International Downtown Association Conference and Marketplace
The 2026 Annual Conference & Marketplace will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto at 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON, M5J 1A6 and at various other locations throughout downtown Toronto, ON.
As the birthplace of the Business Improvement Area model, Toronto offers an unforgettable backdrop for the 2026 conference, having influenced downtowns and city centres across the globe. Today, more than 80 BIAs contribute to the city’s distinct street life and strong sense of place. As North America’s fourth largest city and Canada’s largest and most diverse, Toronto offers a dynamic mix of global cuisine, acclaimed arts and culture, premier shopping, world-class talent and a waterfront known for its parks and public spaces. Its iconic skyline, vibrant neighbourhoods and rich multicultural heritage create a dynamic urban environment that feels both welcoming and endlessly engaging.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the character of many of these urban centres, each with its own identity and rhythm, and gain insight into the people and ideas shaping one of North America’s most compelling urban destinations. Get ready to experience a global city that continues to grow, evolve and inspire. Find things to do here.
The 2026 Annual Conference & Marketplace acknowledges the land on which we (will) gather and learn. The conference takes place on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Get social! Excited to attend? Have questions? Share your thoughts on X, Facebook or LinkedIn using #IDATO26. Members can log in to IDEA Connection, IDA’s online virtual community to connect with peers, share best practices and exchange ideas before meeting up in Toronto. Learn more and login here.
M5J 1A6 and at various other locations throughout downtown Toronto, ON.
As the birthplace of the Business Improvement Area model, Toronto offers an unforgettable backdrop for the 2026 conference, having influenced downtowns and city centres across the globe. Today, more than 80 BIAs contribute to the city’s distinct street life and strong sense of place. As North America’s fourth largest city and Canada’s largest and most diverse, Toronto offers a dynamic mix of global cuisine, acclaimed arts and culture, premier shopping, world-class talent and a waterfront known for its parks and public spaces. Its iconic skyline, vibrant neighbourhoods and rich multicultural heritage create a dynamic urban environment that feels both welcoming and endlessly engaging.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the character of many of these urban centres, each with its own identity and rhythm, and gain insight into the people and ideas shaping one of North America’s most compelling urban destinations. Get ready to experience a global city that continues to grow, evolve and inspire. Find things to do here.
The 2026 Annual Conference & Marketplace acknowledges the land on which we (will) gather and learn. The conference takes place on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Get social! Excited to attend? Have questions? Share your thoughts on X, Facebook or LinkedIn using #IDATO26. Members can log in to IDEA Connection, IDA’s online virtual community to connect with peers, share best practices and exchange ideas before meeting up in Toronto. Learn more and login here.
Downtown Association and co-hosts, the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance (DTBIAA) and the City of Toronto, will present the 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace in Toronto, ON, on 1-3 September 2026. Over 1,300 inspired leaders shaping cities from around the globe will convene and discuss emerging trends in place management and walk away with solutions to apply in their respective cities.
The 2026 conference, themed Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines & Ideas Converge, will explore how downtowns and city centres are shaped at the intersection of people, ideas and progress. Intersections will celebrate the dynamic convergence of diverse disciplines, lived experiences, cultural identities and place-based expertise that define our districts. Place managers, placemakers and place leaders of urban place management organizations constantly operate at crossroads — balancing local identity with global change, built form with community needs and tradition with innovation. Whether navigating the emergence of AI, shifting political landscapes or reimagining inclusive public spaces, Intersections will explore how working at these crossroads leads to more resilient, vibrant and equitable urban futures.
Please note that our conference’s traditional schedule has been adjusted for 2026. This year, the conference will run from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to Thursday, 3 September 2026. Please book travel and accommodation accordingly. Preview the schedule below for more information. We look forward to seeing you in Toronto!