sigma-america-welcome

Conference: SiGMA Americas

You can see the agenda for SiGMA Americas here. Check back regularly for updates.

The SiGMA Americas Summit is a world-class exhibition and conference taking place in Toronto, Canada for the first time. This Inaugural event is focused on iGaming, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Marketing. Attendees include delegates, policymakers, industry leaders and affiliates from around the globe.

If you haven’t already registered for the event you can register HERE.

Use Coupon Code: YTZ100S for 100% off the standard pass.

Highlights

The SiGMA Awards (June 7) and the SiGMA Closing Night (June 8) will both take place at Rebel, one of the best nightclubs in Toronto.

The AIBC Emerging Tech Awards (June 7) will take place at the iconic El Mocambo - a live music venue played by legends like the Rolling Stones, Marilyn Monroe, and Jimmy Hendrix.

👋 Meet YTZ! Arrange a meeting at the conference, or at one of our suggested restaurants or bars. We’d be happy to show you around our city! Reach us at

Devin Holmberg

CEO

Megan Sagriff

VP of Sales

Nicole Henson

Account Executive

Preparing For The Trip

Before arriving in Canada you must download the ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel information prior to entry. You can find any travel and tourism updates here.

Toronto has two airports: Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop City Airport. Pearson is the main gateway for international travellers. If you’re arriving via Pearson you can get downtown by taxi, Uber or UP Express.

A taxi to the downtown core should cost around $60 CAD. Uber is cheaper and easy to book. When you exit customs and open the Uber app a driver will be available within a couple of minutes and the app will direct you on how to find your pickup location.The UP Express is the cheapest option and takes you to Toronto’s Union Station in 25 minutes.

Getting Around

Uber and Lyft are the main ride-sharing apps used in Toronto. We strongly recommend downloading both to find the cheapest and quickest fares. Rates and availability can vary significantly between the apps.

The TTC is our public transportation system - subway, bus, streetcar. Adult fares are $3.20. The 509 streetcar runs along the harbourfront and stops right across from the Enercare Centre where the SiGMA Americas exhibition is taking place.

If you want to feel like a true commuter you can stop at a Bike Share kiosk and rent a bicycle to get where you’re going. There are bike docks all around the city for convenience. Single rides are $3.25 for 30 mins and a 24-hour access pass costs $7.

COVID Restrictions/Mask Mandates

Masks required - All TTC/public transportation.

Masks optional - Uber and Lyft.

Some individual businesses, organizations and event organizers request that masks be worn. It’s up to their discretion. Up-to-date information can be found here.

Accomodations

AirBNB is available in Toronto. Most are located in condos in the downtown core. Prices are pretty similar to hotels. Here are a few hotel options:

Restaurants and Food

Toronto has a spectacular and eclectic food scene. From high end tasting menus to casual eateries with small plates meant for sharing, Toronto has something to offer for every palate and budget.

Bars

The best cocktail bars in Toronto are often the more modest ones that don’t take reservations. You’ll have to take your chances when you show up to these bars but it’s worth the wait if there is one. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed wine bar setting or innovative and luxurious molecular cocktails, it’s not hard to find somewhere for a few libations after a hard day at the office (or conference).

The mahogany bar and wood panelling at Bar Raval is reminiscent of Paradiso in Barcelona. You won’t find a menu at Civil Liberties in Bloor West. All the cocktails are hand- crafted and custom made to suit your mood and taste. If you’re looking for something with a tropical vibe stop by The Shameful Tiki Room. Feeling frisky? Order the ‘mystery bowl’ for a surprise concoction served in a large bowl that can be shared by 2-3 people.

Here's a list of other notable bars around the city:

  • Mother - Unique and inventive cocktail bar in trendy Queen West.
  • Alo Bar - Cocktail bar and full-fledged restaurant located in elegant Yorkville.
  • Midfield Wine Bar - Wine bar in Little Portugal.
  • Gift Shop - Cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop on happening Ossington Avenue.
  • Cloak Bar - Dimly lit speakeasy serving craft cocktails.
  • BarChef 🍸 - Intricate and elegant instagram worthy cocktails.
  • Char No.5 Whisky & Cocktail Lounge - Lounge in the Delta hotel serving whiskey based cocktails.
  • Poor Romeo - Favourite local spot among East enders.
  • Bar Poet - Known for their $10 pizzas and wine on tap.
  • Birreria Volo - Beer lovers dream with a long list of local beers and imports on tap.
  • Cry Baby Gallery - Art gallery meets speakeasy.

SightSeeing / Things To Do

CN Tower / EdgeWalk

The city’s most famous landmark is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Head to the top of the tower for 360 views of the city. If you’re an adrenaline junky then the Edgewalk might be right up your alley. There is also a revolving restaurant, known for its award-winning Canadian flavours and for the world's highest wine cellar!

Toronto Sign

The iconic 3D Toronto sign that spells the city’s name is a hot spot for tourists and photo ops. It’s located in Nathan Phillips Square where Toronto City Hall resides. The square often hosts concerts, markets and food booths. During the winter the reflecting pool becomes a skating rink, a popular outdoor activity when the weather isn’t too cold.

Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-lake

If you have a bit more time on your hands then you should head down to Niagara Falls for a day or two. Apart from the obvious world-famous falls themselves, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. You’ll find a wide selection of bars and restaurants (ranging from cheesy to sophisticated), casinos, spas and a multitude of attractions. This area, including the neighbouring Niagara-on-the-Lake/Beamsville/Jordan Valley, is also one of Canada’s top wine regions! Plenty of wine tours are available and we highly recommend visiting a couple of our favourites: Malivoire (🍁 2021 Canadian Winery of the Year), Two Sisters Vineyards, Rosewood Estates Winery, Big Head Wines, Jackson-Triggs Winery, and Pearl Morissette (🏆 #14 Best Restaurant in Canada).

Toronto Islands

If you’re interested in getting some sun or are looking for a great view of the Toronto skyline, head to the Toronto Islands. Hit up one of the beaches, rent a bike/canoe/kayak, or grab a beer on a patio. Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at Bay Street & Queens Quay. Schedules can be found here and tickets can be bought here.

St. Lawrence Market

Check out a major piece of Toronto history by visiting the St. Lawrence Market. Browse 120 vendors and grab a bite to eat. We recommend a lobster roll from Buster’s Sea Cove and a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery! The market is open Tuesday-Saturday. Around the corner you can spot the Gooderham Building, also referred to as the Flatiron Building.

Distillery District

47 Gooderham & Worts Distillery buildings have been restored to form the distillery district. Here you’ll find some great restaurants, art galleries, and unique stores. The cobblestone streets light up around Christmas for its famous holiday market. But the area is best explored on a sunny day to enjoy food & drinks on one of the many patios.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Learn about Canada’s favourite past-time and visit our holy grail - the Stanley Cup! Open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Brewery Tour

There’s no shortage of breweries to visit around the city. From West to East these are some local favourites - Blood Brothers Brewing, Bellwoods Brewery, Radical Road Brewing Co., Black Lab Brewing (dogs allowed), Godspeed Brewery, and Muddy York Brewing Co.

Main Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash