Toronto's Top 100 Events 2012 - Trade Shows & Conventions

July 30, 2012
1. Canadian National Exhibition
#1 Trade Show & Convention Last year, the Canadian National Exhibition, Canada’s largest fair, drew 1.31 million guests to Exhibition Place over 18 days. Next: August 17-September 3, 2012
#1 Trade Show & Convention
Last year, the Canadian National Exhibition, Canada’s largest fair, drew 1.31 million guests to Exhibition Place over 18 days. Next: August 17-September 3, 2012
Photo: William C. Smith
2. Canadian International Auto Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention In 2012, the Canadian International Auto Show had a record 316,751 guests in attendance and filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with the newest production vehicles and concept cars. Next: February 15-24, 2013
#2 Trade Show & Convention
In 2012, the Canadian International Auto Show had a record 316,751 guests in attendance and filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with the newest production vehicles and concept cars. Next: February 15-24, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Canadian International Auto Show
3. National Home Show
#3 Trade Show & Convention This year's National Home Show co-located with Canada Blooms, creating the largest home and garden event in North America and attracting a crowd of more than 200,000 guests. Next: March 15-24, 2013
#3 Trade Show & Convention
This year's National Home Show co-located with Canada Blooms, creating the largest home and garden event in North America and attracting a crowd of more than 200,000 guests. Next: March 15-24, 2013
Photo: Shaun Mitchell Photography
4. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
#4 Trade Show & Convention A horse show, rodeo, and the agriculture competition, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair saw just under 300,000 guests flock to Exhibition Place last year. In 2012 the fair will celebrate its 90th year. Next: November 2-11, 2012
#4 Trade Show & Convention
A horse show, rodeo, and the agriculture competition, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair saw just under 300,000 guests flock to Exhibition Place last year. In 2012 the fair will celebrate its 90th year. Next: November 2-11, 2012
Photo: Michelle C. Dunn & Ben Radvanyi
5. Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
#5 Trade Show & Convention This year, the 65th year of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, had more than 450 exhibitors lining the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: February 7-10, 2013
#5 Trade Show & Convention
This year, the 65th year of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, had more than 450 exhibitors lining the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: February 7-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Toronto Sportmen's Show
6. FanExpo
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7) Last year, FanExpo added an extra day of programming, bringing its attendance up from 64,000 to more than 75,000. Next: August 23-26, 2012
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7)
Last year, FanExpo added an extra day of programming, bringing its attendance up from 64,000 to more than 75,000. Next: August 23-26, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of FanExpo Canada
7. Toronto International Boat Show
#7 Trade Show & Convention This year, after pushing the date back one week after the holidays, the Toronto International Boat Show saw attendance rise 5 percent, drawing 76,253 guests. Next: January 12-20, 2013
#7 Trade Show & Convention
This year, after pushing the date back one week after the holidays, the Toronto International Boat Show saw attendance rise 5 percent, drawing 76,253 guests. Next: January 12-20, 2013
Photo: Carla Warrilow/BizBash
8. Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Gift Show
#8 Trade Show & Convention The largest gift trade show in Canada, the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Gift Show in Toronto takes up more than a million square feet of exhibition space twice a year. Next: August 12-15, 2012; January 27-31, 2013
#8 Trade Show & Convention
The largest gift trade show in Canada, the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Gift Show in Toronto takes up more than a million square feet of exhibition space twice a year. Next: August 12-15, 2012; January 27-31, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Gift & Tableware Association
9. Interior Design Show
#9 Trade Show & Convention This year, the Interior Design Show attracted 50,000 guests and hired a creative consultant to give the show a branded, industrial look. Next: January 24-27, 2013
#9 Trade Show & Convention
This year, the Interior Design Show attracted 50,000 guests and hired a creative consultant to give the show a branded, industrial look. Next: January 24-27, 2013
Photo: Arash Moallemi
10. Green Living Show
#10 Trade Show & Convention This year's Green Living Show increased attendance by 21 percent, attracting a total of 37,000 visitors. Next: April 12-14, 2013
#10 Trade Show & Convention
This year's Green Living Show increased attendance by 21 percent, attracting a total of 37,000 visitors. Next: April 12-14, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Green Living Show
11. Cottage Life Show
#11 Trade Show & Convention More than 475 exhibitors and 30,000 cottagers kicked off the summer season at the spring run of the Cottage Life Show. Next: October 26-28, 2012
#11 Trade Show & Convention
More than 475 exhibitors and 30,000 cottagers kicked off the summer season at the spring run of the Cottage Life Show. Next: October 26-28, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of the Cottage Life Show
12. One of a Kind Show and Sale
#12 Trade Show & Convention Some 450 artisans displayed hand-made wares at the spring show and the One of a Kind Show and Sale plans to have 800 participants at the Christmas show this year. Next: November 22-December 2, 2012
#12 Trade Show & Convention
Some 450 artisans displayed hand-made wares at the spring show and the One of a Kind Show and Sale plans to have 800 participants at the Christmas show this year. Next: November 22-December 2, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of One of a Kind Show & Sale
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