Social & Networking Events

Highlights of the CTBUH 2025 International Conference, a wide array of social and networking events are excellent for making business connections, as well as catching up with colleagues and friends. In addition to networking lunches and coffee breaks throughout the conference, there are opportunities to extend your networking beyond the core conference, including several newly launched networking opportunities this year. 

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Start your CTBUH 2025 International Conference experience with an unforgettable evening at CIBC SQUARE, one of Toronto’s most ambitious vertical developments. This exclusive networking event will provide access to The Park, a one-acre public space suspended above an active rail corridor—Canada’s first—park connecting the site’s two landmark towers. Phase one of the development is complete; phase two—including a second 250-meter tower—is underway, making this a rare opportunity to explore an evolving site that’s reshaping the city’s downtown core. 

Date: Monday, 6 October
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: TABLE Fare + Social, CIBC SQUARE, 81 Bay St. 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 0E7, Canada
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the reception, which is just a six-minute walk from the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: Sierra Curtis Photography courtesy of Hines (left), © James Brittain (top and bottom right)

The CTBUH 2025 International Conference couldn’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment not only powers this industry-leading event but also sustains CTBUH’s mission throughout the year—and we’re deeply grateful. To thank you properly, we invite all sponsor-affiliated attendees to join us for a dedicated Sponsor Appreciation Reception on the first day of the conference. This exclusive gathering will bring together CTBUH Trustees and senior leadership—who will raise a glass in honor of your support—and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and celebration. 

(NOTE: This event precedes the Opening Networking Reception at CIBC Square [see above], and there will be ample time to transition between the two; access to the Opening Networking Reception requires a separate ticket add-on.) 

Date: Monday, 6 October
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6 
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the reception, which will be held on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: © CTBUH

If you’re new to CTBUH international conferences, we’ve got you covered. First-time attendees will be invited to a dedicated orientation breakfast on day one, designed to kick-start your conference experience. Arrive early to breeze through registration before the crowds, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast and connect with seasoned attendees who will share tips, insider insights, and strategies for making the most of your time in Toronto. It’s a warm welcome, a head start, and a great way to begin building your conference network from the very first morning.   

Date: Monday, 6 October
Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6 
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the breakfast, which will be held on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: © CTBUH

Exclusive to our VIP Ticket holders: come early on the first day of the conference and take advantage of dedicated registration check-in at the VIP Lounge. Join us for a special networking brunch before the opening plenary and enjoy a mimosa or glass of sparkling wine from the nearby Niagara region. 

Date: Monday, 6 October
Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6
Transportation:  Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the breakfast, which will be held on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: © CTBUH

Immediately following the “Women Rising Panel Discussion,” attendees of that session can enjoy an hour of networking and reflection on the adjacent terrace amidst the iconic Toronto skyline. This is a chance to connect with peers, mentors, and allies, building relationships that will continue to champion equity, foster innovation, and shape the future of cities.  

CTBUH Women Rising is a strategic initiative designed to elevate and advance women within the CTBUH network and the broader built environment. The program fosters a more diverse and inclusive professional community through targeted networking, mentorship, and development opportunities that drive leadership and business growth.  

Date: Tuesday, 7 October
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6
Transportation:  Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the reception, which will be held on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: © Helena Lopes (left), © CTBUH (right)

Sponsor-organized social events are coordinated and hosted by the many partner companies supporting this year’s international conference. Events range from intimate dinners at local restaurants to parties in unique locations with hundreds of attendees.  

Date: Tuesday, 7 October
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Transportation: Varies

Images: Dirk Lindner

The Awards Ceremony & Dinner is the grand finale of the CTBUH 2025 International Conference—a night to honor the year’s most exemplary projects and the people behind them. At this highly anticipated event, Award of Excellence honorees will learn who rises to the top as category winners, and which project will claim the highest accolade: “2025 Best Tall Building Worldwide.” 

Following the closing plenary, join fellow attendees for a lively cocktail reception, with drinks and light bites, then return to the main hall for a three-course dinner and the ceremony proceedings. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate innovation, excellence, and the future of vertical urbanism. 

Date: Wednesday, 8 October
Time: 6:00–10:00 PM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6
Dress Code: Business formal
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the dinner, which will be held on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: © CTBUH

Before day three of the conference begins, join us for our second annual morning walk/run along the Toronto waterfront. This invigorating outing is accessible to everyone, so please submit your average 5km running time when registering, and we’ll ensure that you’ll be walking/running at a comfortable pace. 

Date: Wednesday, 8 October
Time: 7:00–8:00AM
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 1A6
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to/from the run which starts and ends on-site at the core conference venue, Westin Harbor Castle.

Images: (left) © Westin Harbour Castle; (right) © CTBUH

Join us for a relaxing day-trip to close out your busy conference week in the nearby Niagara region. This full-day program will provide a dose of natural wonder to compliment the urban focus of the preceding conference days.  
 
The day will begin with an exclusive factory tour of GVA Lighting, Inc., a leading architectural lighting manufacturer based in the Greater Toronto Area. GVA has provided lighting systems for landmark projects such as 270 Park Avenue, the Louvre, and Tower Bridge. During the visit, you’ll learn how modern architectural lighting luminaires are engineered, built, and tested, and how they help shape the visual identity of cities worldwide. 
 
From there, the journey continues to Niagara Falls, where participants will enjoy a guided tour of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The group will then continue to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a winery visit and a curated lunch and wine tasting set amid the region’s scenic vineyards. Attendees will also have time to stroll through the charming heritage town, known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and cultural character before the return journey to Toronto.  

The tour ticket includes pick up and drop off at the Westin Harbour Castle, all transportation between sites, a guided tour of Niagara Falls, and lunch & wine tasting at Stone Eagle Winery. 

Date: Friday, 10 October
Time: 8:15AM–6:30PM
Location: Lobby of Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada 
Transportation: Transportation will be provided from Westin Harbour Castle to Niagara and back. Attendees are responsible for being in the lobby of Westin Harbour Castle at 8:10AM and can expect to return by approximately 6:30PM.

Images: (top) © Abed Ismail/Unsplash; (bottom left) © GVA; (bottom right) © Kelsey Knight/Unsplash