Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Shepard Exposition Services Both Score Show Contracts

July 8, 2012

Two suppliers – the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Shepard Exposition Services – both scored lucrative events contracts.

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 will take place July 8-12 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

An estimated 15,000 attendees representing technology companies in 156 countries will take part in the event, according to show organizers.

WPC 2012 is set to be three times bigger than the last time the event was in Toronto in 2004.

"Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is one of the world's most prestigious and advanced conferences; being selected as a venue is a testament to our ability to host major events," said Barry Smith, president and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  

He added, "We welcome the boost to our local economy - an estimated $39 million in visitor spending - and the incredible opportunity to showcase our city and vibrant information technology sector."

Because of the size and sophistication of WPC, participating venues are coordinating efforts to create Toronto's largest ever 'Campus Network'.

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Air Canada Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, and the Sheraton Centre Hotel will be coordinating to run on the same computer network, providing participants with access to shared files, data, and information.

"Partners play a significant role in the Microsoft ecosystem and WPC is our chance to thank them and celebrate our mutual achievements," said Kati Quigley, senior director of Worldwide Partner Community Events for Microsoft.

She added, "With Toronto serving as our setting for this year's WPC, we will enable partners to collaborate with each other, while simultaneously showcasing our vision and strategies that can help them ultimately drive revenue in the coming year."

Shepardalso recently reached an agreement with Exponation to produce Digital Signage Expo and LightShow/West, along with their new event, LightShow/East.

Digital Signage Expo is the world’s largest international trade show dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology and out-of-home networks.

Digital Signage takes place annually in the spring at the Las Vegas Convention Center.   LightShow/West is a biennial event that is held in October at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We are excited about the opportunity to produce these three major events,” said Kevin Bird, Shepard’s director of sales and marketing.

He added, “We look forward to what we think will be a long-standing partnership.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact