Toronto
#1 Trade Show & Convention
Despite a labor dispute between Exhibition Place and workers this year, locals and visitors flocked to the end-of-summer fair for food, concerts, games, rides, and exhibits. This year’s theme was Silk Road, celebrating the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism with the world’s largest indoor Chinese lantern festival and the Telus Asian Market. Next: August 16-September 2, 2019
Toronto
#2 Trade Show & Convention (up from #4)
Record-setting attendance of more than 358,000 drove home the ongoing strength of the Canadian auto industry in 2018. The 10-day event boasted more than 40 new car unveilings and celebrated 50 years of Hot Wheels and 70 years of Porsche. The Toronto Star returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: February 15-24, 2019
Toronto
#3 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
Exhibitor space sold out in record time this year for the 60th anniversary of North America’s largest indoor boat show, and attendance grew slightly to 77,500. The event returned to Exhibition Place’s Enercare Centre and added a $5 ticket for admission after 5 p.m., and free parking after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Next: January 18-27, 2019
Vancouver
#4 Trade Show & Convention
In a deliberate attempt to host an intimate and exclusive event this year, TED Vancouver reduced the number of delegates to 1,500 from 1,800, with all spaces selling out. The venue remained the Vancouver Convention Centre, where the focus was on attendees, allowing them, among other things, to create their own 45-second TED Talk. The theme for 2019 is Bigger than Us. Next: April 15-19, 2019
Toronto
#5 Trade Show & Convention
At the ripe old age of 96, attendance at the 10-day urban agricultural fair stayed level at about 300,000 in 2017. Named the best indoor horse show by the North American Riders Group, the fair offered up more than $1 million in prize money in 2017. New this year: hands-on cooking classes by notable chefs and sponsorship by the University of Guelph. Next: November 2-11, 2018
Calgary
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7)
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the GPS launched an award gala to celebrate top companies disrupting the energy industry and a three-day technical and business conference. Attendance climbed past 51,000, indicating excitement and optimism in the energy industry. Next: June 11-19, 2019
Toronto
#7 Trade Show & Convention
With the cyclical mining industry in an upswing, attendance grew to 25,600 in 2018, including 26 ministers of mining, 556 speakers, and Facebook Live events that garnered more than 174,000 views. Next: March 3-6, 2019
Toronto
#8 Trade Show & Convention
Attendance at the 10-day show dropped slightly to about 170,000, where guests explored high-tech and hands-free living for indoors and outdoors. New this year: Common Good Brewing sponsored happy hour, with tastings and cocktail-making lessons. Home Hardware and Google Home joined as sponsors. Next: March 2019
Regina
#9 Trade Show & Convention (up from #10)
This year marked the largest show ever with 200 exhibitors and more than 34,000 visitors attending in the new International Trade Centre. The Launch Pad stage, showcasing agricultural innovations, was a first. Grain handler Viterra remained the title sponsor. Next: June 19-21, 2019
Toronto
#10 Trade Show & Convention
The celebration of pop culture hosted about 140,000 comics, sci-fi, anime, and gaming fans at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in late summer. Canadian celebrity guests at the family-friendly event included Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, and the Wasp (actress Evangeline Lilly). Sponsors included Pizza Pizza and Hasbro. Next: September 2019
