MTCC News Feed

Choose Ontario

October 24, 2011 – The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is pleased to announce another milestone in its journey toward sustainability with the addition of a local food advocate to its team. In the newly created role of Local Food Procurement Officer, Chef and Project Manager Kelly Hughes has taken on a mandate to create and implement a new strategy for MTCC around Ontario-based sourcing. The Broader Public Sector Investment Fund as part of the Greenbelt Fund has provided funding for the position. The MTCC has partnered with OCTA (Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance) in support of this great initiative.

The MTCC is enthusiastic about increasing the amount of local food on its menus for the cornucopia of benefits. From supporting local economies and building strong communities, to the environmental impacts of reduced air pollution from food travelling shorter distances, and the health benefits of fresher, tastier produce, sourcing food locally is simply the best choice.

“I’m excited to take on this new challenge of offering a true taste of Ontario to visitors, while supporting Ontario farmers and producers at the same time,” said Kelly Hughes. “My passion is local and sustainable food, so I look forward to setting goals for procurement that will reduce the MTCC’s footprint. Putting the plan into action will be a collaborative effort. As we engage and train our suppliers and staff about the initiative’s importance and impact, our goal of providing Ontario-sourced menus will be achieved.”

“The MTCC is grateful for this opportunity to go above and beyond our current “Locally Sourced” menu by optimizing the food and beverage options available to our guests. It’s another part of our plan to reduce the environmental impact of events hosted at the MTCC,” said Barry Smith, President and CEO of the MTCC.

Visitors to the MTCC website will be able to read frequent updates and stories as the local food project unfolds.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. www.mtccc.com

-30-

Media contact:

Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
MTCC
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Kelly Hughes
Local Food Procurement Officer
(416) 585-8353
khughes@mtccc.com

USGBC

Toronto, Ontario, September 26, 2011 – From October 4 – 7, 2011, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will hold its first Greenbuild International Conference & Expo outside of the U.S., at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). For three days, the international green building event comes alive with programming, workshops and a vast exhibition floor, providing attendees an unrivaled opportunity to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products and network with other professionals.

Not surprisingly for a conference dedicated to green buildings, the environmental standards are to the highest order. Greenbuild’s mandatory green guidelines cover everything from an exhibitor’s sustainability policy, to ensuring booths measure up for air-quality, to minimizing the impact of collateral and shipping materials. The USGBC’s demanding standards also applied to the choice of venue, as it sought a facility aligned with its mandate and values.

According to Kimberley Lewis, the USGBC’s Vice President of Conferences & Events, “Toronto stood out to us for this year’s show because of the growing number of green buildings, the strong Canadian Green Building Council infrastructure and the size of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which is ideally located in the heart of the city, with numerous hotels, restaurants and other amenities within arm’s reach.”

“We are delighted to welcome the USGBC and Greenbuild to our green building. When it comes to MTCC’s environmental effort, our mantra is continuous improvement, so we’re looking forward to learning from the experts in this field”, said Barry Smith, President and CEO of the MTCC.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend Greenbuild, generating a positive impact on the local economy of over $65 million from delegate spending.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. www.mtccc.com.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The Washington, D.C.-based USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 79 local affiliates, nearly 16,000 member organizations, and more than 168,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. GDP from 2009-2013. www.usgbc.org

-30-

For further information please contact:
Ashley Katz
Communications Manager
U.S. Green Building Council
(202) 742-3738
akatz@usgbc.org

Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Sibos

Toronto, ON, September 14, 2011 – The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) will welcome the most prestigious and prominent meeting of the global financial services sector from September 19-23, 2011. Hosted in Toronto for the first time, Sibos brings together influential leaders from financial institutions, market infrastructures, multinational corporations and technology partners to do business and shape the future of the financial industry.

“With so much going on and so much to offer, Toronto has become the city to do business and is an ideal gathering place for meetings. The MTCC is uniquely positioned within Canada to host this very exciting international conference and exhibition. We plan to deliver a superior experience for all Sibos attendees,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC.

The Sibos conference features high-level speakers on hot topics relevant to the financial industry and is the industry’s premier international forum to discuss the way forward. Unique in its ability to bring together many senior level participants in one place, this year’s attendees will include:
• Tim Lane, Deputy Governor, Bank of Canada
• Gordon Nixon, President and CEO, Royal Bank of Canada;
• Rick Waugh, President and CEO, Scotiabank.
The exhibition, the largest of its kind in the sector, will showcase some 175 exhibitors from financial institutions, application and middleware vendors, system integrators and more.

