International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF)

What is an international business events attraction strategy? 

An international business events attraction strategy includes a comprehensive plan to position a destination as an attractive hub for hosting international business events. Key components of such a strategy, with a goal on having a presence in the international market, include: 

• Infrastructure and Facilities: Ensure the destination provides top-notch venues, accommodations, transportation, and supporting facilities for international business events. Specifically, this includes a dedicated convention center or convention hotel
• Dedicated Financial and Human Resources: Allocating sufficient financial resources and skilled personnel to implement and execute the strategy effectively. This involves budgeting for marketing efforts and other initiatives critical to attracting and hosting international business events.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop effective campaigns that highlight the destination's strengths and advantages for hosting international business events. This may involve participating in global industry trade shows and engaging with international clients.
• Industry Collaboration: Building partnerships and collaborations with key industry players, associations, and organizations to enhance the destination's ability to attract relevant business events. 

By incorporating the need for a strong presence in the international market, an international business events attraction strategy ensures the destination actively engages with the global business events community, thereby increasing its visibility and competitiveness on an international scale.

What is a “citywide” event? 

To be eligible for ICAF support, the event under consideration must qualify as a “citywide” event. To do this, the event must attract a minimum number of delegates, specific to the destination submitting the application. This number will differ, according to the size of the destination, its infrastructure and its facilities. Check the Application Guidelines for details. 

What if we are bidding on multiple conventions? 

ICAF applications are made on a bidding opportunity basis, which means you must submit a separate application for each bid.  

What if multiple Canadian cities wish to bid for the same event? 

Every DMO should submit an ICAF application. The same Letter of Support will be provided to each DMO, to include with their respective bids. 

Can we apply for ICAF support after we have secured the event? 

No. The ICAF is not intended to financially support events already secured for Canada, only to provide financial commitments in the bid/consideration phase. 

What if we are bidding on an event that has come to Canada previously? 

The application will still be considered, but preference may be given to events that have not been to Canada within the past five years. 

Can any of this funding be used for leisure? 

No. This is dedicated funding for international business events only.

How will eligible applications be evaluated? 

Destination Canada will calculate the amount of ICAF funds that may be committed to the event bid by evaluating the value of the event using a scoring system built in collaboration with Destination Canada’s Business Events Advisory Committee and a third party specializing in the global meetings industry. 
 

The scoring system consists of two components:

1. A mandatory assessment of the event’s economic profile, including anticipated direct economic impact and overnight delegate attendance.

2. Optional bonus scoring offers DMOs the opportunity to increase their application score by demonstrating the potential broader social, economic and environmental impacts of the event.

While the scoring system is used to evaluate event bids, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval. In certain circumstances, an application may be determined to be ineligible, such as where there are risks associated with the event that make it unsuitable to support through ICAF. 

How is ICAF funded? 

Through Budget 2023, the Government of Canada announced $50 million over three years for Destination Canada to attract major international conventions, conferences and events. An additional $10 million was allocated in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement to further support the initiative. 

On April 17, 2026, the Government of Canada extended ICAF, committing an additional $15 million over three years. 

What has ICAF achieved? 

During its initial three-year mandate, ICAF fully allocated its funding and helped secure 116 major international conferences—projected to generate more than $800 million in economic impact for Canada.  

For every dollar invested, ICAF generates a 20:1 economic return and $1.36 in federal tax revenue.