Toronto alone makes the case for Ontario’s preeminence as a cultural destination. As a global center of design, film, theater and the performing arts, the provincial capital, also a power player on the convention stage, offers numerous creative group experiences.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is in a cultural class unto itself, distinguished by architecturally magnificent museums offering thought-provoking, often profound experiences. The story continues across the province, home to more than 600 museums, art galleries and cultural institutions providing themed visitor and group interactions for every interest, from theater to Canadian whiskey.
Culture is serious business in Ontario, where arts and entertainment alone contribute $12.2 billion (CAD) annually to the province’s GDP and where the government, through investment and promotional initiatives such as the Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund, is committed to continually strengthening the province’s cultural prowess. With marquee options galore, here are eight headliners from Ontario’s diverse, eclectic cultural cast.
- TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX, TORONTO
www.tiff.net
Originally known as the “Festival of Festivals” when first launched in 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) now rivals Cannes as the industry’s most influential and successful showcase. The festivities now reel on year-round at the striking Bell Lightbox, TIFF’s dynamic headquarters in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
“TIFF Bell Lightbox can provide a unique space for red carpet galas, product launches, press conferences, workshops or private receptions with comfortable and elegant surroundings,” says Natalie Lue, vice president, operations and production at TIFF. “Our spaces are the perfect combination of state-of-the-art technology and modern architectural design, which creates a premiere event experience.”
Housing five state-of-the art cinemas ranging from 80 to 530 seats and accommodating a variety of presentation formats, the multi-venue facility, offering its own event and production services team, also provides several unique event spaces, such as the intimate Green Room and the scenic Second Floor Lounge.
PageBreak - LIVING ARTS CENTRE (LAC), MISSISSAUGA
www.livingartscentre.ca
The first of its kind to be built in the world, the Living Arts Centre, vividly constructed from concrete, steel and glass, is a unique cultural concept comprising performance, exhibition, classroom and gathering space. Located some 20 miles from Toronto in expanding Mississauga, LAC represents a powerful collaboration between culture and space, with a number of dynamic options for planners and their groups.
“Our multipurpose venue offers 210,000 square feet of technically advanced theatrers, meeting rooms and exhibit space, with underground parking for 450 cars,” says Ron Lenyk, CEO of the Living Arts Center. “With spaces including the magnificent Hammerson Hall, accommodating up to 1,300 guests, and our Smart!Centres Atrium, featuring dramatic floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window work along its length and offering banquet space for up to 350 guests, we are an ideal choice for meetings, conventions, trade shows, seminars and other gatherings.” - ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO (AGO), TORONTO
www.ago.net
One of the largest art museums in North America, AGO impresses both architecturally and curatorially, with more than 80,000 pieces, including the world’s largest public collection of works by legendary British sculptor Henry Moore. AGO is also an artful stage for events, with spaces including historic Walker Court, award-winning Frank restaurant and sumptuous Baillie Court, with its panoramic views of the Toronto skyline.
“Our clients are constantly praising the fabulous work completed by Frank Gehry during Transformation AGO,” says Lindsey Thomsen, AGO’s acting manager of sales and events. “In addition to the convenience of our downtown Toronto location, international clients are drawn to a Canadian-designed building that features Canadian materials and houses amazing Canadian art. The AGO’s ever-changing special exhibitions inspire themed events with custom-tailored menus, event design and gallery tours, providing our clients’ guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” - CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM, OTTAWA
www.warmuseum.ca
From the flags of nations flapping outside to the battlefield exhibits, depictions and sounds inside, this valiant museum pays fitting tribute to the often under-acknowledged history of Canadians at war.
“The War Museum is one of the most architecturally unique venues in Ottawa,” says James Whitham, acting director general of the Canadian War Museum. “Meeting attendees can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities in a remarkable, environmentally sustainable setting and explore the human conflicts that have shaped Canada, Canadians and the world.”
With spaces including the LeBreton Gallery, home to a world-class collection of military vehicles and artillery, the museum offers a range of options for galas, receptions and events, with associations and nonprofits receiving a 20 percent discount on room rentals. Don’t miss Regeneration Hall, either, its towering, angled walls representing hope for a better future.PageBreak - CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE, OTTAWA
www.nature.ca
Reopened in May 2010 after years of renovation and officially dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2010, this local treasure provides an evocative backdrop for corporate and social gatherings.
“We offer a newly renovated 21st century museum in a historic setting and have unique spaces that will make any event memorable with the assistance of our professional events team,” says Meg Beckel, the museum’s president and CEO. “Our century-old gothic castle, with modern amenities, is a crowning achievement of architectural design and detail. Besides, where else can you mix and mingle among dinosaurs or a blue whale!”
Unique spaces include the elegant Salon, perfect for daytime conferences or evening ceremonies, and the luminous Lantern, offering memorable views for cocktail receptions and meet-and-greets. Groups can also utilize a historic atrium and a theater and lobby for talks and presentations. - SHAW FESTIVAL, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
www.shawfest.com
Located in the heart of Niagara’s Wine Country just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, The Shaw is the only theater in the world specializing exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw, his contemporaries and modern playwrights inspired by his work. Presented in four distinctive theaters, including the 327-seat Court House, a national historic site from the 1840s where the festival began in 1962, the Shaw’s summer-long (April to October) series of dramas, comedies and other plays is a group must.
“The Shaw is a theater experience like no other,” says Wes Brown, senior manager, group sales and events. “Our venues provide exceptional views of the stages in a warm, friendly setting, and with options including private backstage tours, intimate pre- and post-show chats with the actors and designers, and customized workshop packages, there is much else to do.”
Planners can also utilize four more halls for events, with in-house culinary support.
PageBreak - COPPS COLISEUM, HAMILTON
www.hecfi.ca
Music aficionados know well the name Ronnie Hawkins, the Arkansas-born rock ’n’ roll pioneer who came to Hamilton, Ontario in 1958 for a gig and never left. Adopting Canada as his home country, “The Hawk,” still active today, went on to become a music legend. His spirit is alive and well in this culturally vibrant former factory town situated halfway between Niagara Falls and Toronto on the western edge of Lake Ontario, where the event-ready, multiuse Copps Coliseum is just one of a trove of music and cultural venues around town. Seating around 19,000 with a number of flexible configurations, the 100,000-square-foot venue, conveniently located near Hamilton’s convention center and group hotels, also serves as an exhibition and trade show space. - CANADIAN CLUB HERITAGE CENTRE, WALKERVILLE
www.canadianclubwhisky.com
Heritage is often synonymous with culture in Ontario, a prime example of which is the 1894 headquarters of the Hiram Walker Distillery, popularly referred to as the “club where everyone can be a member.”
Born in New England in 1816, Hiram Walker headed west to Detroit, where he became a successful grocer before turning his attention to whisky. Setting up shop in tiny Walkersville next to Windsor, Ontario, he would create his signature brand, Canadian Club, which is world famous to this day.
Modeled after an Italian palace he visited on this travels, this riverfront venue, located just minutes from the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, welcomes groups for guided tours, information sessions and tastings, and visits to the art gallery and gift shop.
Regular Meetings Focus East contributor Jeff Heilman continues his coverage of Canada next month with a visit to the Greater Toronto area.
