Supporting Local: Why ‘Buying Canadian’ Matters for Events
When planning a conference, every detail matters—from the venue to the guest speakers to the swag bag items. But here’s a question event planners should be asking: How can we keep our event dollars in Canada? ‘Buying Canadian’ isn’t just about patriotism—it’s about supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring high-quality products and services for attendees. Plus, with Canada’s thriving event industry, planners have plenty of options to source everything locally. From booking Canadian motivational speakers with a Canadian speakers bureau to working with Canadian vendors and local suppliers, here’s how you can make your next conference truly Canadian.
Event Planner Guide to Booking All-Canadian Events
1. Book Canadian Speakers and Industry Experts
One of the best ways to ‘Buy Canadian’ is by featuring Canadian guest speakers who can bring relevant insights, cultural understanding, and local expertise to your event.
How to Find Canadian Speakers for Your Event:
- Work with a Canadian Speakers Bureau – Booking through a Canadian agency ensures seamless logistics, direct connections, and speakers who understand the Canadian market. Talent Bureau specializes in connecting event planners with top Canadian motivational speakers and thought leaders.
- Look for speakers who align with your theme – Whether it’s leadership, innovation, resilience, or diversity, Canadian speakers offer global expertise with a local perspective.
- Leverage Local Thought Leaders & Industry Experts – Many universities, research institutions, and corporate leaders have professionals who offer keynote-level expertise with a Canadian perspective.
Looking for some Canadian inspiration for your next event? Browse our Canadian Keynote Speakers.
2. Choose Canadian-Owned Venues & Conference Centres
Keeping your event budget in Canada starts with selecting a Canadian-owned venue.
Top Canadian Conference Venues to Consider:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (Toronto, ON) – Canada’s largest convention facility with sustainable event planning options.
The Vancouver Convention Centre (Vancouver, BC) – A stunning waterfront venue known for its green initiatives.
Palais des congrès de Montréal (Montreal, QC) – A world-class space recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach to event planning.
🏢 Tip: Booking at local hotels or boutique event spaces helps support independently-owned Canadian businesses!
3. Source Event Supplies from Canadian Vendors
Whether you need catering, AV equipment, décor, or swag, Canada has exceptional suppliers.
Where to Source Canadian Event Supplies:
- Event Catering: Partner with local farms, wineries, and breweries to showcase Canadian flavours.
- AV & Technology: Companies like Encore Canada provide cutting-edge event tech with local expertise.
- Print & Promotional Materials: Work with Canadian vendors for eco-friendly, high-quality conference materials.
- Event Swag: Choose items made in Canada, such as locally produced coffee, apparel, or sustainable giveaways.
4. Support Canadian Entertainment & Performers
Make your event unforgettable by featuring Canadian artists, musicians, and cultural performances.
- Book Canadian Performers: Consider musicians, Indigenous performers, or comedians who can bring local energy to your event.
- Include Canadian Visual Arts: Partner with local artists for custom event branding or live mural painting.
5. Opt for Canadian Event Tech & Registration Platforms
Many event planners rely on event registration software, networking apps, and engagement tools. Why not choose Canadian-made tech?
Bizzabo Canada – A top event management platform for virtual and hybrid events with a hub in Montréal, Canada.
PheedLoop – A Canadian-developed event registration & engagement solution originally founded in Toronto, ON.
EventMobi – A Toronto-based event app that enhances attendee experience.
📲 Tip: Using Canadian tech providers ensures your data stays under Canadian privacy laws (CASL, PIPEDA).
6. Prioritize Sustainability with Canadian Green Event Partners
Looking to minimize your event’s carbon footprint? Work with Canadian sustainability-focused event services.
Green Event Services (Calgary, AB) – Experts in waste diversion and sustainable event logistics.
Bullfrog Power – Use 100% renewable energy to power your event.
♻️ Tip: Consider carbon offset programs when hosting large-scale conferences.
7. Participate in Canadian Event Planning Associations and Tourism Companies
Becoming a member of Canada’s leading event industry associations ensures you’re well-connected to Canadian vendors, suppliers, and speakers.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Canada – Connects planners with top Canadian suppliers.
Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) – A leading network of independent Canadian event planners.
Destination Moncton-Dieppe – A non-profit organization dedicated to marketing and promoting Moncton and Dieppe as vibrant destinations for tourism, business, and events.
📢 Join these associations to network with top Canadian event professionals!
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Event Canadian, Support Local Businesses
Buying Canadian is a movement that strengthens local industries, boosts the economy, and ensures high-quality event experiences. Whether you’re booking speakers, sourcing supplies, or choosing venues, there are countless ways to prioritize Canadian businesses in your next event.
Choose Talent Bureau – a Canadian speakers bureau – for your next corporate or organization conference, summit, virtual meeting, and more! Want to book Canadian motivational speakers who aligns with your event goals? Contact Talent Bureau today.