“With world events continuing to impact the financial industry, Sibos 2011 will take stock of the challenges going forward, with a focus on four big topics: regulation, technology, the changing landscape of the financial industry and geographic shifts in the balance of power,” said Kris Hendrieckx, Head of Sibos. “We selected Toronto to host Sibos this year as it is a leading city for economic innovation and one of the top financial centers in the world.”

This conference is estimated to contribute $67 million to the local economy, based on figures from an independent study from Sibos 2008 in Vienna.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About Sibos
Sibos is the world’s premier financial services event. Every year Sibos brings together influential leaders from financial institutions, market infrastructures, multinational corporations and technology partners to do business and shape the future of the financial industry. Facilitated and organised by SWIFT for the SWIFT community, Sibos is much more than a conference and exhibition. It is a unique forum to collaborate and take collective action in payments, securities, cash management and trade. With the power to draw some 7,000 participants from across the globe, Sibos is unparalleled in its reputation to reach the entire financial services industry. www.sibos.com

About SWIFT
SWIFT is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect more than 9,000 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries. SWIFT enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. SWIFT also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest. www.swift.com

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse                                           Kara Condon
Metro Toronto Convention Centre       Sibos Public Affairs and Communications
(416) 585-8106                                       32 2 655-3111
ctse@mtccc.com                                    Kara.condon@swift.com

Metro Toronto Convention Centre Goes Local!

Toronto, ON, August 10, 2011- The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility is proud to announce its ever-expanding commitment to sustainability through the implementation of a local food and beverage procurement policy. Going beyond its current “Locally Sourced” menu, this new strategy will allow meetings and conventions held at the MTCC an opportunity to truly taste Ontario food and beverage products.

With secured funding support of $125,000 from the Broader Public Sector Fund delivered by the Greenbelt Fund, the MTCC has partnered with Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) to develop an Ontario Food & Beverage Strategy and Implementation Plan. The OCTA team includes respected local food advocate and Toronto restaurateur, Chef Brad Long.

“This exciting new program aligns perfectly with all of our sustainable initiatives at the Centre. We are proud to be on the forefront of this new offering, and look forward to infusing this procurement practice into our business”, said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC.

Critical to the success of this plan is the newly created position of the MTCC’s Ontario Food & Beverage Procurement Officer. This unique position will allow the MTCC to operationalize the priority of local food into its corporate structure, and more importantly, cement its dedication to local food procurement into its workplace culture.

As such, the MTCC is actively seeking a candidate from the food service industry to fulfill this exciting, new position. In addition to managing the procurement strategy this individual will represent the MTCC in Ontario’s burgeoning local food community.

About the MTCC
Since its opening in 1984, the award-winning MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. Local food procurement is one of the ways MTCC is reducing its environmental footprint and offering greener meetings.

About the Greenbelt Fund
The Greenbelt Fund is helping to increase the amount of Ontario food served in daycares, schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and long-term care facilities through its program, the Broader Public Sector Investment Fund: Promoting Ontario Food.

With funding from the Ontario Government, this program provides grants to local food industry leaders, producers, distributors, food service providers and public institutions working to serve more Ontario food. Helping to overcome challenges, support economic growth and the sustainability of agriculture in Ontario, the Fund’s goal is to help create systemic change to permanently increase the amount of local food in the province’s public institutions. For more information about the program, please visit www.bpsinvestmentfund.ca.

For more information about this initiative please contact:
Richard Willett
Vice-President, Food & Beverage
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8303
rwillett@MTCCC.com

For media inquiries please contact:
Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Resumes for the Procurement Officer position should be directed to:
Attention: Human Resources
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
fax: (416) 585-8262

Click here to review the job posting.

American Bar Association

Toronto, ON, July 25, 2011 – From August 4 -9, the American Bar Association (ABA) will hold its 134th annual meeting at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). The ABA annual meeting has an estimated attendance of 8,000 affiliated legal professionals and more than 100 exhibitors.

The ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.

“Our location in the beautiful and vibrant city of Toronto honors the ABA’s longstanding special ties to the Canadian Bar Association. This meeting offers a unique opportunity to discuss and even further strengthen the relationship between the American and Canadian legal professions, and to address issues that matter deeply to us both,” said Stephen N. Zack, ABA President 2010-2011.

The ABA’s annual meeting along with all the programs that are being offered will help attendees improve their professional skills, expertise and provide current developments and standards for the legal profession. High-profile speakers and debates on critical law and public policy issues make for an exciting event. The meeting will also include the world’s largest legal expo offering an arrangement of goods and services relating to the practice of law.

“The MTCC and Toronto is the ideal location for this significant gathering. The ability to network in one accessible location with leading legal professionals from around the world can only promote new ideas and strengthen individual growth within the legal industry,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Our local economy will benefit from over $21 million in delegate spending.”

