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After helping to organize more than 100 placemaking conferences around the world, covering most corners of the globe, we decided to convene the leaders of the global movement at one event. The first Global Placemaking conference sought to convene leaders of most of the 30+ national and regional placemaking networks and start to form and support cross-cutting agenda networks on topics of mutual learning, advocacy and action. Agenda leaders came from all over the globe and included some examples here. Read the Summit report here.
We are currently confirming the program, agenda leaders and panelists. It will be similar to what we produced in 2023. Please see that program here. After opening the Summit on June 8th, the co-creative portion of the program will include participatory round tables shaping global placemaking agendas on Monday the 9th. Reporting and high-level panels will be live streamed, and recorded, at the World Urban Pavilion on Tuesday the 10th. The final day of Summit, June 11th, will focus on learning from and supporting Canadian Placemaking initiatives.The dynamic program and exciting venues will be unveiled over the coming weeks, offering transformative sessions, insightful discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Founded in 2015, Placemaking Canada is one of the oldest Placemaking networks with a strong history of productive convenings. Toronto is arguably the world's most pluralistic city, and has long produced and supported the world's top leaders and conversations on cities and urbanism. The Placemaking movement has built from and been challenged and evolved thanks to many Toronto public space thought leaders: from Jane Jacobs, to contemporary friends, luminaires and collaborators like Gil Penalosa, Mary Rowe, Jennifer Keesmaat, Ken Greenberg, Jason Thorne, Jay Pitter, Uta Mason, Jen Angel, Margaret Zeidler and many more.
We are confirming the leaders coming. Here are some of the 375+ people who have indicated they are planning to come. Here is who attended the 2023 Summit.
Some amazing venues are being confirmed. Each day will have a different venue representing different parts of the city and different placemaking issues, and opportunities. Part of the Summit, on Tuesday, June 10th, will be at the World Urban Pavilion.
Further information on venue accessibility will be posted shortly.If you require ASL or other accessibility accommodations during the Summit, please contact Summit@PlacemakingX.org with your request at least 21 days before the event with ‘Accommodation Request’ in the subject line.
Full access to venues, tours and gatherings on all four days of the Summit.
Many participants are able to get sponsorship and funding from embassies and funders in their countries. We can sign a letter of invitation or support if needed. We will also be looking for funding and sponsors to enable more people to come.
We also are offering a limited number of scholarships for participants from low-resource backgrounds. Please contact us if you are interested. Summit@PlacemakingX.org
We are pleased to partner with Globespan Travel Management, a Canada-headquartered, independently owned travel management company with global operations in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. They provide corporate travel management and meetings & events services, combining the resources of a global agency with the high-touch service of a boutique firm. As the exclusive Travel Management Partner for Altour International, they leverage a network spanning 90+ countries, 6,000 agency locations, and 52,000 travel advisors. While they operate on a global scale, they remain committed to delivering personalized, transparent, and strategic travel solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
For Global Placemaking Summit Toronto (GPST) Attendees – June 8-11, 2025, Globespan is pleased to offer:
Booking & Contact Information
A dedicated agent is available at Res@globespan.com or by calling 800-810-1948 / 416-322-7629. Please quote the event name (Global Placemaking Summit Toronto (GPST) when reaching out. Please note Service Fees: Air/Train: $30.00 + HST (13%), Hotel/Limo: No fee.
We recommend staying close to the Metro lines for access to venues. Popular Toronto hotels include The Broadview, The Gladstone, The Drake.
For attendees on a budget, UofT Residence may be a good option.
Tickets are sold in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Currently one CAD is 0.69 United States Dollars.
UP Express: Frequent rail connection from Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Weston, Bloor and Union Metro Stations. Visit https://www.upexpress.com/en for more info.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): The metro, street cars and bus accepts credit card tap payment, though you may want to purchase a presto pass. Visit https://www.ttc.ca/ for more info.
Wheel-Trans: https://www.ttc.ca/wheel-trans
Bike Share Toronto: Toronto has a great bike share program with a small percentage of electric-assist bicycles. Visit https://bikesharetoronto.com/ for more info.
UBER or local taxi
June is great weather in Toronto!
Please check visa requirements for your country. Visas are unfortunately difficult to obtain from some countries. Please let us know if you need an invitation letter for a visa.
Canada's standard voltage is 120 volts at 60 Hz, and the standard plugs are types A and B.
