ryguy7787
Active Member
I work at an event space at the Bell Lightbox and yesterday served a group of city and hospitality planners from Indianapolous. Apparently, they take a trip every year to a new city they look up to, and to see what makes them so successful.
I found out that they all have major crushes on Toronto. they toured Kensington, the subway system, the waterfront, islands, St. Lawrence Market, etc etc.
I heard not one complaint from them about the city, or the people. In fact, they were commenting on how everyone they met were so hospitable... it kind of shocked them coming from such a large city.
A spokesperson from City Hall (TO) was also present saying that this year Portland and Houston are also coming to this city to do the exact same thing. Also he had a presentation on the mass amount of development the city has done for culture, tourism and the economy in general.
I never realized how much it was until he put it all on the table (ROM, AGO, Aga Khan, Ripleys, Waterfront revitilization, Union Station, West Donlands, Distillery District, Liberty Village) as well as major, yet not connected contributions (Ryerson's massive DT transformation, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Scotiabank's many sponsored festivals, etc)
From all of those things listed above we've managed to get international regognition from every major hotel chain, many five star chef's, corporate headquarters as well as G20 (not saying it was good) World Pride, Pan Am Games, 2016 Microsoft Convention and many future possibilities (World expo)
I had a definite sense of pride for seeing everything that has been going on since I've lived in this city, it was almost overwhelming seeing how much progress has been made and the rewards we've already recieved. There's still a lot to do (DRL, bike lanes, etc) but we've come so far from 10-15 years ago.
Also, everyone loves Drake.... like remaking his music videos at Harbour 60 type love.
I found out that they all have major crushes on Toronto. they toured Kensington, the subway system, the waterfront, islands, St. Lawrence Market, etc etc.
I heard not one complaint from them about the city, or the people. In fact, they were commenting on how everyone they met were so hospitable... it kind of shocked them coming from such a large city.
A spokesperson from City Hall (TO) was also present saying that this year Portland and Houston are also coming to this city to do the exact same thing. Also he had a presentation on the mass amount of development the city has done for culture, tourism and the economy in general.
I never realized how much it was until he put it all on the table (ROM, AGO, Aga Khan, Ripleys, Waterfront revitilization, Union Station, West Donlands, Distillery District, Liberty Village) as well as major, yet not connected contributions (Ryerson's massive DT transformation, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Scotiabank's many sponsored festivals, etc)
From all of those things listed above we've managed to get international regognition from every major hotel chain, many five star chef's, corporate headquarters as well as G20 (not saying it was good) World Pride, Pan Am Games, 2016 Microsoft Convention and many future possibilities (World expo)
I had a definite sense of pride for seeing everything that has been going on since I've lived in this city, it was almost overwhelming seeing how much progress has been made and the rewards we've already recieved. There's still a lot to do (DRL, bike lanes, etc) but we've come so far from 10-15 years ago.
Also, everyone loves Drake.... like remaking his music videos at Harbour 60 type love.