Toronto Joins Five World Cities as Host of Major Virtual Conference Next Month

Toronto Joins Five World Cities as Host of Major Virtual Conference Next Month

September 21, 2020 ctn_admin

Toronto has been selected as one of six host cities for a first-of-its-kind event, WRLDCTY, taking place virtually from October 22-24.

WRLDCTY will feature content initiated by each destination with Toronto’s program showcasing the city’s thought leaders, decision-makers, creatives and artists in a series of curated keynotes and city experiences. Toronto will join the five other host cities – New York City, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong and Singapore, in collectively showcasing each city’s intellectual and cultural capitol.

WRLDCTY is the world’s first and largest virtual event dedicated to cities, their citizens, culture and experiences. The event broadcasts non-stop from cities around the world, sharing city stories and exploring facets of urban life, stewardship and creativity through the lens of culture, design, economy, inclusivity, sustainability and well-being. Created by Resonance Consultancy – a leading advisor in real estate, tourism, and economic development for countries, cities and communities – WRLDCTY features more than 100 speakers and 70 sessions led by leading urban visionaries, mayors, artists and other enlightened citizens.

Toronto’s curated program covers topics ranging from the city’s flourishing Urban and Hip Hop music scene and vibrant street art to tech entrepreneurship and urban sustainability. Toronto’s host city program is being shepherded by Destination Toronto, working in partnership with the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Toronto Global, the City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture Division, Toronto Finance International, MaRS, the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, and The 194 Group.

“Team Toronto has come together to produce a program that showcases the diversity of our city to the world,” said Scott Beck, President & CEO at Destination Toronto, formerly Tourism Toronto. “Toronto is shaped by our people and their stories, and we’re thrilled to take part in a conference that amplifies these Torontonians on a world stage.”

“The global pandemic has profoundly changed the current landscape of the meetings, conferences and events industry and we’re exciting to be an active participant in this evolution,” said Beck. “WRLDCTY is an ambitious example of what can be achieved through virtual events. It’s never been more important for us to come together to share ideas and engage in conversation. While there will always be a need and a place for live meetings, we can’t wait to be a part of this digital dialogue, showcasing Toronto to the world.”

Toronto’s program includes:

· Keynotes and Fireside chats:

– Mayor John Tory

– Kardinal Offishall, T-Minus, Haviah Mighty and Kiana ‘rookz’ Eastmond

– Siri Agrell, Ahmed Ismail and Claudette McGowan

– Ariel Sim and speakers from Opus One and Lakeland

· Plus experiences that include:

– Performances by Skratch Bastid and Andrew Forde

– Understanding graffiti as an art form

– An Exploration of urban photography in Toronto

And more to come

“We may not be traveling to other cities, but the planet’s urban centres are still innovating, growing and evolving, now more than ever amidst the pandemic,” says Resonance Consultancy President & CEO Chris Fair. “We wanted to unite this global community of citizens, activists and artists, entrepreneurs, students, planners and policy makers from around the world to explore, create and celebrate the best of urban life.”

The full lineup and programming, as well as ticket information, is available at www.WRLDCTY.com.

ABOUT DESTINATION TORONTO

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating more than $10 billion in economic activity and supporting 70,000 jobs in 2019. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association and the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to global travellers, attracts and supports major meetings and events, and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of visitor spending. For more information please visit DestinationToronto.com.