Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The National Imprint Canada Show is a premier event for the promotional products industry, taking place at the Toronto Congress Centre. This year's show will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in promotional marketing.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discover new products, and participate in educational seminars. National Imprint Canada Show takes place in Toronto, Canada.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The National Imprint Canada Show takes place on January 8 & 9, 2027 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
- 2Scale and Focus: This show features over 100 suppliers in the promotional marketing industry.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Tristan Communications Ltd, details available at imprintcanada.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include promotional product distributors and industry professionals.
- 5Entry: Free registration is available online for industry professionals.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders, access to the latest promotional products, and educational seminars designed to enhance business strategies. Attendees include promotional product distributors and industry professionals.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the National Imprint Canada Show provides companies with unparalleled access to thousands of industry professionals, opportunities to showcase new products, and the chance to generate quality leads and business connections. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Suppliers of promotional products and merchandise, Manufacturers of custom apparel and accessories, Distributors of printing and branding services. Position your offer across promotional apparel.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Promotional product distributors and multi-line reps sourcing blanks, decorated apparel and corporate gift programs for Canadian end clients
Screen printers, embroiderers and apparel decorators comparing equipment, inks, threads, transfers and finishing services
Corporate buyers and marketing procurement teams planning branded merchandise, uniforms, event giveaways and recognition awards
Retail and e-commerce merchandisers adding custom-printed and private-label promotional ranges
Event, agency and incentive planners sourcing branded kits, signage, wearable media and fulfillment support
Brand owners and franchise operators standardizing uniforms, retail displays and promotional collateral across locations
Sustainability and compliance leads evaluating recycled, organic, PFAS-free and traceable promotional materials
Sales and operations managers from print, sign and promotional shops looking for Canadian supplier and fulfillment partners
Importers and sourcing agents reviewing landed cost, decoration options and inventory programs for the Canadian market
Graphic designers and marketing coordinators researching decoration methods, artwork requirements and supplier capabilities
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Blank apparel and headwear mills supplying T-shirts, fleece, polos, caps and uniforms for decoration
Decorators and contract printers offering screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation and pad printing
Promotional product suppliers with pens, drinkware, bags, technology accessories, wellness items and seasonal giveaways
Corporate gift, award and recognition suppliers producing crystal, glass, plaques, medals and executive gifts
Packaging, fulfillment and kitting providers supporting branded merchandise programs and drop shipping
Print and signage equipment suppliers for wide-format, pad printing, laser engraving and heat transfer
Sustainable and compliance-focused suppliers of recycled textiles, organic cotton, bamboo, rPET and traceable supply chains
Technology platforms for online company stores, decoration proofs, inventory management and order automation
Canadian promotional industry media, associations and education providers serving distributors and decorators
Freight, customs and sample-handling services for imported promotional goods and trade-show logistics
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Decorated apparel: screen-printed T-shirts, embroidered fleece, caps, uniforms and performance wear
Writing instruments: pens, pencils, styluses and refillable metal pens for corporate programs
Drinkware: tumblers, bottles, mugs and travel cups in stainless steel, glass and recycled materials
Bags and carry: totes, backpacks, duffels, coolers and travel organizers with decoration zones
Technology accessories: power banks, cables, wireless chargers, mousepads and audio gifts
Corporate gifts and awards: plaques, crystal, medals, desk items and executive gift sets
Event and trade-show giveaways: lanyards, badges, signage, booth kits and attendee swag
Sustainable promotional products: organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo, rPET and plastic-free gift lines
Print and decoration services: screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation, pad printing and laser engraving
Packaging and fulfillment: branded boxes, mailers, kitting, warehousing and direct-to-recipient shipping
Health, safety and wellness merchandise: hand sanitizer, sunscreen, wellness kits, PPE and outdoor items
Branding and design services: artwork preparation, virtual proofs, online stores and merchandising programs
Location & Facilities
Venue
Toronto Congress Centre
Toronto, Canada
Facilities
Parking
Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Toronto Congress Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Tristan Communications Ltd
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Exhibitors
100
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Toronto, Canada
Why it matters
On 2027-01-08 to 2027-01-09, National Imprint Canada Show in Toronto covering Promotional apparel and accessories, Custom printed items and giveaways, Corporate gifts and awards, Branded merchandise gives fashion buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CAD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Park Inn by Radisson Toronto-Markham
3-star
Markham / Greater TorontoUSD 95–122 / night
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, spa
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG
3-star
Downtown TorontoUSD 95–122 / night
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, spa
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown
4-star
Downtown TorontoUSD 150–190 / night
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), indoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
TTC public transit
Estimated costCAD 45–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown Toronto hotels to Toronto Congress Centre
TTC trip planner and Moovit list bus and subway connections to Toronto Congress Centre. Downtown-to-venue driving distance is around 20 km per fromto.travel.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costCAD 45–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown Toronto or Pearson airport to Toronto Congress Centre
Rome2rio outlines 6 ways to travel from Toronto and from YYZ to the Congress Centre, including taxi and rideshare options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CAD taxi/rideshare from YYZ to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Toronto Congress Centre
Weather
January 2027 January in Toronto is mid-winter; expect cold days near or below freezing. Check a forecast before travel. January is a winter month in Toronto with a realistic chance of snow and ice; allow buffer time for road and air delays.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Canada.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Winter travel in Toronto
January in Toronto is mid-winter, with cold days near or below freezing and a realistic chance of snow and ice. Pack insulated layers, gloves, a warm coat and waterproof footwear, and allow buffer time for road and air delays.
