Our Story

The Conference Centre at the University of Toronto occupies a unique position at the intersection of Toronto’s civic, academic and global discourse, bridging U of T’s higher education and research community with recognized thought leaders, decision makers and policy experts.  

Operated by the university, The Conference Centre stands just north of the city’s Financial District and adjacent to Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto’s City Hall, and is steps from Toronto’s famous Innovation and Healthcare Corridor as well as hubs for municipal and federal government.

Originally built in 1972 as the Holiday Inn Downtown, the building was designed by the firm Armstrong and Molesworth. Over its lifetime, it has been transformed from a hotel to a conference hub, to one of the city’s most versatile event venues—an evolution that mirrors Toronto’s growth as a global city. The Conference Centre recently underwent major renovations and now features an updated sleek and modern aesthetic. 

From Hotel to Conference Centre: A Story of Transformation

• 1972: The building opens as Holiday Inn Downtown — one of Toronto’s largest hotels at the time.  
• 1980s–2000s: It becomes the Colony Hotel, hosting a wide array of corporate, civic and cultural events while remaining part of Toronto’s meeting infrastructure.  
• 2003: The University of Toronto acquires the building and begins repositioning it as both a student residence and a fully equipped conference centre.  
• Today: Having undergone a major renovation, The Conference Centre was re-launched as a premium event space in 2025. The venue features over 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, offering the perfect setting designed for high-impact gatherings from executive board meetings to large corporate events and conferences.   

A Venue for Global Discourse, Civics Exchange and Industry Growth

Due to its downtown location and university affiliation, The Conference Centre has become a natural choice for events that transcend the transactional. 

• It hosts public policy forums, academic symposia and global conferences where global and industry leaders come to share ideas and develop relationships.   
• The venue’s meeting rooms are equipped for hybrid and virtual formats, making global reach and inclusive dialogue possible. 
• It embodies a commitment to accessibility and participation, reflecting the values of open inquiry and public engagement. 

Why This Location Matters

Being embedded in Toronto’s civic core—just minutes from Toronto landmarks City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, Sankofa Square and major transit links—gives The Conference Centre a distinct advantage. The venue is easily reachable, visible and integrally connected to the rhythms of citywide discourse.  

Moreover, the venue’s university affiliation lends it an intellectual gravitas: it is more than a room to rent—it is a platform for scholarship, discussion and global connectivity.