A major tech conference is relocating to Toronto in 2019

A major tech conference is relocating to Toronto next year

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North America’s fastest growing tech conference is moving to Toronto.

Now in its fifth year, Collision has grown from 5,000 to an expected 25,000 attendees in 2018. Created by the team behind Web Summit, the world’s largest and most influential tech event, Collision attracts CEOs of the world’s largest companies, founders of exciting startups, leading investors and media from more than 120 countries.

And now, Toronto has secured three upcoming Collision conferences in 2019, 2020, and 2021, a move that builds on the region’s momentum as a hub for technology and innovation while leveraging the strength of Ontario and Canada as diverse and inclusive.

“Collision’s decision to move confirms Toronto’s status as an important innovation hub in North America and affirms what we already know – that Toronto is building an inclusive type of innovation that brings people together to solve the world’s biggest challenges,” said Mayor John Tory in a statement.

After three amazing years in the vibrant city of New Orleans, we’re excited experience another great North American home. ✨#CollisionConf https://t.co/EgdcbCqnon pic.twitter.com/yV6XDdXDM1

— Collision Conf (@CollisionHQ) May 1, 2018

All three levels of government, Tourism Toronto and Exhibition Place partnered for the bid, which is expected to bring more than 90,000 attendees to Toronto over the next three conferences with an economic impact of $147 million.

The 2019 conference will take place at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place from May 20-23, and this will be the first time the conference will be held outside of the US.

“Right now feels like a special moment for Canada, and for Toronto,” said Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit. “There is such energy in the city, such an open, cosmopolitan, and global atmosphere. Great companies are being started and incredible talent is coming out of the region.”

According to Tourism Toronto, the region ranks as the largest tech sector in Canada and the third largest in North America, employing 401,000 people in 18,000 tech companies, and accounting for 15% of all jobs in the Toronto region.

“The growth of the regional tech sector outpaced that of New York City and San Francisco combined in 2016,” stated the release. “Based on that growth rate, Toronto will have more technology jobs than Silicon Valley within two years.”

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