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About the ABA
With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. For further information please visit www.americanbar.org.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Jason Fujioka
Communications & Media Relations
American Bar Association
(312) 988-6128
Jason.Fujioka@americanbar.org

Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Microsoft Chooses Toronto

TORONTO (July 13, 2011) — One of the world's most prestigious and advanced conferences will come to Toronto next July as Microsoft Corporation announced today that its Worldwide Partner Conference will meet in Toronto in 2012.

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the Toronto conference, representing technology companies in 130 countries. While the main hubs of the action will be the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Air Canada Centre, many other venues will be involved as 500+ events take place during the conference and at least 32 hotels across the Toronto region will host delegates.

"Winning a prestigious meeting, for such a widely admired company, is not only a boost to the local economy but a testament to Toronto's ability to host major events," said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, which submitted the winning bid along with provincial and local partners.

"Microsoft Corporation's annual Worldwide Partner Conference attracts more than 15,000 delegates," said Eric Gales, General Manager, Microsoft Canada. "The four-day event celebrates the accomplishments of the company's 640,000 global technology partners. Microsoft Canada is thrilled that next year's event will be hosted in the city of Toronto and excited by the opportunity for the city to showcase its diverse culture, entertainment, and world-renowned hospitality."

From July 9 through 13, 2012, Worldwide Partner Conference is a must–attend conference for the technology industry that attracts delegates, vendors and suppliers from around the world. It is an opportunity to showcase Toronto as a destination as well as Toronto and Ontario's innovative information technology businesses.

"Our government is thrilled that Toronto has been chosen to host next year's Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference and we're proud of our support to help bring it here," said Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston. "This is a major win for the GTA and Ontario ' it will put us front and centre on the world map, while boosting support for jobs, the economy and increased tourism."

Tourism Toronto has committed to create a scholarship program to assist international students participating in the 2012 conference, with more details on this initiative to be shared in the coming months. Tourism Toronto will also provide opportunities for students in Ontario's tourism and hospitality programs to gain valuable experience in event management through a marquee international conference.

"We are confident this will prove to be the most inspiring and technically advanced Worldwide Partner Conference ever for Microsoft, and will highlight our ability to come together as a tourism community to host large and sophisticated global corporate events," said Mr. Whitaker.

Meetings in Toronto

The meeting and convention industry is a lucrative and competitive one that is a vital part of the tourism economy in the Toronto Region. Conventions generate spending on a range of services and businesses including meeting facilities, hotels, restaurants, retail, attractions and taxis. In 2010, meetings and conventions injected $495 million into the local economy. Overall, there are 224,000 people employed in tourism and hospitality in the Toronto region.

Toronto has been building a reputation among meeting planners as a desirable place to hold important meetings and was ranked #1 out of 46 North American cities in several key categories in the most recent survey of meeting planners by Watkins Research. This year some of the top global meetings will take place in Toronto:

American Bar Association – August 2011 (20,000 attendees)
SWIFT/SIBOS (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) – September 2011 (7,000 attendees)
U.S. Green Building Council – October 2011 (25,000 attendees)

About Tourism Toronto

Tourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture as Regional Tourism Organization 5, representing the cities of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com.

- 30 -

For more information contact:
Cathy Riches
Ph: 416-987-9077
Cell: 647-981-4834
criches@torcvb.com

ISSCR

Toronto, ON, June 10, 2010 – The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 9th Annual Meeting – the largest international interdisciplinary forum dedicated to stem cell science – is returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), from June 15-18, 2011. The MTCC was host to this important meeting back in 2006. This event is expected to attract over 3,500 stem cell researchers and professionals from the public, private and government sectors.

The ISSCR 9th Annual Meeting, which is co-sponsored by the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, will promote and foster the exchange of research, feature leading discoveries and serve as a catalyst for collaborative stem cell research around the world. The selection of Toronto as the host city this year coincides with a milestone anniversary; 50 years ago Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch, then at the Ontario Cancer Institute, published the first paper proving the existence of stem cells. Toronto is also North America’s fourth-largest medical and biotech community and is among the top 10 in the world.

“After a very successful meeting in 2006, we are looking forward to returning to Toronto,” said Nancy Witty, Executive Director of the ISSCR. “Outstanding stem cell research is being conducted throughout Ontario and all of Canada, making Toronto a terrific location to bring together our international community of stem cell researchers.”

“The return of the ISSCR Annual Meeting attests to the perfect suitability of our amenities and our world class city for an event of this caliber. We welcome this group back with great enthusiasm, with appreciation for their inspiring work and the economic benefit to our city, ” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC noting that the Annual Meeting will result in $9.2 million in visitor spending.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About ISSCR
The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit membership organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse                                              Lisa Kamen
Metro Toronto Convention Centre           ISSCR Communications
(416) 585-8106                                           1(847) 509-1944
ctse@mtccc.com                                        lkamen@isscr.org

New Website

Toronto, Ontario, June 3, 2011 – The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) today announced the launch of its new website at www.mtccc.com. With a clean contemporary design and intuitive navigation, the new website makes it convenient for attendees and exhibitors to access event information quickly, and provides meeting planners with innovative tools to plan their events.

The project began with group interviews to receive feedback from clients across a range of markets. The goal was to optimize the site as a planning resource, offering increased functionality and navigation. New features include a green power calculator to estimate the cost of using low-impact renewable energy, a revamped calendar of events and social media capabilities to facilitate events being shared widely by planners and attendees through their networks.

The website was designed was by Cundari, one of Canada’s largest independently owned communications companies. Known for their work with luxury brands including BMW, Vintages (LCBO) and Four Seasons, the Cundari team brought their strategic thinking and creative expertise to the project.

“We’re proud to launch our new website”. said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Since a website is not only the place where people start looking for venues and events, but also a tool to support them, we wanted our new site to be an extension of the quality and service excellence that clients and visitors have come to expect at MTCC”.

MTCC will continue to lead the way in convenience and accessibility through other initiatives, such as the creation of a mobile version of its website.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. www.mtccc.com

-30-

Media contact:
Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
MTCC
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

MTCC Renews Mendelssohn Event Logistics as Official Supplier

Toronto, ON, May 12, 2011 – The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) officially announces a renewed partnership with Mendelssohn Event Logistics. Mendelssohn will continue to be the Official Supplier of customs brokerage services for the MTCC, building on a longstanding relationship of over 25 years.

Mendelssohn Event Logistics is the leading customs broker in the Canadian conventions and trade show industries, looking after permits, advance electronic filing and security requirements on behalf of planners and exhibitors. As an Official Supplier, Mendelssohn works closely with the MTCC team to deliver successful events for meeting planners and exhibitors. The Mendelssohn office is conveniently located inside the MTCC. Their knowledge of our processes, people and most importantly the facility is instrumental in creating a seamless event experience.

“Mendelssohn has once again demonstrated their superior ability to work with the MTCC and our international customers, due to their professionalism and knowledge of not just their business, but ours as well,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Our teams work exceptionally well together and our clients benefit from working with a supplier who fully understands our operation.”

“Our entire organization is thrilled to be partners with the MTCC once again. We are honoured to be recommended by such a leader, and such a prestigious facility,” said Al Patterson, General Manager, Mendelssohn Event Logistics. “Our goal is to erase the border, bringing meetings into the MTCC and essentially, bringing the border crossing to the showroom floor. Time and again, meeting planners are pleased with how easy and seamless the process of meeting in Toronto can be.”

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. www.mtccc.com

About Mendelssohn Event Logistics
Mendelssohn Event Logistics provides specialized customs brokerage and transportation services for event management and exhibitors importing goods for use at conventions and trade shows across Canada. Working with association executives, show managers, meeting planners and exhibit managers, their personalized service and dependability have made them the leading customs broker in the Canadian conventions and trade show industry. www.mend.com

Media Contact:
Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
MTCC
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

MTCC continues its commitment to sustainability

Toronto, ON – The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) today announced the installation of an innovative new carpet system technology that will help to reduce its environmental footprint. It is North America’s first large installation of a system that features firm plastic floor plates with hooks that lock in place, and uses a mechanical hook-and-loop bond that attaches the carpet.

With frequent loading and unloading of show equipment, the occasional spill and high visitor traffic, there are certain areas where carpet needs to be replaced. “This initiative is one of many in our green strategy that emphasizes continuous improvement. Our mantra is to find ways to reduce energy and water consumption, divert waste and choose more environmentally friendly options. For our carpet replacement, we set out to make the best choice based on criteria including local procurement, minimizing toxic substances, durability, cost and disposal. Our pilot project proved this carpet system was the winner on every front,” said Vince Quattrociocchi, Vice President of Operations.

“One of the benefits of modular floors is the speed of installation. Gone are the days of waiting for concrete floors to be leveled and toxic glues to dry. The flooring system can accommodate a variety of surfaces including wood, vinyl, ceramic, rolled and tile carpet. Flexibility and ease of maintenance are important considerations for busy venues like the MTCC,” said Wendy Berney, Senior VP Sales and Marketing of Richmond Hill-based TacFast Systems International.

