Toronto
#1 Trade Show & Convention
True North was the theme for 2017, featuring an eight-foot-high CNE and maple leaf sign, Toronto’s new summer selfie hot spot. New this year at Canada’s biggest fair, which attracted 1.54 million in 2016, the Gaming Garage for interactive gaming fans and the East Coast Kitchen Party. Coca-Cola and Pride Marine Group sponsored. Next: August 17-September 3, 2018
Vancouver
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The flagship for the buzz-filled conference returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre in 2018, when the theme will be The Age of Amazement and first-timers can buy reduced-price tickets for $5,000. In 2017, the event grew to 1,800 participants, and TED Talks were given by Pope Francis, Elon Musk, and Serena Williams. Next: April 10-14, 2018
Toronto
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Toronto’s urban country fair turns 95 in 2017, expecting 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
Toronto
#4 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
A record-breaking 340,000 gearheads attended in 2017, with the North American unveiling of an Aston Martin concept car and the show’s first global premiere, Hyundai’s 2018 Accent. Toronto Star returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: February 16-28, 2018
Toronto
#5 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
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
Toronto
#6 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
The theme for 2017 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. RE/MAX returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: March 9-18, 2018
Calgary
#7 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
More than 47,500 people from 115 countries attended the show, where highlights included the Low Carbon Innovation Forum and the Energy Dialogue Series. ATCO returned as a sponsor and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation joined. Next year marks 50 years, with the theme: “Celebrating the Future of Energy.” Next: June 12-18, 2018
Toronto
#8 Trade Show & Convention
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
Toronto
#9 Trade Show & Convention
Celebrity guests at Canada’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event this year include Meat Loaf, Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan, and the cast of Netflix’s hit TV show Stranger Things. About 140,000 fans were expected at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where Mattel and Pizza Pizza were sponsors. Next: September 2018
Regina
#10 Trade Show & Convention
The International Business Centre, presented by HSBC, generated over $360 million in sales, although overall show attendance dropped to 38,000. CBC funnyman Rick Mercer entertained at the Farm Progress Forum, and Viterra returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 20-22, 2018
