Must-Attend Trade Shows in Canada
Canada hosts many high-level trade shows, often more accessible than those in the United States, while offering a highly qualified, bilingual audience open to European companies.
For many French companies, Canada represents an excellent first step before a broader rollout in North America.
Technology, Innovation & Digital
Web Summit – Vancouver (formerly Collision Conf in Toronto)
Vancouver
Web Summit
One of the largest tech events in the world, often described as the “CES for startups.”
Highly international, very focused on innovation, investors, and scale-ups.
Ideal for:
- tech startups & scale-ups
- SaaS, AI, innovation
- international visibility and fundraising
Startupfest – Montreal
Montreal https://startupfest.com
An event on a human scale, yet high-quality, centered on the North American startup ecosystem.
Every year, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation players gather there to exchange ideas, create opportunities, and imagine the future of technology in a unique “music festival for startups” atmosphere.
Ideal for:
- innovation
- strategic networking
- initial market contacts Canada / USA
Retail, E-commerce & Distribution
Retail Council of Canada Store Conference – Toronto
Toronto https://storeconference.ca
The benchmark event for Canadian retail with over 2,000 decision-makers, thought leaders, and influencers. Held annually.
Ideal for:
- retail solutions
- e-commerce & omnichannel
- store technologies
Industry & Manufacturing
Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) – Toronto
Toronto https://www.cmts.ca
The largest manufacturing and machining show in Canada. CMTS is recognized as Canada’s most important trade show dedicated to manufacturing and production technologies.
Next edition: September 27 to 30, 2027
Ideal for:
- industrial manufacturers
- machine tools
- automation & robotics
Health, Medical & Biotech
Canada Health Infoway Conference – Canada
Canada (city varies) https://infoway-inforoute.ca
Major conference focused on digital health and healthcare systems.
Ideal for:
- healthtech
- medical software
- institutional players
Agrifood & Food
SIAL Canada – Toronto / Montreal
Toronto & Montreal https://sialcanada.com
SIAL Canada is the leading North American trade show dedicated to agri-food innovation. Every year, it brings together thousands of professionals (producers, distributors, restaurateurs, and international buyers) to discover the latest industry trends, develop their networks, and create business opportunities.
Next edition: April 27 to 29, 2027 in Toronto
Ideal for:
- food & beverage brands
- producers
- importers and distributors
Construction, Design & Architecture
The Buildings Show – Toronto
Toronto https://www.thebuildingsshow.com
The Buildings Show is the largest trade show dedicated to the building and construction industry in Canada. The event brings together industry professionals, architects, engineers, developers, and suppliers to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure.
Next edition: December 2 to 4, 2026
Ideal for:
- construction
- materials
- B2B technical solutions
Why Exhibit in Canada?
Canada offers several strategic advantages:
- stable and structured market
- strong cultural proximity to Europe
- bilingualism (English / French)
- costs often more controlled than in the USA
- excellent gateway to the American market
For many companies, Canada is an ideal learning ground for North America.
How to Choose the Right Trade Show in Canada?
Before committing:
- clearly identify your objective (leads, partners, market testing),
- analyze the quality of visitors,
- verify your capacity for post-show sales follow-up,
- integrate the show into a multi-year strategy.
The Merci Gustave Approach
At Merci Gustave, we support French companies:
- in choosing trade shows in Canada,
- designing booths adapted to North American standards,
- local logistics (Canada & USA),
- and consistency between Canadian and American trade shows.