Facilitating Regional Growth

On November 7th, The Leaders Circle hosted its fourth Annual Recognition Gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, bringing together a roster of Canadian professionals who’ve been successful in promoting the merits of the city through conventions, meetings, and tourism experiences. With the estimated economic impact of events like these throughout Toronto reaching $1.076 billion, the Leaders Circle Recognition Gala aimed to celebrate those who’ve helped to propel the city’s reputation, making it a hub for global leaders.

Throughout the evening, a total of 13 honorees were celebrated, representing a broad range of professional sectors. These attendees each played a part in events that have attracted international attention, bringing great minds together to facilitate business connections and investments, as well as positive societal and academic impact. This included the 2020 Human Right Watch Global Council Summit, 27th International Conference on Atomic Physics, 34th International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC), and the 50th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery.

The Leaders Circle Grant Recipient, Professor Dimitri Androutsos, was also recognized for his research project on breast cancer that works to broaden the understanding of techniques for automatic nuclei segmentation, which would enable the "large-scale analysis of nuclear properties in tumors of breast cancer subjects." With breast cancer being the second most common cause of cancer death in the country, research projects led by professionals like Androutsos are vital in progressing diagnosis and treatment options for patients. As the recipient of the Leaders Circle Grant, Androutsos and his team will be able to further this research.

Similar benefits have been shared by Mr. Jim McArthur of the Canadian Hospital Engineering Society and Dr. Ann Burchell of the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. By connecting with like-minded researchers to share ideas and inspire one another at such events, they've had the opportunity to expand their networks, increase their impact, and benefit the communities that they serve.

In all, the gala was a celebration of some of the city’s most influential professionals, an opportunity to consider the history of international events and the impact they’ve had, as well as a chance to look into the future. Masters of Ceremonies Kathy Nicolay and Loren Christie helped to facilitate conversations regarding these topics throughout the evening, highlighting key takeaways from the honorees who were present to share their thoughts. With so many inspiring leaders recognized throughout the evening, it’s clear that The Leaders Circle continues to function as an important network, which brings bright minds together, provides them with the resources they need to reach new heights, and position Toronto as a city that’s synonymous with innovation.