1. Canadian National Exhibition
Toronto
The Ex hosted a two-day Hippie Fest in 2019 to celebrate Woodstock’s 50th anniversary and commemorated 70 years of the Canadian International Air Show with the return of Britain’s renowned Red Arrows. About 1.5 million people attended, drawn by a strong Bandshell concert series, discounted weekday tickets after 5 p.m., fanciful foods, and the midway. Next: August 21-September 7, 2020
The Ex hosted a two-day Hippie Fest in 2019 to celebrate Woodstock’s 50th anniversary and commemorated 70 years of the Canadian International Air Show with the return of Britain’s renowned Red Arrows. About 1.5 million people attended, drawn by a strong Bandshell concert series, discounted weekday tickets after 5 p.m., fanciful foods, and the midway. Next: August 21-September 7, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Canadian National Exhibition
2. Canadian International Auto Show
Toronto
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 last year’s 2,060. 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 people. The Toronto Star remained the presenting sponsor. Next: February 14-23, 2020
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 last year’s 2,060. 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 people. The Toronto Star remained the presenting sponsor. Next: February 14-23, 2020
Photo: Marcus Oleniuk
3. TED Conference
Up from #4
Vancouver
The flagship annual conference for the nonprofit devoted to “ideas worth sharing,” TED welcomed an extra 300 attendees this year, drawing 1,800 delegates from 53 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Sponsors included Accenture, Marriott Hotels, and Target. Next year’s theme will be “Uncharted.” Next: April 20-24, 2020
Vancouver
The flagship annual conference for the nonprofit devoted to “ideas worth sharing,” TED welcomed an extra 300 attendees this year, drawing 1,800 delegates from 53 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Sponsors included Accenture, Marriott Hotels, and Target. Next year’s theme will be “Uncharted.” Next: April 20-24, 2020
Photo: Ryan Lash/TED
4. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Toronto
About 300,000 people are expected at this year’s 10-day show, which takes place in the one-million-square-foot Exhibition Place venue 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
About 300,000 people are expected at this year’s 10-day show, which takes place in the one-million-square-foot Exhibition Place venue 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
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
5. Toronto International Boat Show
Toronto
Demand for space was at its highest level ever in 2019, when 550 exhibitors and more than 73,000 attendees came to 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
Demand for space was at its highest level ever in 2019, when 550 exhibitors and more than 73,000 attendees came to 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
Photo: Dave Sandford
6. Global Petroleum Show
Calgary
About 50,000 delegates came to this year’s show at Stampede Park, and 500 revelers enjoyed a private networking session and sound check prior to the closing-night concert by Vanilla Ice at Cowboys Dance Hall. New this year: the technical conference and the strategic conference. Sponsorship partners included the University of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. Next: June 9-11, 2020
About 50,000 delegates came to this year’s show at Stampede Park, and 500 revelers enjoyed a private networking session and sound check prior to the closing-night concert by Vanilla Ice at Cowboys Dance Hall. New this year: the technical conference and the strategic conference. Sponsorship partners included the University of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. Next: June 9-11, 2020
Photo: Benjamin Laird
7. P.D.A.C. International Trade Show, Convention and Investors' Exchange
Toronto
Some 25,000 delegates from 130 countries took 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
Some 25,000 delegates from 130 countries took 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
Photo: Envision Digital Photography
8. Canada's Farm Progress Show
Up from #9
Regina
The International Trade Centre hosted 34,000 Canadian and international agriculture community members at the show. New in 2019: The $4,000 AgTech challenge, where contestants were tasked with creating a startup business in 24 hours. Viterra returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 16-18, 2020
Regina
The International Trade Centre hosted 34,000 Canadian and international agriculture community members at the show. New in 2019: The $4,000 AgTech challenge, where contestants were tasked with creating a startup business in 24 hours. Viterra returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 16-18, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Canada's Farm Progress Show
9. National Home Show and Canada Blooms
Toronto
North America's largest display of products and ideas for the home and garden had about 800 retailers and industry experts exhibiting this year. Highlights 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. The event returned to the Enercare Centre and President’s Choice returned as a sponsor. Next: March 13-22, 2020
North America's largest display of products and ideas for the home and garden had about 800 retailers and industry experts exhibiting this year. Highlights 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. The event returned to the Enercare Centre and President’s Choice returned as a sponsor. Next: March 13-22, 2020
Photo: Light Monkey Photography
10. Fan Expo Canada
Toronto
For its 25th anniversary, Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, and gaming event added a series of community happenings across Toronto and hosted about 130,000 fans in 750,000 square feet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Highlights included a light show from the CN Tower and the Masquerade Ball at the Fairmont Royal York. Next: August 27-30, 2020
For its 25th anniversary, Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, and gaming event added a series of community happenings across Toronto and hosted about 130,000 fans in 750,000 square feet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Highlights included a light show from the CN Tower and the Masquerade Ball at the Fairmont Royal York. Next: August 27-30, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Fan Expo Canada
