IDS Toronto Announces New Dates & Conference Track for 2021
IDS Toronto (IDS21) is moving its annual event to May 13 – 16, 2021 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, alongside a new virtual component that will become part of the physical show.

“In consulting with our community, it became clear that the best way to support design in Canada is to schedule our annual event in the spring in person with some exciting virtual components,” says Karen Kang, Managing Director & Head of Content, IDS Toronto. “With the digital fast track that most industries are experiencing, we are very excited to see what innovations will be showcased this year.”
The exhibition will also feature four new conference tracks that will highlight the Business of Design, Designing for the Future, Sustainability and Innovation & Future Trends:
- The Business of Design
What do you need to build or scale your business in today’s uncertain times? From the latest marketing efforts, business development ideas and crisis management solutions, this conference theme offers practical and tactical strategies to help all businesses continue to thrive in today’s economic environment. - Designing for The Future
How do you design public spaces, buildings, interiors and future cities post-pandemic? From designing for social good, to materials, trends and technologies, this track will cover the ideas, processes and methodologies to help you and your firm design for the future. - Sustainability
IDS21 will highlight thought-leaders with a local and global perspective, focused on sustainable materials, specifying responsibly, designing in the age of climate change, circular economy, high-performance design and resiliency in future projects. - Innovation & Future Trends
IDS21 is seeking both big picture thinking and practical ideas for professionals within the built environment. Some topics of interest will include: products, colours, materials, case studies, digital fabrication and future collaborations that firms can adopt in the ever-changing world.
“The world, as we know it, is forever changed, however IDS21’s purpose remains the same – to bring people together to experience the power of design,” says Kang. “This moment in history is an opportunity to broker global conversations reimagining the future of our society through design. At IDS21 we will build more signi cant discussions around how design will play a vital part in shaping our future.”