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.

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