Toronto
#1 Trade Show & Convention
In 2016 about 1.5 million visitors attended Canada’s biggest fair, which has an economic impact of over $102 million every year, according to Enigma Research. New this year: waterskiing and wakeboarding on the waterfront. Sponsors included Coca-Cola and Pride Marine Group. Next: August 18-September 4, 2017
Vancouver
#2 Trade Show & Convention
TED’s signature West Coast event was hosted by the Vancouver Convention Centre again in 2016, when a capacity crowd of 1,400 learned from the likes of Al Gore and Uber C.E.O. Travis Kalanick. The theme for 2017 is “The Future You.” Next: April 24-28, 2017
Toronto
#3 Trade Show & Convention
High tech meets old-fashioned farm business at the Royal this year when live streaming capabilities allow global buyers and audiences to view the livestock. About 300,000 people are expected to attend at Exhibition Place, where watch-maker Longines is a key sponsor. Next: November 4-13, 2016
Toronto
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The Enercare Centre hosts Canada’s largest home and garden event again in 2017, when the theme will be smart home technology. Attendance last year increased by 6 percent to 185,500 and included 750 exhibitors. Lowes Canada and Best Buy were sponsors. Next: March 10-19, 2017
Toronto
#5 Trade Show & Convention
The feast for automotive fans had record attendance 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
Toronto
#6 Trade Show & Convention
The pop culture fest drew about 130,000 guests this year, taking 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 were on hand for Star Trek’s 50th anniversary tour. Next: August 31-September 3, 2017
Calgary
#7 Trade Show & Convention
Attendance dropped in 2016 due to the ongoing downturn in the energy industry, but the show still attracted 45,000 people from 92 countries and 18,700 companies. Clean tech was the focus of many exhibitors and ATCO was the main sponsor. Next: June 13-15, 2017
Toronto
#8 Trade Show & Convention
Fewer people attended the world’s leading mining convention in 2016—with attendance at 22,100—but they represented more countries than the year before: 125, up from 116. Participation by the Royal Canadian Mint and a display by DeBeers Canada were highlights. Next: March 5-8, 2017
Regina
#9 Trade Show & Convention
The biggest trade show in Canada by square footage booked $500 million in international sales in 2016, when 41,000 attendees took in 700 exhibits. RBC and Viterra were sponsors. Next year marks the 40th anniversary for the rural show. Next: June 21-23, 2017
