Leading by Example

International Centre

For nearly 40 years, the International Centre, as one of the country’s only privately owned trade and consumer show facilities, has been home to some of Canada’s largest and most memorable events. Originally opened as an exhibition centre with 260,000 sq. ft. of total space, the International Centre has grown as large as its reputation, expanding to nearly 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit, meeting and catering excellence.

At the crossroads of seven major Ontario highways, the “Centre” of great Toronto events is located 15 minutes from the downtown core and just minutes from Pearson International Airport, in close proximity to 40 international hotels and more than 10,000 available guestrooms.

Impeccable service and inspired event solutions characterize the offering of the International Centre, which plays host to hundreds of trade shows, meetings and events each year. Backed by a knowledgeable and experienced staff , each event unfolds under the guidance of a dedicated team member, ensuring stress-free planning and unparalleled success.

After forging a reputation for its coveted exhibit halls, the International Centre ushered in a new era in 2008, with the addition of a 48,000-sq.-ft. conference centre. The new facility embodies the best of Toronto meetings, set in an upscale environment of tastefully-appointed elegance and state-of-the-art efficiency. The flexible, single-level conference centre features 15 multi-purpose breakout rooms, as well as an expansive ballroom with a reception lobby and a full-service business centre. The conference centre also connects to more than 500,000 sq. ft. of premier exhibit space and includes free parking for more than 5,000 vehicles.

Connectivity at the International Centre is leading-edge, with built-in, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology that includes permanent screens, projectors and sound systems. The conference centre is also equipped with ultra-high-speed wireless Internet and moveable lighting systems, all backed by the expertise and support of in-house service providers and technicians.

At the beating heart of the conference-centre expansion, the International Centre features a state-of-the-art banquet kitchen, operating under the tutelage of executive chef Joe Levesque. The 8,000-sq.-ft. kitchen takes catered events to exciting heights, with tantalizing international cuisine and diverse and customizable menu options. The fully-adaptable kitchen includes strategically-positioned satellite stations, ensuring prompt, fresh delivery of culinary creations done to perfection. The full-service F&B department at the International Centre can accommodate any budget for breakfasts, corporate luncheons, banquet receptions and gala dinners for up to 5,000 guests.

Since November, 2009, the International Centre has been committed to going beyond industry standards when it comes to corporate responsibility, earning it a reputation as the leading venue of choice for socially-minded businesses. The International Centre’s aggressive and comprehensive Corporate Responsibility Program (CRP) has already amounted to a reduction in annual energy consumption equivalent to the electricity consumed by 29 homes. In recognition of its environmental achievements, the International Centre has been the chosen host for numerous sustainable-conscious events, including the Canadian Water Summit, Retail Council of Canada, Partners in Project Green, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Eastern Canada Regional User Group (ECRUG) and The Mississauga Food Bank.