Tipping and payments
The host currency is Canadian dollars (CAD). Cards are widely accepted, but carry a small amount of CAD cash for transit, tips or small purchases. Tipping is customary for table service, taxis and hotel staff.
Transit payment and planning
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) buses and subway connect downtown Toronto with the Congress Centre district. Use the TTC trip planner or a live transit app for schedules, and confirm current fare payment options before you travel.
Trade-show dress code
Business casual is typical for promotional products trade shows in Toronto. Wear comfortable shoes for long hall days and bring a warm layer for the venue and for walks between transit stops and the entrance.
Business etiquette
Canadian buyers and suppliers usually appreciate punctual appointments, direct pricing questions and clear follow-up. Exchange business cards, confirm decoration methods and note whether quotes are in CAD before leaving the booth.
Airport and border buffers
Toronto Pearson is a large international gateway. Allow extra time for customs, baggage and winter weather, especially on the first show morning or if you are connecting from another Canadian city.
Venue district
The Toronto Congress Centre sits in the airport corporate district rather than the downtown core. Plan taxi, rideshare or TTC connections to the venue and confirm the correct hall entrance before leaving your hotel.
Language and accessibility
English is the working language for most Toronto trade events, with French also an official Canadian language. If you need accessibility support, seating or service-animal arrangements, contact the venue and organiser before the show.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights captures for New York JFK to Toronto YYZ on 8 Jan 2027 returned fares from about CA$342 one adult round trip economy including taxes and fees, with nonstop options around 1 hr 44 min to 1 hr 49 min. Prices are date-specific and change; confirm baggage fees and fare rules before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Toronto; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Toronto Congress Centre: Markham / Greater Toronto: Park Inn by Radisson Toronto-Markham; Downtown Toronto: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG; Downtown Toronto: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Toronto; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) buses and subway connect downtown Toronto with the Toronto Congress Centre district; use the TTC trip planner or Moovit route listings for current schedules and fares.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Toronto Congress Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: January in Toronto is mid-winter; expect cold days near or below freezing. Check a forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January is a winter month in Toronto with a realistic chance of snow and ice; allow buffer time for road and air delays.
Packing: Pack insulated layers, a warm winter coat, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots for snow and slush; indoor venue areas are heated.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at National Imprint Canada Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm trade registration and badge
T-2
Lock in travel and hotel
T-3
Build a target exhibitor shortlist
T-4
Request meetings or booth appointments
T-5
Check passport, eTA or visa status
T-6
Plan airport-to-venue transport
T-7
Set up local payments
T-8
Prepare buyer credentials and business cards
T-9
Check the Toronto forecast and pack for winter
T-10
Download the floor plan and show app or schedule
T-11
Charge devices and prepare lead capture
T-12
Confirm venue entrance and first appointment
T-13
Send follow-ups within 48 hours
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Toronto Congress Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2National Imprint Canada Show registration concourse
Toronto Congress Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Toronto Congress Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCA$190.00
- Per diem × 2CA$150.00
Estimated totalCA$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether National Imprint Canada Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For National Imprint Canada Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Promotional apparel and accessories and Custom printed items and giveaways solutions and benchmarking suppliers at National Imprint Canada Show in Toronto.
Min. budget
$725.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Promotional apparel and accessories and Custom printed items and giveaways products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,262.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Toronto show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When is the National Imprint Canada Show 2027?
The listing seed schedules the 2027 edition for January 8-9, 2027 in Toronto, Canada. Confirm final show hours and hall access on imprintcanada.com before booking travel.
Where is the show held?
Logistics context for this event points to the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto. Confirm the exact hall and entrance on the organiser site before travelling.
Who should attend the National Imprint Canada Show?
Distributors, decorators, screen printers, embroiderers, corporate buyers, marketing procurement teams and promotional product resellers who source branded merchandise for Canadian clients.
Is the show open to the public or trade-only?
The event is positioned for the promotional products trade. Admission rules, guest policies and badging requirements are set by the organiser; confirm directly before registering.
How do I register for the 2027 edition?
Use the registration path published on imprintcanada.com. Have your business details, role and buyer or supplier category ready; the organiser may review trade credentials.
What can I source at the show?
Expect decorated apparel, headwear, bags, drinkware, pens, technology accessories, corporate awards, sustainable gift lines, print and decoration services, and fulfillment programs.
Will there be live decoration demonstrations?
Demonstration schedules are not verified in current evidence. Check the organiser programme and exhibitor listings for screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation or engraving demos.
Can I bring product samples home from the show?
Sample and order policies vary by exhibitor. Ask each supplier about carry-away samples, shipping, customs paperwork and any minimum order attached to show samples.
How do I get to the venue from Toronto Pearson?
