Market Update: Toronto Joins Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Québec City, Winnipeg and More Canadian Cities in Becoming Powerhouse in Meetings and Event Industry Supercharging Business Economy, New Update is Here – Full Analysis

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Toronto is not just catching up; it’s charging ahead as one of Canada’s leading powerhouses in the meetings and event industry. Alongside cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Québec City, and Winnipeg, Toronto is redefining what it means to be a top destination for global conventions and business events. These cities are supercharging their local economies by attracting millions of delegates, fueling unprecedented growth, and positioning themselves as key players on the world stage. The latest updates reveal how Toronto, with its strategic investments and world-class venues, is capitalizing on this massive opportunity, joining the ranks of Canada’s most successful business tourism hubs.

From massive conferences to intimate industry gatherings, Toronto is joining Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Québec City in setting new benchmarks for the meetings and event industry. Each city is rapidly expanding its infrastructure, offering state-of-the-art facilities and innovative approaches to event hosting. This growing trend is propelling Canada’s business economy to new heights, and the ripple effects are undeniable. Stay tuned, as Travel And Tour World brings you an inside look at how Toronto and other Canadian cities are making their mark in this booming sector. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Canada is experiencing an unprecedented surge in its convention and meetings industry. Major cities are capitalizing on this booming sector, injecting billions into their economies. From Vancouver’s global spotlight to Halifax’s growing convention hub, Canada’s meetings industry is set to hit new heights, with projections showing skyrocketing delegate numbers and significant economic impacts.

The country’s iconic convention centres are playing a pivotal role in this economic transformation. Here’s a breakdown of how these major cities—Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montréal, Edmonton, and more—are shaping Canada’s meetings future and bringing global attention to the country’s booming tourism sector.

Vancouver, British Columbia: West Coast Powerhouse Set for Global Spotlight

Vancouver is rapidly becoming a global hub for meetings and conventions, with the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) leading the charge. The city’s event industry is bouncing back fiercely, and Vancouver is on track to attract over half a million delegate days by 2026. The VCC, one of the world’s most sought-after venues, will host international events such as TED and the Web Summit, boosting Vancouver’s reputation on the world stage.

Delegate Impact: By 2026, Vancouver is forecasted to reach a staggering 632,000 delegate days, up from 551,000 in 2025. This dramatic increase is a testament to the city’s growing appeal in the global meetings industry .

Economic Power: With major international events like the Alcoholics Anonymous International Convention and the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to take place in Vancouver, the city’s economic impact will reach millions .

Future Expectations: Despite challenges like fluctuating corporate travel budgets, Vancouver’s future looks bright with a strong event pipeline, positioning itself as a must-visit destination for conventions and meetings .

Vancouver’s relentless drive to attract high-profile international events will inject millions into the local economy, with the city expecting record delegate days by 2026. Its cultural and economic stature is rising, making it one of the hottest spots in Canada for global meetings.

Calgary, Alberta: Prairie Dynamo Riding Record-Breaking Year and New Mega-Venues

Calgary is on fire, with two of Canada’s most vibrant convention venues driving an unprecedented number of events. The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) and the newly expanded BMO Centre at Stampede Park are positioning Calgary as a global meetings destination.

• Event Boom: In 2024, Calgary hosted 196 events, generating CA$110.4 million in economic impact . The city’s event pipeline is also booming, with the BMO Centre’s expansion pushing the city into new territory, hosting more than 325 events by October 2025 .
• Mega Events: Calgary is now home to high-profile conventions like the Rotary International Convention, which brought over 15,000 guests. The BMO Centre will also host the Volleyball Canada Nationals in 2026, with a projected 36,000 attendees .

Calgary’s new mega-venues are rewriting the playbook for Canadian convention cities, with record-breaking events bringing millions into the local economy.

Montréal, Québec: 300 Events and $241 Million Impact Highlight Quebec’s Business Tourism Jewel

Montréal is the jewel in Québec’s business tourism crown. The Palais des congrès de Montréal is a powerhouse that hosted 300 events in 2024-2025, generating CA$241.7 million in economic impact. This success is just the beginning, with 300 more events on the horizon for 2025-2026 .

• Strategic Sectors: Montréal’s focus on high-value sectors like aerospace, energy, and AI ensures that its events align with provincial economic priorities .
• Visitor Numbers: These 300 events are expected to bring in over 872,000 delegates, generating a significant number of hotel stays and further contributing to the region’s tourism sector .

Montréal’s ability to attract high-profile international conferences positions it as a leader in Canada’s convention market, offering a blueprint for cities worldwide.

Edmonton, Alberta: Festival City Drives Double-Venue Strategy

Edmonton is rapidly becoming a top convention destination, with two major venues—the Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC) and Edmonton EXPO Centre—leading the charge. These venues hosted over 630 events in 2024, with the ECC alone generating CA$265 million in economic impact .

• Economic Impact: Edmonton’s meeting venues are bringing millions to the local economy, thanks to a combination of major trade shows, sporting events, and festivals .
• Future Growth: With ambitious plans for growth and sustainability certifications, Edmonton is positioning itself to attract even more high-profile events in the coming years.

Edmonton’s growing role as a convention hub proves that a combination of festivals and mega-events can yield significant economic returns.

Edmonton Convention Centre: $265 Million Economic Impact

The Edmonton Convention Centre is driving Alberta’s meeting industry growth. In 2024, the venue hosted 330 events, generating over CA$265 million in economic impact . The strategy is working, as it continues to attract large-scale conventions and high-value events.

Canada’s Meetings Industry Ready to Soar

Canada’s convention cities are not only recovering from the pandemic; they’re experiencing explosive growth. From Vancouver’s global spotlight to Montréal’s booming event pipeline, these cities are on track to break records in 2025-2026. The economic impact of these meetings is staggering, with billions of dollars flowing into local economies and thousands of jobs created in the process.

Canada’s convention sector is a key driver of the nation’s tourism growth, and with major international events on the horizon, the future looks brighter than ever.

Toronto, Ontario: Mega-Metropolis Chasing Half-Billion Dollar Returns

Toronto, Canada’s business powerhouse, is setting the bar high. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is home to more than 330 events each year, including 20 major city-wide conventions with over 5,000 attendees. These conventions are expected to generate more than CA$67 million for the city’s economy . Toronto’s strategic push to attract large conventions focuses on maximizing delegate spending, from hotels to local restaurants.

• Event Volume: Toronto’s MTCC has a packed calendar, with 330 events planned for 2024-2025. The city is set to dominate the meetings industry with major conventions that contribute significantly to its economy .
• Economic Impact: The MTCC’s contribution to Ontario’s economy is enormous, with a projected CA$530 million in 2024-2025. As the city hosts more global events, this number will only grow .
• Strategic Focus: Toronto is positioning itself as a knowledge hub, with investments in technology and sustainability to attract high-caliber meetings .

Toronto’s convention sector is not only thriving but setting new records, poised for massive returns. The city’s emphasis on technology and sustainability ensures its position as a global leader in business tourism, setting the stage for a booming future.