Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348155
CANADA'S CAPITAL PROVES TO BE A TOP CHOICE FOR PLANNERS BY REGGIE MURPHY Situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of the southernmost cities in Canada. In fact, its latitude is very close to that of northern California. As a result, Toronto has a surprisingly moderate climate – with the warmest springs and summers in Canada. Green meet- ings are the future of a sustainable meetings and conventions industry. Toronto has been recognized as one of the greenest cities in North America. Choose Toronto and choose a venue that leaves them speechless. The right setting can make all the dif- ference to a meeting or event. Go beyond the ordinary with some of Toronto's most spectacular venues and settings that are sure to turn heads. 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 the- atre and two carpeted ballrooms. The convention centre has an enviable reputation for food and service excel- lence. This venue is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of over 13,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and Toronto sites. Be sure to take in the Toronto Botanical Gardens, an array of 12 award-winning themed gardens span- ning nearly four acres and meeting facilities for up to 300 guests. Here, a com- plete range of innova- tive indoor and out- door learning experi- ences include garden tours, nature day camps, field trips and an extensive horticul- tural library. The build- ings are as green as the gardens – the visi- tors centre is LEED Silver Certified with an energy-efficient slop- ing green roof and an award-winning ecol og- i c a l l y - c o n s c i o u s design, complete with rental facilities, garden shop and seasonal café. While in Toronto it is encouraged for attendees to explore the city in between sessions. With the beautiful ambiance and many historic sited and exciting events going on year round there is no rea- son everyone can't find something to indulge in. Travel to the Niagara Falls & Wine Region, which is comprised of exqui- site es tates in the Toronto neighbor- hoods. These areas have the best of both worlds from fine wines at area vineyards to the magnificent waterfall. Canada's Wonderland offers thrills and family fun with 200 world-class attractions. Experience 69 rides including 16 roller coasters, highlight- ed by Leviathan – Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster. Travelers can step into the past and capture a taste of life in the early 19th and 20th centuries. Explore the Museums of Mississauga. The Anchorage and Log Cabin at the Bradley Museum can be used for meeting space or small functions. After an action-packed day in Toronto, it's great to know the night is still young. Action, drama, romance, com- edy – catch it all live in Toronto. Book your seat for your favorite pro sport event, play, show or concert. Then club the n ight away. Toronto is served by two airports: the Toronto Pearson International Airport, managed by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority and the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is located on Toronto Island, minutes from the downtown core. AREA GUIDES T O R O N T O • • • 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 Center total exhibit space 600,000 sq. ft. largest ballroom 260,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 64 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Toronto Tourism (800) 499-2514 toronto@torcvb.com African American Chamber of Commerce (215) 751-9501 Toronto CN Tower at night Photo Credit: Toronto Tourisms B M & T ••• May/June 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 60