Allstream Centre

Large gathering venue, used commonly for exhibitions and concerts of all kinds. Spacey, but may take a while to get to by transit from Union Station – the 509 and 510 streetcars are usually late and crowded. Otherwise, plenty of parking spots, albeit pricey, and accessible by bike. Rental car services like car2go available.

I was here for a sales conference to hear Brian Tracy and the hall was spacious and neatly decorated with nice couch area on the bottom floor. The wash-​rooms were clean as well. The underground parking is connected to the buildings and you don’t need to come out and just walk underground till you reach your destination.

Horrible experience. Asked in advance for halal food for an all-​day event. But found out they have no halal options, and in fact they never offer any halal food ever. Considering the billion Muslims in the world, and over a million in Canada, with a large concentration in The Toronto area, seems less than accommodating. I would therefore not recommend this place to anyone who wishes to accommodate a diverse or Muslim gathering. Personally, I will make a point to avoid this place in future.

Nice place to sit and relax at the CNE, it’s air conditioned, and when you can get a signal, there is free wifi

Thinking about hosting a multi-​day conference or expo? You could do worse than this little guy. Formerly the Automotive Building, the Allstream is a 160,000 square foot event space located at the CNE. Their ballroom is apparently Toronto’s largest; I feel like you could park an aircraft carrier in here, and still have room for the Mission Accomplished banner (topical!). In reception mode you can fit about 4,000 people in the ballroom (3,000 for dinner) which makes it appropriate for a convention or Unilocal Elite party (with plus tens).
I visited this space as part of the Mesh Conference. It seemed very new and clean and the staff was on point. Apparently the venue is seeking LEED certification which is laudable, and they have large scale events going on all the time.
Like most things at the Exhibition, it’s not that easy to find. It’s located near the corner of Newfoundland Rd and Princes’ Blvd which puts it at the Southeast corner of the Ex. You can come down Strachan if you are driving, or take the Dufferin Bus.
I’ll be sure to host my next con here. Or a ridonkulous bar mitzvah.
Obligatory Title Pun: I lands in the STREAM.
Menu Readability: Nope.
Need to mention: Huge parking lot, but not free.
What this place teaches me about myself: It’s briss first, then bar mitzvah, right?