo: Courtesy of The One Eighty