Here's Why Toronto is 2024's Destination to Success

Take it from this business road warrior: A conference at this great Canadian city is a refreshing change from the usual urban jungles of business travel.

I recently attended a fascinating technology conference in Toronto. From door to door and thought to thought it was an amazing few days, and much of it was defined by the wonderful city of Toronto. For this business road warrior, it was a refreshing change from the urban jungles of business travel. And my trip set the stage for Toronto in 2024—a destination for success!

Toronto is a TECHNOLOGY hub

The primary purpose of my Toronto trip was to attend the?Third Flash Radiotherapy and Particle Therapy Conference (FRPT 2023)?. This conference, like Toronto itself, opened my eyes to the future of technology, medicine and innovation.

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is a new and potentially important technique for treating cancer. It involves delivering a very high dose of radiation to a tumor in a very short period of time. FLASH-RT can reduce radiation-induced toxicity in healthy tissues without compromising the anti-cancer effects of treatment. Some of the key takeaways from the meeting included:

• Pushing radiation dosed to ultra-high levels for improved efficacy against cancer targets.
• Shortened exposure times (with high doses) can diminish tissue damage and overall toxicity.
• Karen Kirkby, the Richard Rose Chair in Proton Therapy Physics at The University of Manchester captured the magic of FLASH therapy succinctly:? “Delivering an equipotent dose of radiation with FLASH-RT—with less toxicity than conventional RT—can be a game changer for patients.”

Toronto is a TRAVEL luxury

In today’s hectic conference schedule, getting to the venue can dampen the enthusiasm of the entire event. From airport to hotel to event can be a maze of time-consuming activity that can take its toll on the business traveler and the convention events themselves.

The surprises started early. My departure from Newark to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was quick and easy—under an hour. I didn’t arrive in an out-of-the-way distant airport, but landed (yes, it feels a bit like flying private) in the heart of Toronto. And it seemed like one step off the plane and another to my hotel, which was also the venue for the FLASH-RT meeting.

Toronto is a TOURISM mecca

Even before my plane lands, Toronto unfolds before me as the iconic CN Tower welcomes me. The city offers a wealth of opportunities for a business traveler like me who seeks a blend of professional enrichment and cultural exploration.?

The city, renowned for its dynamic and diverse economic landscape, is a hub for industries ranging from finance and technology to media and creative arts. Beyond business, Toronto’s cultural tapestry is rich; neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Distillery District provide immersive experiences in global cuisine, art, and history. Remember to bring a comfortable pair of shoes!

Toronto is simply, DELICIOUS

It’s been said that an army marches on its stomach. You can say the same for conventioneers. And Toronto doesn’t let you down. My first stop was one of Toronto’s top restaurants and it was on top of my list.

Don Alfonso 1890 is a Michelin Star fine dining restaurant known for its exquisite contemporary Italian cuisine and elegant dining experience. The restaurant is recognized for its high-quality cooking and has received acclaim in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Toronto in 2022. My dinner—a tasting menu—took me on a trip to old Italy with a modern flair with standouts like seared tuna with an old school puttanesca sauce and ravioli stuffed with king oyster mushrooms. The dinner was accompanied by a skyline view of the city that was as delicious as the food. And one other thing: As if it couldn’t get better, the meeting venue and Don Alfonso were all located in my hotel— The Westin Harbour Castle.

And there was sushi. One block from my hotel was one of Toronto’s most popular sushi restaurants, Miku. Two syllables that elevated my personal experience to a new level. Miku indulged me to delicious and beautiful range of sushi in a specular 7,000 square foot contemporary design space.

Toronto is TERRIFIC

Toronto's commitment to innovation is palpable, making it an ideal destination for forward-thinking professionals seeking to expand their horizons while engaging in meaningful business pursuits. Simply put, Toronto is a template for a successful business event or convention. It’s a city of discovery that kindles your senses while supporting your business requirements.

This post was sponsored by Destination Toronto, but the opinions are my own and don’t necessarily represent Destination Toronto’s positions or strategies.