Toronto consistently ranks as a leader in international meeting attendance, according to past ICCA Rankings Reports. It’s a recognition that reflects more than just capacity—it reflects intent. Toronto is a city that embraces complexity. It doesn’t seek to flatten differences, but to use them as a springboard for innovation and inclusion. That’s a compelling value proposition for associations looking to convene diverse voices, explore cross-sector solutions, and leave a meaningful legacy.
A Culture of Collaboration
Toronto’s ability to attract—and deliver—world-class events is rooted in a cohesive partnership model. At the heart of this is team Toronto: Destination Toronto, the Leaders Circle, and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Together, they form a support structure that guides international associations from the initial bid phase to the final session wrap-up.
Thanks to this strategic alignment, associations gain more than just a capable host city—they gain a collaborative partner. Whether it’s navigating the local research landscape, securing government support, or coordinating venues and accommodation, Toronto integrates seamlessly into the planning process.
At the heart of this support is Destination Toronto’s sales team, which provides tailored guidance and in-depth expertise across key sectors like life sciences, education, professional services, and esports. Serving as a vital link to the city’s infrastructure and intellectual capital, the team helps deliver events that are not only flawlessly executed, but also globally relevant and deeply connected to the local context.
This model is especially important in today’s environment, where associations are increasingly expected to demonstrate both impact and inclusion. Toronto’s partners don’t just facilitate events—they’re willing to co-create them.
A Convention Centre in the Heart of the City
Few venues exemplify this better than the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), which in 2024 celebrated its 40th year of operations. Since opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted more than 22,000 events and welcomed over 69 million visitors—many attending international conventions held in Canada for the very first time.
Located in downtown Toronto, the MTCC offers more than 65,000 sqm of flexible event space across two connected buildings. With 77 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and vast exhibit halls, it’s designed for versatility. Importantly, it’s also surrounded by more than 11,000 hotel rooms within walking distance, making it ideally suited for large-scale, citywide events.
Yet what really sets the MTCC apart is its ongoing commitment to sustainability and accessibility. The facility prioritizes waste diversion, energy efficiency, and locally sourced food and beverage services. Its 2024 CSR report outlines how the MTCC aligns its operations with broader climate goals while supporting a fully accessible delegate experience—a critical factor for international organizations seeking inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
The Leaders Behind the Scenes
Supporting this infrastructure is the Leaders Circle,Toronto’s ambassador program. In collaboration with Destination Toronto and the MTCC, the Leaders Circle works with academics, researchers, and industry experts to bring high-impact international meetings to the city.
What’s notable is that these are not just figureheads—they’re engaged advocates who help shape the bid, connect events to local expertise, and ensure content reflects the city’s strengths. In a city that ranks among North America’s top centres for life sciences, medical research, technology, and financial services, these ambassadors offer planners direct access to thought leaders in some of the world’s most critical industries. The Leaders Circle recognizes the importance of innovative research and aims to contribute to furthering the knowledge wealth in Toronto and Canada by offering a grant to advance expertise in different fields.
Recently the Leaders Circle held its 6th Leaders Circle Recognition Celebration which honoured 16 ambassadors who will bring 7 future, high-profile international meetings to Toronto including One Harp World (2026), the 15th World Chambers Congress (2027) and 16th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (2029). These 7 events are set to bring an estimated economic impact of over $25 million to the region and the total economic impact of the Leaders Circle program in its first ten years celebrated recently is approximately $435 million.
Global Reach, Local Roots
In Toronto diversity is more than a statistic with over half of the city’s residents born outside Canada, and more than 180 languages spoken. This multicultural identity is deeply embedded in how the city works, lives, and welcomes the world.
It’s also visible in the city’s infrastructure. Toronto offers over 36,000 hotel rooms, ranging from internationally recognised luxury brands to boutique stays and airport-accessible options. Pearson International Airport connects the city to over 180 global destinations, making it one of North America’s most accessible international hubs.
For associations, this means access to audiences, speakers, and collaborators who reflect the breadth of global society—and a setting that naturally supports inclusion, multilingualism, and cross-cultural understanding.
For more information on Toronto as a conference destination visit www.destinationtoronto.com/international-association-2025.