It is a big year for Toronto, but an even bigger year for you, as the city comes alive with larger-than-life experiences. With big events drawing huge audiences — including FIFA landing across the city and the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season — the return of arts events like TIFF: The Market and the 20th anniversary of Luminato, and the opening of the LRT at Eglinton, our connected city is even more accessible.
Departure is at the cross-section of all these events, with dedicated multi-disciplinary programming that will excite and delight those from every level of their career and beyond.
Business Leaders
Following a landmark 2025 event (which saw $138M in industry transactions according to an Enigma Research study), we’re doubling down on what makes this event essential. This year’s layout is built for connection.
From our visionary Conference speakers to our star-studded night of glamour, the Departure Honours, presented by Ticketmaster, featuring Maggie Kang the visionary creator of KPop Demon Hunters, which shattered records on Netflix, at the box office and across music charts and Jacob Tierney the award-winning writer, director, and producer behind the wildly successful Heated Rivalry — your ticket gives you admission to the right contacts to help your organization soar. With 80% of our delegates holding primary decision-making power, the time to join is now.
Pivot to the Heart of the City
Building on the success of last year, Departure is expanding throughout the downtown core to become a walkable campus for the creative economy. This accessible footprint keeps the magic alive for our delegates with dedicated programming that encourages networking and connection both inside and outside our spaces.
With centrally located conference and festival venues, including the Fairmont Royal York, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and our newly minted Departure House, we have expanded our selection of Official Hotel and Hospitality Partners. This highlights the breadth of the city’s culinary and accommodation landscape and gives our attendees more options at better prices.
Artists and Music Lovers
For those interested in live events and finding their next favourite sound, Departure is full of exciting experiences. At the heart of our festival is our Showcase artists. A hand-picked group of emerging talent from all over Canada and beyond, playing in your favourite Toronto venues.
But that’s not all. We are also programming city-wide Premium events, including the SiriusXM Spotlight Series — featuring shows by Katie Tupper and 646yf4t, Chxrry and jev., and the Juno-nominated country breakthrough Sacha — An Evening With Rupi Kaur, film screenings, and late-night DJ sets. With more electrifying acts to be announced soon.
—
Departure takes over Toronto May 4–10. Discover more about our pass types and why you should add this must-attend event to your schedule.