Trade Shows & Conventions Toronto 2019

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the Ex will host Hippie Fest for two days this summer and commemorate 70 years of the Canadian International Air Show with the return of Britain’s renowned Red Arrows. Attendance is expected to stay at 1.5 million people seeking great shopping, fanciful foods, rides, and live entertainment. Next: August 16-September 2, 2019

E-sports were a big focus this year, when the WorldGaming Pfaff Forza Motorsport 7 Canadian Challenge drew 63,500 unique worldwide viewers—a huge leap from 2,060 last year. In-person attendance fell just short of 2018’s record but achieved a one-day, all-time high on Family Day of more than 54,000. The Toronto Star remained the presenting sponsor. Next: February 14-23, 2020

About 300,000 people are expected at this year’s 10-day show, which takes place in one million square feet at Exhibition Place and features more than 2,000 agricultural competitions. New this year: Spotlight on Local, presented by Metro Grocery Stores, and the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, with 32 horses and riders. Next: November 1-10, 2019
See more: Q&A: Can You Get Millennials to Care About a Fair?

Demand for space was at its highest level ever in 2019, when 550 exhibitors and more than 73,000 attendees were on site at the Enercare Centre. Last year’s show saw the introduction of the Toronto Indoor Wakeboard Championships and Women’s Day, featuring on-water docking sessions, trailering demos, and more. Next: January 17-26, 2020

Attendance was level in 2019, at 25,000, with delegates from 130 countries taking in mining-related seminars and discussions from 550 speakers. Highlights included Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking with the convention’s president in front of an audience of 300, the Awards Gala, and the Mineral Outlook Luncheon. Next: March 1-4, 2020

Up from #7
More than 63,000 campers, hikers, and hunters attended Canada’s biggest outdoors show at the International Centre this year during March Break. Exhibitor numbers stayed the same (325), and Canadian Tire and Husqvarna returned as sponsors. Next: March 18-22, 2020

Highlights at this year’s show included the “Try a Trade” feature in partnership with Skilled Trades College of Canada and the launch of the Home Show’s beer, with Common Good Brewing. About 800 retailers and home and garden experts were on hand, and President’s Choice returned as a sponsor. Next: March 13-22, 2020

Bespectacled and quirky Mary Berg, TV chef, cookbook author, and winner of MasterChef Season 3, will host a fireside chat and sign books at this year’s Winter Show. About 130,000 holiday shoppers and 800 vendors are expected at the Enercare Centre again for one of the largest craft shows in North America. Next: November 21-December 1, 2019

Returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this show expects about 30,000 attendees in 2019 from the design, architecture, construction, and real estate communities. The show will introduce a digital PropTech aspect this year and focus on attracting next-generation industry professionals. Sponsors include Boma and Concrete Ontario. Next: December 4-6, 2019

For its 25th anniversary, Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, and gaming event is adding a series of community events across Toronto and expects to host about 130,000 fans in 750,000 square feet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Highlights from last year included cast reunions for Back to the Future and Degrassi: The Next Generation. Next: August 22-25, 2019

Up from #12
Returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this four-day event included a business conference, an industry day, and a consumer weekend. About 20,000 cannabis supporters attended in 2019 and more than 140 speakers on all topics pertaining to pot. Booth sizes grew this year, the third edition of the event, with many companies spending over $100,000 on their exhibits. Next: Spring 2020

This aspirational show for cottagers and would-be owners returns to the International Centre this fall, when 11,000 attendees and about 230 exhibitors are expected. Home Hardware and The Toronto Star return as sponsors. Next: October 25-27, 2019

North America’s largest green and healthy living show returned to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in 2019 with a theme of “Healthier you, healthier planet.” Attendance and exhibitors were level at 25,000 and 300, respectively, and TD Bank was a sponsor. New this year: the Sustainable Fashion Village, highlighting the effects of fast fashion. Next: March 13-15, 2020