#2 Trade Show & Convention
The urban country fair turns 95 in 2017 and expects 300,000 visitors, 5,000 animals, and 300 vendors. Australian horseman Guy McLean entertains on opening weekend, and watchmaker Longines returns as a sponsor. Next: November 3-12, 2017
#3 Trade Show & Convention (up from #4)
The automotive powerhouse had record-breaking attendance of 340,000 people in 2017 for the North American unveiling of an Aston Martin concept car and the show’s first global premier, Hyundai’s 2018 Accent. Toronto Star returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: February 16-28, 2018
#4 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
Attendance at North America’s largest indoor boat show grew by 10 percent to 77,000 in 2017, and attendees could choose from more than 250 free seminars and workshops. Highlights included Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel and the world’s largest indoor lake. Next: January 12-21, 2018
#5 Trade Show & Convention
The theme for the 2017 show was “The Home of the Future,” and a focus on “glamping” drew outdoor enthusiasts into the Enercare Centre. Attendance fell slightly to 174,500 this year, mainly due to bad weather, and Re/Max returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: March 9-18, 2018
#6 Trade Show & Convention
Almost 68,000 woodsy types hit the International Centre in 2017 when the four-day event celebrated its 70th anniversary. The number of exhibitors increased by 15 percent to 340, and show organizers are planning for an increase again in 2018. Next: March 14-18, 2018
#7 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
Attendance at the world’s leading mining convention grew to 24,000 from 22,100 in 2017 and exhibitor space at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was sold out. There were 130 countries represented this year, and 26 percent of participants were from outside of Canada. Next: March 4-7, 2018
#8 Trade Show & Convention (up from #9)
About 53,000 people attended North America’s largest design show in 2017 when acclaimed architect David Adjaye was the international guest of honor and German DJ Satin Jackets headlined the opening-night party. National Bank returned as a sponsor. Next: January 18-21, 2018
#9 Trade Show & Convention
About 10 percent more holiday shoppers—totaling more than 140,000—headed to the Enercare Centre last December for the seasonal craft and design sale. The number of vendors remained steady at 800. Next: November 23-December 3, 2017
#10 Trade Show & Convention (up from #11)
Cottage dreamers and doers attended the fall show in droves last year, with attendance reaching 12,000 at the International Centre. Muskoka Brewery will be serving beers at the on-site Dock Party again this year, with proceeds going to a cancer recovery charity. Next: October 20-22, 2017
#11 Trade Show & Convention
Celebrity guests at Canada’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event this year include Meat Loaf and Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan. About 140,000 fans are expected as the show returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Mattel and Pizza Pizza are sponsors. Next: August 31-September 3, 2017
