Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Convention

We are community builders. Those with the resolve and know-how to orchestrate moments that rally us to each other’s side and invigorate our collective conscience. Our organizations recognize the power of the stage and spotlight in providing a showcase to honour the diversity of thought, history, skills and teachings that make us who we are.

The Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions exists to provide member organizations with a united voice, programs and tools to spur the kind of open collaboration, shared learning and coordinated action that a vibrant sector needs to thrive. And never has this collective effort been more needed. Our organizations are facing unprecedented challenges that have re-shaped the landscape.​

While our sector is diverse, our desire to enrich community is our shared purpose.

Where others see differences, we see reasons to get together.​

For almost 100 years, the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) has focused on helping industry reach its full potential. We do this by organizing professional development, advocating for our industry’s interests and providing unique learning opportunities. We currently reach to 743 fair and exhibition organizations and countless service providers across Canada. The Canadian fair and exhibition industry sees more than 35 million visitors each year through their 17,000+ events and activities, with an estimated economic impact of $2.9 billion on local communities, the majority of those being rural.

​Canadian fairs and exhibitions have been a substantial and integral part of the fabric of Canadian life for centuries and many have been in existence prior to Canada’s confederation. These time-tested organizations host premiere Canadian events that established and continue to maintain our national identity.