(Toronto, ON) \u2013 Toronto welcomed the highest number of international conference attendees in North America in 2025, according to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) report, further strengthening its position as a leading global destination for meetings and conventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind this success is a highly connected local ecosystem that helps secure competitive international meeting bids. Nearly 70 per cent of international meetings require a local champion to secure a successful bid. In Toronto, this connection is supported by the Leaders Circle, a network of leading experts, researchers, and academics who help attract major international conferences to the city. Today, the Leaders Circle includes 102 ambassadors and has helped generate an estimated $435 million in economic impact for Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the 2025 ICCA attendance statistics, the city welcomed 40,528 international meeting attendees in 2025, the highest total in North America and across the Americas. This represents a 68 per cent increase year-over-year, rising from 24,067 international attendees in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2025, Toronto hosted major global conferences across medical, scientific, legal, and technology sectors, including the Alzheimer\u2019s Association International Conference (AAIC), the International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, the Human Proteome Organization World Congress, the International Bar Association Annual Conference, and the Airports Council International (ACI) North America and ACI World Annual General Assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond attendance figures, international conferences in Toronto generate significant economic activity while also boosting the city\u2019s global profile as an epicentre for research, innovation, and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToronto continues to build momentum as a leading international meetings destination,\u201d said Kathy Haley, President & CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. \u201cIn partnership with the Leaders Circle, Destination Toronto, and local experts, the MTCC is proud to support Toronto\u2019s continued success as a world-class hub for collaboration, research, and high-impact business events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGlobal meetings generate significant visitor spending, but their impact goes far beyond that,\u201d said Andrew Weir, CEO and President at Destination Toronto. \u201cThey\u2019re where partnerships are formed and future investment and growth take shape, supporting the city\u2019s top economic sectors. Toronto hosted more international meeting attendees than any other city in North America last year, reflecting the strength of our reputation as a dynamic, connected and welcoming destination for the world\u2019s leading business events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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About the Leaders Circle<\/p>\n\n\n\n