There is no single path, but a path right for you
Every ambassador’s journey is different, but most follow the same broad stages: consider the opportunity, plan the case, submit the bid, and, when it succeeds, host a conference that creates something lasting.
Wherever you are starting
You might already have a conference in mind. You might have been approached by your association. Or you might be curious whether this is for you. All three are good places to begin. The journey adapts to where you are, not the other way around.
The journey, as a map, not a ladder
From a first conversation to a conference in Toronto, most journeys move through the same five stages. They do not always run in order, some overlap, and some bids take more than one attempt. The map shows the whole journey at a glance, with the detail of each phase available when you want it.
Journey Map
Consider
Plan
Bid
Bid
Making the case to the world.
Leaders Circle brings the strategy and connects you with Destination Toronto, who help prepare the bid content, coordinate letters of support from government, and provide marketing and destination expertise. You bring your knowledge of the field and often your voice at the bid presentation. A conference bid can take time, and sometimes a second attempt, and you are supported through every part of it.
Decision
Host
Host
Turning a decision into a legacy.
Once Toronto is chosen, ambassadors may apply for the Leaders Circle Research Grant, reviewed by a committee and awarded in the months that follow, to fund a project tied to the conference. Then the conference comes to life, with experienced professionals handling the logistics and budgets, so your part stays in the leadership, not the administration.
Questions about the journey
International conference bids often unfold over several months or years, with activity concentrated around key milestones such as preparing the bid, engaging with the association, or participating in presentations. Much of the planning, coordination, and project management happens behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on the areas where your expertise has the greatest impact.
International conference bidding is competitive, and not every bid is successful on the first attempt. Many associations award conferences through multi-year bidding cycles, and strong relationships built during one bid often create opportunities for future success. Even if Toronto is not selected, the experience, connections, and momentum developed throughout the process continue to strengthen future bids, and Leaders Circle remains a partner in identifying the next opportunity.
The research grant comes after the bid is successfully awarded. You apply, setting out what the funding is for, a committee reviews it, and the funds follow in the months after, for a project tied to your conference’s focus. Full details are on the Research Grant page.
There is no fee to become a Leaders Circle ambassador. Leaders Circle and Destination Toronto provide bid strategy, guidance, venue expertise, marketing support, and other resources at no charge. Your role is to contribute your expertise, professional network, and leadership within your field, while the partnership provides the support needed to pursue a successful bid.
The workshop is a virtual educational session, held a few times a year, featuring a panel of experts. It walks through how hosting an international conference works, the roles involved, and what to expect. It usually comes early, once a conversation is underway, as you weigh whether a bid is worth pursuing.