Metro Toronto Convention Centre To Welcome Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference

TORONTO, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 (WPC) will take place July 8-12 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. An estimated 15,000 attendees representing technology companies in 156 countries will be in attendance. WPC 2012 is set to be three times bigger than the last time the event was in Toronto in 2004.

"On behalf of all Ontarians, I am pleased to welcome participants from around the world to Toronto for the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference.  Attracting such a world-class event confirms Toronto's international reputation as a great convention city. Conventions like this contribute to the local economy, generate jobs, and support tourism across the province," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

"Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is one of the world's most prestigious and advanced conferences; being selected as a venue is a testament to our ability to host major events," said Barry Smith, president & CEO of the Convention Centre. "We welcome the boost to our local economy - an estimated $39 million in visitor spending - and the incredible opportunity to showcase our city and vibrant information technology sector."

Because of the size and sophistication of WPC, participating venues are coordinating efforts to create Toronto's largest ever 'Campus Network'. The Convention Centre, Air Canada Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, and the Sheraton Centre Hotel will be coordinating to run on the same computer network, providing participants with access to shared files, data, and information.

"Partners play a significant role in the Microsoft ecosystem and WPC is our chance to thank them and celebrate our mutual achievements," said Kati Quigley, Senior director, Worldwide Partner Community Events, Microsoft Corp. "With Toronto serving as our setting for this year's WPC, we will enable partners to collaborate with each other, while simultaneously showcasing our vision and strategies that can help them ultimately drive revenue in the coming year."

About the MTCC

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

Jennifer Hollingsworth
Metro Toronto Convention Centre 
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