The Canadian National Exhibition is called the CNE for short. It is held in Toronto, Canada, every year somewhere in the mid of August for 18 days. It continues till the Labor Day which customarily falls on the first Monday in September. The Exhibition is specifically held at the Exhibition Place, which is a 192-acre site on the waterfront.
The CNE is organized by the Canadian National Exhibition Association which is a non-profit organization and is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the event.
Participants in the CNE include exhibitors, vendors, performers, and visitors from across Canada and around the world. A wide range of products and services are put on display, including food, arts and crafts, agricultural displays, technology, and more. The food is a big draw at the CNE, with vendors offering everything from classic carnival fairs like cotton candy and corn dogs to more exotic ones like deep-fried butter and cricket burgers. It also features a variety of rides, games, and concerts.
The objectives of the CNE are to provide a fun and engaging experience for visitors, to showcase the best of Canadian and international culture, to promote tourism, and to support the local economy. The CNE has a long history of philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations and causes.
Participation from Key Sectors
CNE features a diverse range of industries and sectors that participate in the event. Here are some examples.
Food and Beverage – Visitors at the exhibition look forward to tasting from a wide spread of diverse food options from classic carnival fairs to gourmet and international cuisine. Food and beverage vendors showcase their products and compete in food contests.
Art and Craft – The CNE organizes competitions for artists and craft experts. They also get a ready platform to feature various exhibits, including works of fine art, photography, quilting, etc.
Agriculture – The CNE has a strong focus on agricultural products and exhibits such as livestock, crops, and farming technology.
Technology and Innovation – The CNE features the latest technological innovations from the fields of automotives, aerospace, and robotics.
Retail – Many vendors at the CNE sell products ranging from clothing and jewelry to home goods and beauty products.
Entertainment – Artists and celebrities are invited to the CNE for musical programs and dance performances. A special attraction for the kids is the circus show.
The CNE also hosts a number of competitions and events. The exhibition offers a fun-filled and diverse experience for all ages, and is a much beloved and awaited annual tradition for many Torontonians and foreign visitors alike.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The Canadian National Exhibition offers a wide variety of highlights and features for visitors to enjoy.
The Midway features rides, games, and attractions for all ages. The food building is a must-visit for food lovers as vendors offer a vast and exotic food spread ranging from the classic carnival fairs to gourmet and international.
The Air Show is the most exciting and adventurous part of the CNE because pilots from Canada and around the world present breathtaking aerial displays. The Canadian International Air Show is one of the largest and longest-running air shows in North America, featuring aerial displays by military and civilian aircrafts.
Further, the exhibit showcases a live milking demonstration and interactive exhibits about farming. You have the CNE Gaming Garage which is all about virtual reality experiences, board games, and arcade games.
The SuperDogs is a family-friendly show where talented canine performers show off their skills and tricks. Then you have the Bandshell Concert Series. The Bandshell hosts a range of musical acts, from classic rock to country to pop.
In short, the CNE offers a diverse range of events, attractions, and exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
How to Register for Canadian National Exhibition
If you are interested in participating at the Canadian National Exhibition as a visitor, you need not complete any formalities for registration. You only need to purchase admission tickets which are available online on their website. Alternatively, you can buy them on the day of the visit at the gate but you may have to stand in a long queue.
If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor or vendor, visit the official website of the CNE for complete information like the dates of the event, map of the grounds, schedule of events, and everything related to registration/application process, deadlines, etc. The application process typically opens several months before the event so you may have to keep an eye here. When you register, you will need to provide all basic information like your name, contact details, the industry you represent, the services/products that you wish to display, as well as any necessary permits or licenses.
There is also an application process for performers who are interested in participating in the CNE’s entertainment lineup. The CNE releases a call for submissions several months before the event and invites performers to submit their materials for consideration.
How to Contact for Help
The venue is often the Exhibition Place located at 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada. For queries or help on registration, you can call 416-263-3330 / 416-263-3800 or write to info@theex.com
The registration process for the CNE will vary depending on the type of participation you are interested in. But as a visitor, you can simply show up during the event’s operating hours and purchase your tickets online or at the gates.
