A Short History of the CSC Toronto Chapter No Frills Trade Show

It may be a little exaggerated to say but, in the mid 70’s the general consensus among CSC members was “The chapter’s broke – the Association is operating on a shoestring.” The Toronto Chapter Trade Show was an attempt to help fund the Chapter’s activities for the benefit of the Chapter, the industry and CSC as a whole.

The original committee with, Moe (Maurice) McGill as chair, included Peter Zahradnik, Joe Dunleavy, Bill Kernohan, Len McLeod, Jim Tobros, Fred Clarke and David Pinkney. Starting from scratch, with no how-to manual, these courageous souls ventured forth into the unknown.

Book the hall, advertise, rent tables and chairs, advertise, pay deposits, advertise, sign guarantees, advertise… and so on. I understand that the night before the show Moe turned grey! The success (not losing money) of that first show in 1979 in the west hall of Union Station allowed it to become an annual event. Paying off the barber, who had a shop in the west hall, a day’s pay became a minor detail.

After a few years at Union Station we graduated to a larger space at St Lawrence Market North. By this time the formula was working well and the Chapter was urged to expand the show again. The result, a quantum leap (more butterflies and grey hair), The Harbour Castle Convention Centre. We had arrived! We’re talking carpet and chandeliers!

The venue was perfect, allowing the show to expand in increments by taking larger portions of the main ballroom. Eventually it became harder to book the convention space a year in advance as the hotel’s main function is to sell hotel rooms and a one day show in their conference facility doesn’t sell rooms. If the International Society of Nit Pickers wanted to have their convention at the same time, we’d get bumped.

That brings us to the present, The Metro Toronto Convention Centre – the whole nine yards!

I hope you will take the opportunity to exhibit in this unique environment. The emphasis is on knowledge and networking instead of large expensive displays. You can exhibit what you can carry in and simply use the table provided or put up a small pop-up booth if you choose. A half day commitment and an excellent networking opportunity.

As a visitor you will see a compact, organized exhibition of over 200 vendors of construction products and services.

See you there! 2011 marks our 33rd annual show.

Bob Mercer, FCSC
Trade Show Chair