2022 Toronto boat show cancelled

Toronto, ON (December 17, 2021) – Organizers of the Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS) have announced that the annual event, scheduled to be held in-person, has cancelled for 2022. The rapidly developing Omicron variant and newly mandated capacity limitations at large events in Ontario meant that the in-person show could not move forward as planned on January 22-30.

As North America’s Largest Indoor Boat Show, the event was set to showcase more than 300 exhibitors, plus 250 seminars and workshops inside the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place. A new initiative for the show was the launch of a 5000 square foot Boater’s Resource Centre, featuring 15 industry and government organizations.

“The COVID Omicron variant is driving dramatic regulation changes across the Province of Ontario,” said Linda Waddell, President and Show Director of Canadian Boat Shows. “We are very disappointed to be making this announcement today, knowing we had an exceptional show planned to be ready on time, following months of condensed and collaborative efforts with our partners and exhibitors.”

The swift announcement by the provincial government means that all meeting and event spaces that hold more than 1000 people will have their capacity numbers reduced to 50%, effective December 18, 2021.

“We understand that this capacity reduction will be in place indefinitely, as the province did not set an end date. In addition, following several days of receiving feedback from exhibitors and review with the Show’s Advisory Committee, it became clear this is the right decision at this time for our event, and for the safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and staff.”

Last year was an unprecedented year that saw the event hold a Virtual Show for the first time in its 60+ year history. The 2021 Virtual Show attracted more than 35,000 registration to shop, experience, and interact on a digital platform with thousands of product listings, video content, and opportunities to connect directly with exhibitors, as well as live seminars and TIBS Live TV.

This year’s Virtual Toronto International Boat Show will be held on January 26-30. Programming details will be announced soon.

The Toronto International Boat Show is owned and produced by Canadian Boat Shows. In generating more than $354 million in economic impact to the region, more boats are purchased at the Toronto International Boat Show than at any other place or event in Canada.

About 43% of Canadians (12.4 million people) participate in boating and 20% (6 million) own a boat. Direct revenues across Canada’s core recreational boating industry total nearly $5 billion per year, and directly employ approximately 45,000 Canadians. (NMMA Canada – The Economic Impact of Recreational Boating in Canada).