Diversity, Our Strength
Toronto is arguably one of the most diverse cities in the world. Composed of 250 cultures, colours, backgrounds and communities, over 6 million Torontonians of different values and insights come together to mix and remix new perspectives and ideas. Toronto owes much of its success to this diverse mosaic of cultures to cultivate a space to collaborate, experiment and initiate new and engaging experiences. From key industries such as finance, life sciences and technology to stunning venues and eco-conscious hotels, Toronto continues to initiate, innovate and inspire the meeting and events industry.
Industry-leading Venues
With an expansive 442,000 square feet of exhibition space, 77 versatile meeting rooms, and several multi-purpose ballrooms, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) stands as the largest convention facility in Canada. Conveniently located in downtown Toronto, it offers state-of-the-art amenities and services, making it a top choice for global meetings and event organizers. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the MTCC has hosted over 21,000 events, ranging from international conferences and trade shows to gala dinners and corporate meetings.
The Centre is committed to community and environmental responsibility, demonstrated through its various initiatives. Approximately 65% of the Centre’s food and beverage items are sourced from local suppliers and farms, promoting a more sustainable food system by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. As well, the MTCC’s Food and Beverage Program has donated more than 500,000 meals.
Exhibition Place is a premier green venue, recognized with numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding sustainability efforts. The entire facility has committed to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, demonstrating its dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for all events held on-site. Since 2004, the facility’s GREENSmart initiative has been a cornerstone of its environmental strategy, focusing on implementing sustainable development practices across the entire 192-acre site.
Two of Exhibition Place’s premier venues, the Enercare Centre and Beanfield Centre, exemplify this commitment to sustainability. The Enercare Centre has earned LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of recognition for green building practices, thanks to its innovative design features such as a rooftop photovoltaic system, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and comprehensive recycling programs. The Beanfield Centre, with its LEED Silver certification, showcases significant energy and water use reductions, sustainable material selection, and indoor environmental quality improvements.
Greener Stays
Data provided by comparison firm Uswitch and Booking.com reveals that Toronto ranks third globally for the highest percentage of sustainable hotels. Almost one-quarter of the city’s hotels are certified as sustainable, integrating a variety of best practices into their operations. These practices include energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water systems, eco-friendly bathroom products, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Hotels in Toronto are actively reducing plastic use by replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, setting up filtered water stations in hallways to discourage the use of bottled water, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens to save water and energy.
Action plans to minimize carbon footprints are a significant priority for Toronto’s hospitality industry. Hotels are implementing measures such as using renewable energy sources, optimizing heating and cooling systems to be more energy-efficient, and promoting waste reduction through comprehensive recycling programs.
Driven to bring inclusive events
As more conscious event professionals look to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for impactful events, Toronto continues to set high standards for DEI. Destination Toronto is offering assistance with a new I.D.E.A.S. Guide; a wealth of resources and helpful advice embracing every part of the five-letter acronym — Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainability.
For more information, visit DestinationToronto.com
