Toronto
#1 Trade Show & Convention
Although it’s been around for 136 years, the expo is always reinventing itself. New additions this year included the Northern Comfort Saloon, with a mechanical bull and line dancing, and Sketch, a musical, entertainment, and live-art installation stage. A total of 1.36 million people visited in 2013, ranking it among the top 10 exhibitions in North America by attendance. Next: August 21-September 7, 2015
Vancouver
#2 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
For its 30th edition, the conference moved to Vancouver from Long Beach, California. Originally an acronym for technology, entertainment, and design, TED conferences offer five highly curated days of programming featuring the famous 18-minute talks, music, comedy, tech demos, videos, and interludes. Next year, the already sold-out show will explore the theme of “Truth and Dare.” Next: March 16-20, 2015
Toronto
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Almost 300,000 car enthusiasts and more than 1,000 media representatives checked out the show’s new and unusual rides in 2014. The official host this year was Chrysler Canada, and C.E.O. Sergio Marchionne was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies. Next: February 15-24, 2015
Toronto
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show, known as “the Royal,” welcomes 300,000 visitors annually and sees 5,000 animals compete in hundreds of events. New in 2014: the Royal Butter Tart Competition and the return of the Christmas Tree Competition. Major sponsors include Ontario Toyota Dealers, TD Bank, and Pizza Pizza. November 7-16, 2014
Calgary
#5 Trade Show & Convention
After record attendance of 66,000 in 2014, planners made the convention an annual event instead of meeting every other year. Highlights included the Energy Leaders Breakfast and the GPS Rodeo, complete with bull riding. Sponsors included Pemex and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Next: June 9-11, 2015
Toronto
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #8)
North America’s largest home and garden event welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in 2014 and featured three life-size homes: a 1,616-square-foot cottage by Canada Builds, a home for small spaces by Jackie Morra, and CasaBubble, an inflatable high-tech home of the future. Next: March 13-22, 2015
Toronto
#7 Trade Show & Convention
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada hosts the world’s leading convention for people, companies, and organizations connected to the mining industry. The four-day event, which draws more than 30,000 attendees, will expand its trade show space and extend its hours in 2015. Next: March 1-4, 2015
Regina
#8 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
Ranked by square footage, the three-day event is the biggest trade show in Canada, boasting a total of 1.8 million square feet. Perennial favorites for the 45,000 attendees are the demonstration areas, antique truck and trailer showcases, and the speaker series, featuring leaders in the agricultural world. Current sponsors include Viterra, John Deere, and HSBC. Next: June 17-19, 2015
Toronto
#10 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
Celebrating 90 years in 2014, the annual gathering of the Ontario Hospital Association is one of the most prestigious healthcare conferences and exhibitions in North America. Attendees can hear inspiring speakers, view cutting-edge innovations on the exhibit floor, and attend more than 50 educational sessions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: November 3-5, 2014
