Our History

MMPI Canada has nothing short of an eclectic history, bringing together some the best event producers and managers in Canada. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) became active in the Canadian market in 1998, when they signed an agreement with the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) to manage IIDEX, now known as IIDEX/NeoCon Canada. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. was originally created to manage the Kennedy family’s portfolio of real estate assets, which was largely concentrated in the showroom business and included the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, the current location of the MMPI head office (pictured above).

Over the years, several shows and their management were added to the MMPI Canada event roster, creating a diverse portfolio of conferences, trade and consumer shows. During this period, MMPI Canada expanded its events into multiple Canadian cities, as well as extending their expertise to create new events such as Conversations in Design, part of the Toronto International Design Festival and the Winnipeg and Saskatchewan Real Estate Forums. MMPI Canada’s newest additions, the Atlantic Real Estate Forum and the Delicious Food Show, launch June 2011 and October 2011 respectively.