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main international gateway. Taxi, rideshare and TTC connections are available; confirm current fares and travel time before departure.
Is parking available at the Toronto Congress Centre?
The Toronto Congress Centre is a major convention venue with on-site parking per the logistics context. Confirm daily rates, lot location and hall access on the venue or organiser site.
What is the weather like in Toronto in January?
Toronto in January is mid-winter, with cold days near or below freezing and a realistic chance of snow or ice. Pack insulated layers, waterproof footwear and gloves, and allow buffer time for delays.
What currency should I budget in for Toronto?
The host currency is Canadian dollars (CAD). Cards are widely accepted in Toronto, but carry a small amount of CAD cash for transit, tips or small purchases.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside Canada?
Entry rules depend on your citizenship and how you travel. Many visa-exempt air travellers need a Canadian eTA, while some nationalities need a visitor visa. Confirm with IRCC before booking.
Are hotel discounts available for the show?
A verified show hotel block or discount code was not found in current evidence. Book a cancellable rate and check imprintcanada.com for any official housing partner before booking.
Is the venue accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Accessibility details, scooters, seating and service-animal policies are managed by the venue and organiser. Contact them before the show to confirm specific requirements.
Can exhibitors sell products at the show?
Selling and order-taking rules are set by the organiser and venue. Exhibitors should confirm booth-sales, cash-handling and tax rules before the event.
What should I bring to the National Imprint Canada Show?
Bring business ID, buyer or supplier credentials, business cards, a charged phone for lead capture, a portable charger and winter outerwear for the Toronto January climate.
How long should I plan for the show?
The 2027 dates span two days, January 8-9. Many buyers plan at least one full day for appointments and a second half-day for follow-up; confirm final hours on the organiser site.
Are children allowed at the trade show?
Age and guest policies are set by the organiser. Trade events often restrict access to badge-holding industry professionals; confirm before bringing family members.
Where can I find the 2027 exhibitor list?
Check imprintcanada.com for the official exhibitor directory and floor plan as the show approaches. Current evidence does not include a verified 2027 exhibitor list.
Glossary
- Imprint
- The decoration applied to a promotional product, such as a printed logo, embroidered mark or engraved text.
- Decoration method
- The process used to apply a brand to a product, including screen printing, embroidery, pad printing, sublimation, DTG, DTF and laser engraving.
- Screen printing
- A stencil-based printing process that pushes ink through a mesh screen; cost-effective for bold logos on apparel and flat items at volume.
- Embroidery
- Stitching a logo or design into fabric with thread; common on caps, polos, fleece and uniforms.
- DTG (direct-to-garment)
- Digital inkjet printing directly onto fabric, suited to detailed or short-run apparel designs.
- DTF (direct-to-film)
- Printing a design onto film, then heat-transferring it to fabric; useful for small runs and complex color artwork.
- Sublimation
- A heat process that turns dye into gas so it bonds with polyester or coated surfaces; common for performance wear, mugs and awards.
- Pad printing
- An indirect printing method using a silicone pad to transfer ink onto curved or irregular items such as pens and small parts.
- Laser engraving
- Removing or marking a surface with a focused laser; common on metal, wood, glass and awards.
- MOQ (minimum order quantity)
- The smallest unit quantity a supplier will produce or sell for a given product and decoration method.
- EQP (end quantity pricing)
- A price tier that applies to the final ordered quantity after all quantity breaks and decoration charges are calculated.
- Spec sample
- A pre-production sample made to the buyer's specifications so color, material, decoration and packaging can be approved before mass production.
- Virtual proof
- A digital mock-up showing how artwork will look on a product; useful for approvals before a physical sample or production run.
- Blind shipment
- Shipping an order directly to the end client with the distributor's branding rather than the supplier's, so the supplier remains invisible.
- Drop ship
- Shipping individual orders directly from the supplier to recipients, often used for company stores and incentive programs.
- Kitting
- Assembling multiple items into one pack or kit, such as welcome kits, onboarding boxes or event swag bags.
- Decorator
- A business that applies decoration to blank goods, such as a screen printer, embroiderer or engraver.
- Distributor
- A reseller that sources promotional products from suppliers and sells decorated programs to end clients.
- Supplier
- A company that manufactures or sources promotional products and sells them to distributors or decorators.
- Compliance
- Product safety, labeling and material rules that apply to promotional goods, including restrictions on substances and claims.
- PFAS
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals that some buyers and jurisdictions restrict in textiles and food-contact products.
- Chargeback
- A deduction or penalty applied by a buyer when an order misses agreed specifications, deadlines or compliance requirements.
- Fulfillment
- Storage, assembly, personalization and shipping of promotional products on behalf of a brand or distributor.
- Rush service
- Expedited production and shipping for orders with tight event or launch deadlines, usually at a premium.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- National Imprint Canada Show 2027
- Imprint Canada Show Toronto
- Imprint Canada January 2027
- Toronto promotional products show
- promotional products suppliers Canada
- screen printing embroidery expo Toronto
- custom merchandise show Canada
- Toronto Congress Centre trade show 2027
- promo industry event Toronto
- Canadian apparel decoration show
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.