Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/157113
•Pg_44-58_ICI__BMT_pg86-162 8/12/13 9:03 PM Page 54 AREA GUIDES TORONTO MEETING PLANNERS ARE LOOKING AT "THE MEGACITY" TO HOLD THEIR NEXT CONFERENCE BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II The unique nature of Toronto as a meeting destination extends far beyond the downtown core. Regions to the east, west and north offer their own special feel. To the east, small town charm and more intimate amenities complement the nearby lake, public parkland and downtown, while the west offers close proximity to Pearson Airport, a diverse cultural scene and simple commuting options to the city core. East Toronto is made up of beautiful parklands and a high-tech corporate enclave that translates into state-of-the-art telecommunications for your meeting or event. If your group is best suited to quaint villages and towns, East Toronto has that friendly feel with the added modern convenience of large shopping centers — all connected by an easy-to-access network of highways. West Toronto is an excellent destination choice for travelers who don't want to commute into the downtown core. An impressive 12,950 hotel rooms are within a quick ride from the airport – with its brand new terminal – and major highway systems. West Toronto offers worldclass accommodations with a trip to the races, an arts center or theatre production just minutes away. Toronto show facilities attract millions of attendees to some of the world's largest trade and consumer shows – and for good reason. With over 2.5 million sq. ft. of exhibition halls and convention facilities available, there's no event Toronto can't handle! The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's #1 convention and trade show facility. The Centre boasts over 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space including 64 meeting rooms, a world-class 1,330-seat theatre and two carpeted ballrooms. The facility has an enviable reputation for food and service excellence. The Centre is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of a wide array of hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and Toronto sites. For over 40 years The International Centre has been home to many of Canada's largest and most popular events. With 548,000 sq. ft. of expansive and versatile exhibit and conference 54 Toronto skyline and island space, the International Centre boasts an upscale atmosphere and is located just 5 minutes from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Toronto offers meeting planners a plethora of options when it comes to choosing the rite hotel to house its conference attendees. Depending on the theme or feel you are trying to achieve with your meeting Toronto has you covered. The Hilton Toronto, Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto, Hyatt Regency Toronto On King, as well as the Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel are all outstanding choices of Toronto's finest lodging facilities. A unique creative spirit thrives in cosmopolitan Toronto. World-renowned festivals, events and spaces celebrate the arts, theatre and the city's heritage. All set against a backdrop of stunning architecture and inspired by Toronto's eclectic culture. All conference attendees and leisure travelers alike are encouraged to experience some of this excitement. Toronto is served by two airports. Toronto Pearson International Airport, managed by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority is Canada's B M & T ••• July/August 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Toronto Tourism principal airport with travel connections to every continent. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is one of the most convenient urban airports in the world. It is located on Toronto Island, minutes from the downtown core with links to the city by a short ferry ride and shuttle, and is served by both Porter Airlines and Air Canada. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Toronto 600 Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto 428 Hyatt Regency Toronto On King 394 Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel 348 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Metro Toronto Convention Centre Total Exhibit Space Meeting Rooms 600,000 sq. ft. 64 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Toronto Tourism – 800-499-2514 toronto@torcvb.com