#1 Trade Shows & Convention
The Silk Road takes over the exhibition this year, celebrating the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism with the world’s largest indoor Chinese lantern festival and the new outdoor Telus Asian Market. Last year’s 18-day fair welcomed more than 1.5 million people—just shy of record-setting 1.6 million in 2015. Next: August 17-September 3, 2018
#2 Trade Shows & Convention (up from #3)
Driven by record-setting attendance of more than 358,000, the show proved the ongoing strength of the Canadian auto industry in 2018. The 10-day event boasted more than 40 new car unveilings and celebrated 50 years of Hot Wheels and 70 years of Porsche. The Toronto Star returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: February 15-24, 2019
#3 Trade Shows & Convention
Nearing its 100th anniversary, attendance at the 10-day urban agricultural fair stayed level at about 300,000. Named the best indoor horse show by the North American Riders Group, the fair offered up more than $1 million in prize money in 2017. New this year: hands-on cooking classes by notable chefs and sponsorship by the University of Guelph. Next: November 2-11, 2018
#4 Trade Shows & Convention
Exhibitor space sold out in record time this year for the 60th anniversary of North America’s largest indoor boat show, and attendance grew slightly to 77,500. The event returned to Exhibition Place’s Enercare Centre and added a $5 ticket for after 5 p.m., and free parking after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Next: January 18-27, 2019
#5 Trade Shows & Convention (up from #7)
With the cyclical mining industry in an upswing, attendance grew to 25,600 in 2018, including 26 ministers of mining, 556 speakers, and Facebook Live events that garnered more than 174,000 views. Next: March 3-6, 2019
#6 Trade Shows & Convention
Attendance dipped slightly to about 170,000 at this year’s 10-day show, featuring high-tech and hands-free living for inside and outside the home. New this year: Common Good Brewing sponsored happy hour, with tastings and cocktail-making lessons. Home Hardware and Google Home joined as sponsors. Next: March 2019
#7 Trade Shows & Convention
This year’s show saw more exhibitors but fewer visitors (with attendance at 64,000) at the International Centre for four days over March Break. New sponsors included Canadian Tire. Next: March 13-17, 2019
#8 Trade Shows & Convention (up from #9)
The holiday shopping extravaganza is expecting 100 new vendors in 2018—out of a field of 850—and crowds of about 140,000 at the Enercare Centre. Ontario Wood will be a new sponsor, presenting a Winter Wonderland lounge. Next: November 22-December 2, 2018
#9 Trade Shows & Convention (new to the list)
Billed as one of North America’s largest expositions for the design and construction industry, the event welcomed about 30,000 visitors and 1,600 exhibitors over three days last year. The show comprises Construct Canada, Property Management Expo, HomeBuilder and Renovation Expo, the World of Concrete Pavilion, and IIDEX Canada. Next: November 28-30, 2018
#10 Trade Shows & Convention (up from #11)
The celebration of pop culture will again host 140,000 comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming fans at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre four days late this summer. Canadian celebrity guest at the family-friendly event include Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, and The Wasp (actress Evangeline Lilly). Sponsors include Pizza Pizza and Hasbro. Next: August 30-September 2, 2018
#11 Trade Shows & Convention
About 11,000 cottagers and those who aspire to the lifestyle are expected to show up this fall at the International Centre to draw inspiration from more than 225 exhibitors. TV hosts Colin and Justin will be on hand to promote their new documentary series, Great Canadian Cottages, premiering this fall on the Cottage Life channel. Next: October 19-21, 2018
#12 Trade Shows & Convention (new to the list)
Founded in 2016, the expo for cannabis consumers and the canna-curious grew this year by 30 percent for its four-day run at the Metro Toronto Conference Centre. Attendees included people in the cannabis industry, medical professionals, government policymakers, advocates, and medical and recreational users, all preparing for legalization this fall. Next: Spring 2019
