#1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #2)
The three-day epicurean festival at the Direct Energy Centre debuted a V.I.P. night for guests aged 19 and over in 2014. The event included entertainment and a gourmet gift bag. Next: April 2-5, 2015
#2 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #3)
Some 35,000 beer lovers are expected at the 20th annual BeerFest this summer at Bandshell Park at the Ex. The Trews will headline an acoustic session on the stage on Saturday night, and new sponsors include Indie88 in the New Brews area. Next: July 25-27, 2014
#3 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #4)
Some 600 leading chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, food writers, and marketers are expected at the one-day symposium. This year’s themes are “creative collaboration” and “community building,” and sponsors include Samuel Adams and Four Seasons. Next: May 12, 2014
#4 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #5)
The show, which attracted more than 12,000 of Canada’s top foodservice professionals this year, will return in 2015 with a new name and new strategy for furthering its reach. Next: Spring 2015
#5 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #6)
The gastronomical smorgasbord celebrates its 20th year, and attendance is expected to grow to almost 50,000. More than 1,800 fine wines, beers, and spirits will be on tap at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as the Food Network Chef Stage returns for live demos. Next: November 20-23, 2014
#6 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #9)
The authentic outdoor night market at Markham Civic Centre offers a glimpse into Asian culture through food. More than 120,000 people attended in 2013, raising more than $10,000 for Second Harvest. This year’s beneficiary is Unity Charity. Next: July 11-13, 2014
#7 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #10)
T&T Supermarket is the title sponsor of the fifth edition of the Asian night market by Toronto’s waterfront. As many as 100,000 fans of Asian fare are expected to come for the food, entertainment, rides, and carnival games. Next: July 25-27, 2014
#8 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (new to the list)
The largest vegetarian food festival in North America, drawing 40,000 visitors a year, celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014. Chefs and authors are on hand for demos and readings, and the World Café offers tasty global treats. Next: September 6-8, 2014
#9 Food, Wine & Hospitality Industry Event (up from #11)
Krinos Foods returns as the title sponsor after a five-year hiatus. Last year’s street-party-cum-food-fest drew a record crowd of 1.5 million, with an economic impact of $67.4 million. Next: August 8-10, 2014
