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The Toronto Metropolitan University School of Urban and Regional Planning Alumni Association (SURPA) will hold its 26th Annual Planning Alumni Spring Reception on Thursday, May 22. A fixture in the professional calendars of planners, developers, and real estate professionals across the city, the event brings together the industry for an evening of networking in support of student success. UrbanToronto is proud to return as a sponsor, continuing its support for events that build stronger professional communities and invest in the next generation of city builders.
This year’s reception takes place from 6 to 9 PM at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West in Downtown Toronto. Guests can expect a lively evening of conversation and connection, complete with gourmet canapés, a cash bar, and a prize raffle. With attendance open to professionals across planning and development sectors, the event is both a celebration and a fundraiser supporting future leaders in urban planning.
For the first time, the Spring Reception moves to the architecturally celebrated Four Seasons Centre, with its glass facade overlooking University Avenue offering a backdrop for the evening. The venue’s design will pair professional exchange with sunset views.
Since its launch in 1998, the reception has helped fund student awards and scholarships at TMU’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. Thanks to consistent donor support, SURPA recently introduced a new Equity in Planning Fund, offering targeted financial assistance to Black and Indigenous students. The event’s fundraising leads to a lasting impact beyond the night itself, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive planning community.
This year’s reception is backed by Diamond-level sponsors, including Concord Adex, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Northcrest Developments, Biglieri Group, the Ontario Real Estate Association, and Arcadis. Alongside UrbanToronto’s sponsorship, the industry demonstrates a shared commitment to education, equity, and the long-term health of Toronto’s urban development ecosystem.
Beyond the reception, SURPA engages students and alumni year-round through a range of programming. Its programming includes a student-alumni mentorship network, a podcast hosted by graduates, and social events that connect peers across the profession. Earlier this year, the association also launched the Celebrating Black Excellence Networking Mixer, highlighting BIPOC leadership in planning and expanding space for underrepresented voices in the field.
Tickets for the May 22 event are available now and can be purchased here, with all proceeds going toward scholarships and programming that benefit TMU planning students.
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