“The 12,000 square yards of loop-backed carpet attached to the hook plates on the floor are made from Antron, the highest performing fibre in the industry”, said Marcel Poirier, Vice President Commercial Business, Beaulieu Canada, “and they are 70 percent lighter which significantly reduces the amount of material and transport. The structural strength of the mechanical adhesion will keep the carpet in place for many years to come. And in disposal, the repurposing of the current carpet ensures it will be used on another floor rather than going to landfill”.
Level 800 Pre-function Area

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. www.mtccc.com.

About TacFast Systems International
TacFast Systems International is a global licensing and manufacturing company that has created and commercialized a universal substrate technology that uses hook & loop engagement for the installation of a variety of floor and wall surface coverings. www.tacfast.com

About Beaulieu Canada
Beaulieu Canada is one of the largest manufacturer and distributor of wall-to-wall carpet in Canada and has been supplying a complete range of broadloom carpet styles in the latest designs, patterns and colours to the North American and International residential and commercial markets for over 50 years. www.beaulieucanada.ca

Contact: Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
ctse@mtccc.com

Canada’s Largest Joint Veterinary Gathering to be held at MTCC

Toronto, ON – From March 24 – 27, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), will host the largest international veterinary conference in Canadian history at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Toronto will be host to approximately 3,600 companion animal veterinarians, managers, practice owners and technicians from around the world.

“Toronto is a world class city and the MTCC is the ideal place to host this joint conference,” said Jason Merrihew, AAHA Spokesperson. “We are looking forward to providing top notch continuing education and a one-of-a-kind experience to all of this year’s conference delegates.”

In addition to providing critical continuing education for veterinary professionals in areas such as pain management, neurology, anesthesia, behavioral issues, pet overpopulation, AAHA and OVMA will also be celebrating World Veterinary Year. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the first veterinary school that was opened in Lyon, France in 1761. In honour of this, Mayor Rob Ford has also proclaimed March 21-27 as “Veterinary Week” in Toronto.

“We are delighted to be welcoming this group of professionals to Toronto and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” MTCC President & CEO Barry Smith said. “Teaming up with its Canadian partner means an increased opportunity for sharing new ideas, improving quality care and implementing new standards that will undoubtedly benefit all attending.” The local economy will benefit from over $9.4 million in delegate spending.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About the AAHA
The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of approximately 6,000 veterinary care teams, comprised of more than 47,000 veterinary professionals, who are committed to excellence in companion animal care. Established in 1933, the Association is well-known among veterinarians for its leadership in the profession, high standards for veterinary practices and pet health care, and most importantly, its accreditation of companion animal practices. For more information about AAHA, visit www.aahanet.org.

About the OVMA
Founded in 1980, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association represents thousands of veterinarians across Ontario in private practice, government, academia, industry and public service. Its mandate is to advance and promote excellence in the veterinary profession in Ontario, and contribute to the betterment of animal health and the protection of human health. For more information about OVMA, visit www.ovma.org.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Melissa Carlaw, OVMA Manager of Communications and Public Relations
905.580.6345, mcarlaw@ovma.org

Jason Merrihew, AAHA Associate Public Relations Manager
720.963.4479, Jason.Merrihew@aahanet.org

Christine Tse, Metro Toronto Convention Centre Marketing Manager
416.585.8106, ctse@mtccc.com

MTCC Hosts Canada Research Chairs Convention

Toronto, ON – On November 24-25, 2010, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) was proud to host the Canada Research Chairs Conference, Thinking Ahead for a Strong Future. The conference brought together close to 1,000 researchers and academics from various disciplines.

“As a government agency, we support the economic prosperity of our province by attracting conventions, congresses and events to the city,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Through our partnership and support of the Canada Research Chairs Conference, we hope to raise awareness of the Toronto Ambassador Program and inform the Chairs of the support we can provide to them in bringing their affiliated international congresses to Toronto.”

David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto applauds the CRC program. “Competition is fierce for talent and having this program in place undoubtedly attracts world-class researchers to our community, setting Canada as a center of research excellence.”

The Toronto Ambassadors Program (TAP), an MTCC and Tourism Toronto initiative, partners with academics and scientific researchers in their respective fields in bringing an international convention to Toronto. Hosting such an event showcases their field of research and provides their professional community with international profile and recognition.

"Ontarians can be proud of the robust programs at our universities that cover the full spectrum of research, from discovery research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, to applied research that drives economic activity, shapes social policy and enriches our lives," says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities. “With over 700 research chairs in Ontario, we have much to celebrate and share on an international scale.”

