Toronto, ON: Nineteen Toronto leaders were recognized at the Leaders Circle Recognition Celebration for their contributions to securing nine international meetings, collectively expected to generate $71 million in economic impact.
This year’s honourees helped secure international conferences for Toronto from 2026 to 2034 across fields including medicine, engineering and environmental science, with seven coming to the city for the first time. In 2027 alone, six international meetings secured by Leaders Circle Ambassadors will bring over 6,000 experts and professionals from around the world to Toronto.
The Leaders Circle is Toronto’s ambassador program, engaging leading experts from the city’s academic, research and business communities to champion bids for major international conferences. Supported by program partners Destination Toronto and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), the program strengthens Toronto’s position as a global meetings destination while advancing innovation and creating lasting economic and social impact.
These major meetings shine a global spotlight on Canada’s leading sectors, research and institutions while supporting the tourism industry. They generate significant business for local hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses, extending their economic benefits across Toronto and Ontario’s visitor economy.
The 19 ambassadors represent many of the region’s leading institutions, including Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, York University, University Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Baycrest Health Sciences and Sinai Health.
This year, Dr. Milos Popovic and Dr. Arjun Sahgal were each honoured for a second time, reflecting their ongoing commitment to attracting world-leading conferences to Toronto.
“Through their dedication and expertise, the Leaders Circle Ambassadors bring the world to our door, attracting international conferences that draw leading minds and dynamic innovators who create lasting benefits for the city and province,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “These gatherings strengthen Toronto’s reputation on the global stage, while bolstering our tourism sector and contributing to our local economies and diverse communities.”
“International meetings connect our local experts with global leaders, accelerate innovation, and support Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Kathy Haley, President and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. “We sincerely thank our Leaders Circle Ambassadors for their dedication and commitment to bringing these important international meetings to Toronto. Their efforts help create lasting connections and legacies that extend well beyond the conference itself.”
“Hosting global meetings not only drives immediate impact for our community by bringing thousands of new visitors here, it also has a long-tail impact by advancing key sectors of our economy,” said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto.
“As institutions, entrepreneurs and leaders across our community, including this year’s honourees, work to build thriving sciences, financial, tech and other sectors, hosting top international events here provides an essential turbo boost of exposure and alignment to those efforts.”
Honourees and Meetings Recognized
| Year | Meeting and honourees |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 48th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Honouree: Dr. Milos Popovic |
| 2027 | Organization for Human Brain Mapping Annual Meeting (OHBM) Honourees: Dr. Jean Chen, Dr. Rosanna Olsen |
| 2027 | 3rd International Epilepsy Surgery Society (IESS) Congress Honourees: Dr. George Ibrahim, Dr. Eisha Christian |
| 2027 | 77th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress Honourees: Ticha Musiyiwa, Nazgol Ravaei, John DiMichele, Kevin Crigger |
| 2027 | 27th International River Symposium Honourees: Katie Franken, Elisabeth Couture, Angela Coleman |
| 2028 | 18th International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) Congress Honouree: Dr. Arjun Sahgal |
| 2030 | 9th World Congress of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies Honourees: Dr. Ian Witterick, Dr. Danny Enepekides |
| 2030 | 5th World Congress of Environmental History Honourees: Dr. Jennifer Bonnell, Dr. Ravi de Costa |
| 2034 | 25th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology & Geriatrics Honourees: Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, Dr. Brad Meisner |
About the Leaders Circle
The Leaders Circle is Toronto’s ambassador program, bringing together leading experts from the city’s academic, research and business communities to help attract major international conferences. Supported by program partners Destination Toronto and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), the initiative leverages local expertise and global networks to strengthen Toronto’s position as a premier international meetings destination. By bringing the world’s leading minds to Toronto, the Leaders Circle creates opportunities for global collaboration, advances research and innovation, and generates lasting economic and social benefits for Toronto, Ontario and Canada. Learn more at www.theleaderscircle.ca.
Media Contact:
Melanie Wade, Communications Manager at the MTCC
Phone: (647) 831-6307
Email: mwade@mtccc.com