#1 Trade Show & Convention
In 2015 the expo had the highest attendance in 10 years, with 1.6 visitors, making it the fifth-largest fair in North America. New waterfront programing, such as waterskiing and wakeboarding, will wow crowds in 2016. Sponsors include Coca-Cola and Pride Marine Group. Next: August 19-September 5, 2016
#2 Trade Show & Convention
About 300,000 people are expected over 10 days in 2016, when Arabian horses will be the main entertainment on opening weekend and new live streaming capabilities at the cattle ring will allow buyers and audiences around the world to view the livestock. Next: November 4-13, 2016
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The celebration of lifestyle, technology, and all things automotive welcomed the most visitors ever in 2016, with more than 320,600 guests checking out the cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Toronto Star and RBC returned as sponsors. Next: February 17-26, 2017
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #8)
Attendance at the largest indoor boat show in North America grew to 70,600 in 2016 at the Enercare Centre. The show featured more than one million square feet of space and an indoor lake for the boaters, sailors, cottagers, and fishers to test out equipment. Next: January 20-29, 2017
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #11)
Moving the show back to its original March Break dates in 2016, and lengthening it to five days, precipitated a 50 percent increase in attendance, to 68,500 at the suburban International Centre. Ontario Toyota Dealerships and Toronto Star returned as sponsors. Next: March 15-19, 2017
#7 Trade Show & Convention
Holiday shoppers had 800 vendors from whom to choose at this craft and design sale at the Enercare Centre last December. Attendance has remained steady: about 140,000 shoppers and gawkers over 11 days. Next: November 24-December 4, 2016
#8 Trade Show & Convention
The pop culture fest expects to draw 140,000 guests this year to take in more than 1,000 exhibitors at the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. William Shatner, George Takei, and Nichelle Nichols will be on hand for Star Trek’s 50th anniversary tour. Next: September 1-4, 2016
#9 Trade Show & Convention
Emerging and established designers converge to show their styles to more than 52,000 visitors a year at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. National Bank returned as the main sponsor in 2016, and Tom Dixon was the international guest of honor. Next: January 19-22, 2017
#10 Trade Show & Convention
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosted North America’s largest consumer show for healthy living and sustainable lifestyles again in 2016, the show’s 10th anniversary. About 31,000 visitors interacted with more than 400 vendors, and G Adventures and Toronto Hydro were sponsors. Next: April 7-9, 2017
#11 Trade Show & Convention
The show, which happens twice a year, returns to the International Centre in 2016, where it’s expected to draw upwards of 10,000 cottagers, and cottage dreamers. Look for Mill Street Brewery’s Dock Party among the 200 builders, contractors, and other vendors at the show. Next: October 21-23, 2016