About the MTCC and the Toronto Ambassador Program (TAP)
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For more information on the TAP, visit www.mtccc.com/tap

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Yolande Salotto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
416-585-8155
ysalotto@mtccc.com

Joint Meeting Of Two Large International Societies to be held at MTCC

Toronto, ON – From August 23-27 the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) will hold a joint annual meeting at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). These two major international societies hold a joint meeting every five years, and have chosen Toronto as their host city for 2010.

“Toronto is a place where inspiring ideas converge and where original thought and innovation are celebrated. With that in mind, the inspiration for this meeting is Advancing Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Research and Treatment,” said Harold Dutz, Congress Co-Chair.

Approximately 3,500 professionals in the fields of urology, gynecology, uro-gynecology, physiotherapy, nursing, neurology and pediatric urology, and pharmacology will gather to discuss the latest developments in continence medicine, the most recent research results and discoveries. These professionals - specialists in incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and related fields - include physicians, surgeons, nurses, physicists, physiotherapists, physiologists, bio-engineers and scientists.

“The MTCC is the perfect site, and Toronto is the perfect city, for this meeting of two large international societies,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Our local economy will benefit from over $9.4 million in delegate spending and we hope that our international guests will take advantage of all that our thriving, multicultural location has to offer.”

“Toronto has a rare openness, energy and style,” said Sender Herschorn, Congress Co-Chair. “It’s a city that celebrates the power of the collective, the coming together of great minds and sharing ideas. What better place to host a joint meeting between two highly influential societies.”

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About IUGA
The International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) is a non-profit international organization dedicated to the advancement of urogynecological knowledge around the world through education and the promotion of basic and clinical research on disorders of the female pelvic floor. IUGA was founded in 1975 and has organized scientific meetings every year in nearly every corner of the world to promote the exchange of urogynecological information to thousands of physicians and healthcare providers.

About ICS
The International Continence Society was established in 1971 in the UK and is a multi-disciplinary and international society of professionals who specialize in the storage and voiding function of the lower urinary tract with an emphasis on the diagnosis and the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The goals of the society are to encourage research into pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques and treatment.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Toronto Jumps up in North American Rankings as Top Convention City

TORONTO, May 18 /CNW/ - Toronto's convention industry got another shot in the arm as meeting planners from across North America rated Toronto tops in several categories.

Toronto was ranked number one among 46 cities in North America for "Superior Convention and Visitors Bureau / Destination Marketing Organization" and for "Superior Convention Centre Services" for Tourism Toronto and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre respectively.

"We love it when our customers speak," said David Whitaker, President & CEO of Tourism Toronto. "Attaining the number one ranking is not only a great source of pride but also a tool we'll use to aggressively invite others to see the benefits of a successful meeting in Toronto."

"Our experienced staff and their expertise is the reason we are rated number one in Superior Convention Centre Services," said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "We consider ourselves an extension of the planner's team, and together we make the event successful."

Watkins Research Group Inc. surveyed over 600 meeting planners from across North America about a range of aspects pertaining to the meetings and conventions industry and this year, Toronto ranked in the top five in North America in six of the eight factors and number one in six of the eight in Canada.

The Watkins study is considered the most prominent, comprehensive and authoritative survey of its kind within the convention and meetings industry and Toronto has been steadily moving up in the rankings in the past several years.

"Toronto's steady, positive progress to its now highly respected position indicates that its whole convention community listens to what meeting planners want and responds cohesively," said Curt Watkins, Principal, Watkins Research Group Inc. "Research attunes destinations to changing needs. When the entire convention community in a city pays attention to where research points, the city inevitably is perceived as a highly desirable destination."

Rank in North America
	2008	2010
Superior CVB/DMO	8	1
Superior convention centre services	16	1
Hotels well suited for my largest meeting	12	4
Great all around convention city	5	4
Superior convention facilities	21	5
Safe and secure	10	5
Easy accessibility within the city	9	7
Easy to get to	15	17

The meetings and conventions trade is a big business and a major component of the tourism and hospitality industry. In Toronto in 2009 it brought in over $305 million in visitor spending to the region while tourism and hospitality overall generates $4 billion in annual spending and employs 154,000 people.

"Our community's commitment to customer service and the spirit of our "We've Been Expecting You" program is really paying dividends for Toronto and our clients," said David Ogilvie, Regional V.P. of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Chair of Tourism Toronto's Board of Directors. "I'm gratified to see that all components of the experience - host hotels, convention centre and, of course, the number one Convention and Visitor Bureau in North America - receive this kind of recognition."

About Tourism Toronto

Tourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. For more information about sport tourism please visit www.SeeTorontoNow.com.

