Kathy Haley is a dynamic and respected leader with more than 35 years of experience in customer experience and large-scale operations. Throughout her career, she has had opportunities to champion and collaborate on legacy projects – projects that have shaped the fabric of cities and regions in Canada and the US.
When presented with the opportunity to join the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), she was excited to return to Toronto (her home town) to lead the centre. Haley assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of MTCC in late 2024. She is the first woman to hold this position.
“It is an honour to be the MTCC’s first female president and CEO. I have been blessed with a dynamic career, working alongside dedicated and respected teams, while delivering transformational, innovative programs. I hope my leadership inspires individuals to contribute their best work,” says Haley. “At the end of the day, my focus is on being the very best leader I can be, working alongside an incredible team, achieving success together.”
Prior to joining MTCC, she served as the chief customer experience officer for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), where she was instrumental in making significant improvements to the customer experience at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International, and Newark Liberty International Airports. Haley was also the inaugural president of North America’s first dedicated airport-rail system, the award-winning Union Pearson (UP) Express, operated by Metrolinx in Toronto.
In her new role, Haley will focus on driving the MTCC’s vision for growth and enhancing its contributions to the local economy, emphasizing its importance to the city’s tourism and business landscape.
“The MTCC is not just a convention centre, it is a key player in our tourism and business ecosystem. As Canada’s most successful convention and trade show facility, it is an important pillar for tourism and our region’s economy,” she says. “My focus is on expanding its global presence, attracting more international meetings and events to our city, and maximizing the centre’s overall impact.”
What attracted you to the position?
The opportunity to help shape the future of the MTCC while making an impact on the region genuinely appeals to me. I am thrilled to work with an incredible team to help grow MTCC’s global reputation and create best-in-class experiences for event organizers, visitors, and our community.
What is your advice for young women?
Own your expertise—don’t downplay your skills or contributions. A strong, dedicated work effort and confidence in your abilities are keys to advancing your career. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace opportunities for growth. Build a strong network of colleagues, mentors and sponsors who will not only guide you but also advocate for you when you’re not in the room. And remember, your career is a journey connected by bridges—don’t burn any of them. It’s a small world, and the relationships you build today can shape opportunities for years to come. Enjoy the ride – it’s worth it!
What types of initiatives or programs sets MTCC apart?
The MTCC hosts some of the largest and most influential events in the world, with many returning year after year. This is a testament to our facility’s reputation for delivering exceptional customer service, great space, delicious food, and a perfect location.
At the MTCC, planners can always expect to work with an incredible and experienced team who will go above and beyond to ensure their event is successful. So many things set the MTCC apart, but our team’s ability to deliver outstanding events in an ideal downtown Toronto location is what planners love most.
What do you think attracts groups and events to Toronto?
Toronto is home to many of Canada’s top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and academic institutions. It is a city where different perspectives are always welcome, and diversity is celebrated. The culinary offerings inside and outside the centre are also very diverse, with more than 200 restaurants located within walking distance.
Our city is a global leader across multiple important key sectors. As one of North America’s top centres for life sciences and technology, planners will find unique opportunities in Toronto for their attendees to collaborate with local experts, tour facilities, and exchange ideas. For example, our downtown Discovery District houses more than 30 diverse research institutes and facilities within a 10-minute walk. This is an important feature for international meetings where collaboration and research are important key to their event’s success.
What are some highlight events will MTCC be hosting this year?
In 2025, the MTCC will welcome an exciting lineup of events, including many large citywide conventions, trade shows, and returning annual favourites. We expect to host 18 citywide conventions in our 2025/26 fiscal year.
A few of the citywide conventions coming to the MTCC this year include Consensus Toronto, the world’s largest cryptocurrency and blockchain convention, Diabetes Canada’s Professional Conference, and for the first time outside the U.S., the American Society of Tropical Medicine, and Hygiene Annual Meeting. In the summer, we will also welcome the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), the largest international conference on dementia research.
