I’m no BizBash columnist, but after 15 years in the industry in Toronto, I have enough experience on the ground to be able to credibly write an article of this nature. So without any unnecessary fanfare, here are my choices for the coolest new venues of 2012 from a DJs prospective. 
STORYS BUILDING, 11 Duncan St. – When Virgin Mobile is looking for a place to host their holiday party, you know it better be urban, sexy and cool.  With the right lighting and speaker positioning, we set the stage for an amazing night, accentuating the venue’s already magical qualities.  Storys Building is similar to Queen Street’s Burroughes Building: centuries old former factory, converted to hip soiree spot, and an elevator that has seen more action than Pamela Anderson.  This venue has three floors, each with it’s own unique features, and some delectable in–house catering. 
ARCADIAN COURT & LOFT, 401 Bay St., Simpson Tower – In the 1970s, my mother was the catering manager at the Arcadian Court, apparently THE place for sophisticated women to lunch on chicken pot pie. With the recent renos, it’s now a hot spot to hold a private function.  In the past year we’ve done corporate events, product launches, fundraisers and weddings under the regal, high-arched ceilings, in large part to the events teams at Flip Events & Bassett Events. 
THE WESTIN PRINCE TORONTO, 900 York Mills Rd. – Growing up in North York, it still boggles my mind that I hadn’t entered this venue until this past year.  Deborah and her team are quite proud of the recent renos to the large banquet hall and the outdoor ceremony space, which has attracted the attention of some of Toronto’s top wedding planners. We’ve already received many requests for upcoming weddings there, so word has certainly gotten out. 
THE MARKET KITCHEN, 92 Front St. East – Last on our list is a space that is neither new nor reno’d, but makes the list for being damn cool.  Who wouldn’t want to host an event at the St. Lawrence Market?  The full-service kitchen is located on the second level, with an amazing overhead view of the food stalls, as well as a glass window looking out to the Flat Iron building and the rest of the city. In October we had one of the most fun weddings of the year there.  Not fancy by any stretch, but about as Toronto as you can get. 
Disclaimer: this is based on venues I had not DJed in before this year, and are either new to events or have undergone major renos.