For further information:
Cathy Riches, Communications Specialist - Tourism Toronto, (416) 987-9077 (ofc),
(647) 981-4834 (cell), criches@torcvb.com

MTCC Welcomes Back The World's Leading Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Toronto, ON - The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) will be host to the 90th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The AATS Annual Meeting, May 1 - 5, brings together the world’s leading scientists to present and discuss their latest clinical and research efforts. More than 4,000 surgeons, healthcare professionals, industry representatives and guests from around the world are expected to attend this year’s meeting in Toronto.

"We are extremely excited to return back to Toronto for the 2010 AATS Annual Meeting. Toronto is a wonderful city, with easy international access, a cosmopolitan flair, and great opportunities for our attendees to experience the local area,” said G. Alec Patterson, M.D., AATS President.

The AATS Annual Meeting includes 5 days of scientific programming, including a 127,000 square foot exhibit hall featuring more than 100 companies, plenary sessions, symposia, state-of-the-art presentations and lectures. This year’s meeting will also feature two multipurpose interventional operating room suites that integrate digital imaging diagnostics, radiological, catheterization, and surgical capabilities. The two Operating Rooms of the Future: Hybrid Technologies® will be constructed on the exhibit floor to give attendees a look at what the future offers for cardiac and general thoracic surgery.

“We are very pleased to be hosting this group of leading CT surgeons back to our centre. The research and practice of these professionals is critical to our health and we wish them a successful and productive event”, said Barry Smith, President and CEO of the MTCC. The AATS convention will benefit the local economy, with a positive impact of almost $4 million in delegate spending.

About the AATS
Founded in 1917, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) is an international organization of over 1,200 members consisting of the world’s foremost cardiothoracic surgeons representing 35 countries. The AATS mission - Promoting Scholarship in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - demonstrates its commitment to quality patient care. AATS achieves its mission through the annual meeting, research grants and awards, educational symposia and courses, and its scientific publications which include its official journal, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. For further information, please visit www.aats.org.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585.8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Lorraine M. O’Grady
Managing Editor, AATS Daily News
American Assoc. for Thoracic Surgery
(978) 927-8330
logrady@prri.com

Second-largest physician group in U.S. takes annual meeting to MTCC

Toronto, ON – The American College of Physicians (ACP) will hold its annual scientific meeting, Internal Medicine 2010, in Toronto, Ontario. More than 5,000 adult medicine specialists, subspecialists, medical students and allied health professionals will meet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from April 22-24, 2010.

“This will be the first year that Internal Medicine is hosted by Canada. We welcome our guests and we anticipate a strong representation by the Canadian medical community,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “And the event benefits our city: with the large number of participants coming in from the U.S., the economic impact will be over $10 million in visitor spending.”

Internists specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. Internal Medicine 2010 features more than 250 scientific sessions, including an Opening Ceremony keynote presentation about equity and global health by James Orbinski, MD, a humanitarian activist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Orbinski was the international president of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders from 1998 to 2001. In 1999, he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the organization for its pioneering approach to medical humanitarianism.

“In addition to our U.S. Chapters, ACP has a presence across Canada and in Latin America,” said ACP President, Joseph W. Stubbs, MD, FACP. “Toronto is an ideal city for us to explore issues in internal medicine – from clinical guidelines, to health care policies to combat-related illness – in an international context.”

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

ABOUT ACP
The American College of Physicians (www.acponline.org) is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP members include 129,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internists specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illness in adults.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Steve Majewski
American College of Physicians
(215) 351-2514
SMajewski@acponline.org

Metro Toronto Convention Centre To Host World's Largest Meeting Of Neurologists

Toronto, ON – This month, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) will host the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The AAN Annual Meeting, April 10 – 17, is the world’s largest gathering of international neurologists with more than 10,000 attendees and over 2,300 scientific presentations on brain research.

“As the fourth largest medical community in North America, we are thrilled to be able to bring the AAN Annual Meeting to the great city of Toronto,” said Christine E. Phelps, Deputy Executive Director of the American Academy of Neurology. “Toronto’s culture, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and medical community make the city an ideal destination for our Annual Meeting attendees.”

In recognition of the AAN Annual Meeting and the efforts of the AAN Foundation, a Toronto mayoral proclamation has been issued declaring the week of April 11th as “Stop Brain Disorders Week” in the city of Toronto and there will be a special lighting of Toronto’s CN Tower on Sunday, April 11, 2010.

“Stop Brain Disorders Week” aims to help the American Academy of Neurology Foundation raise awareness about the vital need for more research into the prevention, treatment and cure of brain disorders, which currently affect one in six people worldwide. Common brain disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, autism and brain cancer. Donations to the AAN Foundation can be made at www.buyabrain.org.

