When thousands of delegates pour into a convention centre in Toronto or Vancouver, it may look like just another busy week downtown. But beneath the name badges and coffee lines lies something far more important: a global marketplace of ideas, investments, and opportunities.

These gatherings known as business events, including conferences, summits, and trade shows rarely make headlines. Yet they are some of the most powerful forces shaping Canada’s economic future. They bring decision makers from around the world to our cities. They connect Canadian talent with global investors. And they leave behind legacies that last well beyond the closing session.

Billions Beyond Travel

Every year, business events contribute an estimated $47 billion to Canada’s economy and support more than 240,000 jobs. Those numbers reflect more than hotel bookings and restaurant meals. They represent new investment deals and research collaborations seeded in conversations that begin on a convention floor.

When an international AI and quantum research congress comes to Canada, delegates aren’t just attending presentations. They’re meeting the Canadian companies and research leaders driving breakthroughs, exploring investment opportunities in emerging technologies, and forging partnerships that position Canada at the heart of the next digital economy.

Competing on a Global Stage

Other nations have long recognized this and compete aggressively to host the world’s most influential gatherings. Winning a major international conference is like securing the Olympic Games of a specific industry. It takes years of preparation, global outreach, and, often, financial commitments to succeed

Destination Canada’s award-winning International Convention Attraction Program, backed by $60 million in federal funding, helps Canadian cities - big and small - secure international conferences. Along with targeted marketing campaigns to build awareness of Canada’s brand and direct engagement with decision makers at key global tradeshows, the program also offers financial incentives of up to $1 million for each successful bid to host an eligible international “citywide” event. This support ensures that Canada remains competitive in the global race to host these conferences.

The results speak for themselves

Delivering more than 70 world-class international conventions that are expected to generate over $570 million in direct economic impact. Beyond the dollars, this global visibility elevates Canada’s reputation, making the exposure every bit as valuable as the visitor spending itself.

Why the World Trusts Canada

International organizations must weigh more than facilities when deciding where to gather. They look for trust, inclusiveness, and stability. In these respects, Canada has an edge. Our cities consistently rank among the most livable in the world. We lead the G7 in quality of life. We are known globally for openness and safety.

Delegates arriving from every continent see themselves reflected in Canada’s diversity, with more than 450 cultural and ethnic origins represented. That sense of belonging matters. It makes Canada not only a destination, but a partner.

A Legacy That Lasts

The impact of a conference does not end when the last delegate departs. Destination Canada’s research shows that these events leave legacies of new business agreements, policy developments, research collaborations, and investment flows. They are stepping stones for Canada’s future competitiveness—helping our industries, researchers, and entrepreneurs reach farther into the world.

In the end, it’s about putting Canada centre stage as a place to do business—where the ties built have a lasting impact on trade, innovation, and collaboration. They are about shaping the economy Canadians will depend on for decades to come. They bring the world here, and in doing so, they help move Canada forward.