State of the Art
A focal point of Exhibition Place, the Direct Energy Centre holds trade shows and entertainment events for over 60 million visitors each year, in over a million square feet of space. The Toronto International Boat Show, the National Home Show, the Toronto Grand Prix and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are just some of the annual events on the calendar. The space has been designed for maximum efficiency, allowing the latest technologies to be incorporated into a display or presentation. The centre’s galleria lobby provides a welcoming entrance to the action and there are 12 permanent food concession stands. Nine different exhibit halls, 24 meeting rooms and a 100-seat presentation theatre are part of the facility, along with the Ricoh Coliseum.

High-tech Energy
The size of the Direct Energy Centre allows for multiple events to take place simultaneously, and events focused on transportation or recreation can be incorporated into the setting, whether displaying aircraft or a man-made indoor lake. There are specialized loading and unloading areas and even the most elaborate sound and lighting and telecommunication demands are easily met.

To Conserve and Protect
Direct Energy Centre became the official name of the former National Trade Centre in early 2006. Fittingly, naming rights have been used to invest in energy conservation throughout Exhibition Place, allowing it to operate with a greater commitment to environmental excellence. The centre opened for business in 1997 and expanded with the redevelopment of the Ricoh Coliseum in 2003. The addition of a hotel and other facilities makes the Direct Energy Centre an increasingly popular site for the sort of events that define a world-class city.