“We are thrilled to host an international event of such positive medical impact involving neurologic disorders. The AAN Annual Meeting is significant in the future practice of medicine in the world,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. This event will also have a positive impact on the local economy of over $17 million from delegate spending. Toronto is the fourth-largest medical community in North America, with 100 hospitals and research institutions as well as providers of pharmaceutical products, medical devices and technology, diagnostic labs, health care services, IT systems and hospital supplies.

About the AAN
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology and the AAN Foundation, visit www.aan.com.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

Angela Babb
Media & Public Relations Manager
ababb@aan.com
(651) 695-2789

Rachel Seroka
Media and Public Relations Administrator
rseroka@aan.com
(651) 695-2738

Christine Tse
Marketing Manager
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
ctse@mtccc.com
(416) 585.8106

Metro Toronto Convention Centre welcomes National Society of Black Engineers

Toronto, ON – From March 31-April 4, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will hold their 36th Annual Convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Toronto has been selected as the organization’s first-ever international site for this gathering of experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

“Hosting our first convention outside of the U.S. represents a major step in our global expansion plans: and Toronto is a strategic location,” said Ainsley A. Stewart, Jr., National Convention Planning Chairperson. “A city as diverse as Toronto offers an opportunity to expose our U.S. membership to various international cultures while at the same time honoring and celebrating the success and dedication of our Canadian and overseas global membership.”

“Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and as such, many event organizers are attracted to our city’s diversity,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “We are honoured to have been selected as the site of NSBE’s first convention outside of the U.S. and pleased to provide the event with a rich international backdrop.”

The event, themed ‘Engineering Global Impact’, is expected to draw participation from companies including Caterpillar, Exxon Mobil Corporation, IBM, United Technologies Corporation, Ontario Power, Wal-Mart, and Ford as well as some of America’s and Canada’s leading colleges and universities and government agencies. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend.

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

ABOUT NSBE
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), with more than 33,000 members, is one of the largest student-managed organizations in the U.S. Founded in 1975, NSBE now comprises more than 450 College, Pre-College, and Technical Professional/Alumni chapters in the U.S. and abroad. NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” For more information, please visit www.nsbe.org.

-30-

For Further Information Please Contact:

Christine Tse
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(416) 585-8106
ctse@mtccc.com

Pamela Sharif
National Society of Black Engineers
(703)-332-9534
psharif@nsbe.org

Government of Canada Brings G20 Summit to Toronto

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, today announced, on behalf of the Government of Canada, that the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) will be the venue for the G20 Summit on June 26-27, 2010. Minister Raitt also unveiled the official summit logo.

“The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation,” said Minister Raitt. “Canada’s leadership will be reflected at the summit in Toronto, and hosting it will provide an ideal opportunity to showcase this great city.”

“The Government of Canada is proud to announce a world-class venue for the G20 Summit,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “The G20 Summit is an opportunity for Canada to continue to exercise its leadership on the world stage, to promote Canadian values and to take further decisive action to weather the global financial crisis.”

The MTCC has hosted high-security events such as the G7 Summit in 1988 and the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in 1999. Last year, the MTCC hosted visits from two former U.S. presidents, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

A number of factors contributed to the selection of the MTTC as the G20 venue, including:

* Accessible location: within walking distance of more than 12,000 hotel rooms;
* Facility size: two million square feet of flexible space to accommodate the meeting, work areas, and dining needs of 10,000 delegates;
* Security experience: long-standing working relationships with high-security teams, including the RCMP, Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the United States Secret Service;
* Proximity to the airport: the MTCC is a 20-minute drive from Pearson International Airport; and
* Technology: state-of-the-art technology and telecommunications infrastructure with a skilled team of technology specialists.

“Canada is looking forward to hosting a successful G20 Summit that will help ensure credible and concrete solutions to global economic challenges,” said Minister Flaherty. “Our goal is for this key international event to help transform the collective reaction to a world in crisis into a sustained focus on long-term stability. The global effort Canada is leading is designed to help bring health, stability and sustainability back to the global economy.”

About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s leading convention and trade-show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained more than 40 million guests. For further information, please visit Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

About the G20 Summit logo
The official G20 Summit logo features a depiction of the CN tower. The triangular shape of the tower represents paths converging toward a shared goal. At the end of this path, a circle represents the meeting of the G20. The varied sizes and number of diamonds in the logo allude to the cultural attributes that make Toronto one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities.

For information on the G20 guidelines and graphic standards, please visit G20

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851

Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Labour
819-953-5646

Annette Robertson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

Catherine Gagnaire
Summits Management Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874