Photo courtesy AIA

A past American Institute of Architects (AIA) convention draws a large crowd, but not nearly as many as the 2017 event anticipates.

More than 25,000 architects will descend on Toronto for the largest convention the city has ever hosted, the 2017 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention and Design Exposition.

Drawing on Toronto's architecture, the conference will focus on both old and new structural designs. Delegates will have the opportunity to tour Canada's largest city and critique the architecture created by, what is claimed to be, the world's most culturally diverse metropolis.

The event will be held at both the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Direct Energy Centre, on the CNE grounds. Tourism Toronto officials estimate the three-day conference will bring $13 million to local businesses, filling 20,000 rooms in 35 hotels.