Summer has arrived and with preparations well underway, young Armenians worldwide are buzzing about AGBU FOCUS weekend, as the world class event comes to Toronto this July. Now in its eighth year, the four-day affair will take guests through Toronto’s rich culture, neighborhoods and nightlife, offering visitors and locals alike a FOCUS experience like never before.

Since premiering in New York City in 2001, AGBU FOCUS has distinguished itself as a unique networking experience for global Armenian young professionals (YPs). What began as a signature anniversary celebration is now a sensational tradition, offering YPs an opportunity to connect with hundreds of international peers while highlighting the direct and positive impact of AGBU’s programs on generations of Armenians. Over the past 14 years, AGBU FOCUS has united over 2,500 YPs in six different cities: New York City (2001, 2007), Montreal (2003), Miami (2005), Chicago (2009), Paris (2011) and San Francisco (2013).

“As representatives of one of Canada’s most vibrant Armenian communities, we feel privileged to be hosting this one-of-a-kind global initiative. FOCUS 2015 coincides with the centennial of the Armenian Genocide and we feel there is stronger sense of unity and cooperation amongst all Armenians. We have no doubt that this very spirit will guide our discussions and help us find novel, effective ways for preserving our heritage and promoting our identity,” said AGBU FOCUS 2015 Chair Mihran Egavian.

Perspectives kicks off AGBU FOCUS on Thursday, July 23 with an engaging panel discussion and networking reception for guests to share viewpoints on a hot topic. The excitement continues day and night on Friday, July 24 where guests will explore the city through their palates during the first-ever FOCUS food crawl-Taste of Toronto-then later enjoy Club Night at Maison Mercer, one of Toronto’s hottest venues. Saturday, July 25 features FOCUS on Art at the Walnut Contemporary with an afternoon of art and photography, then a formal Gala in the evening at ARD with dinner and dancing. Brunch on Sunday brings the memorable weekend to close, giving YPs the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to their new friends.

This year, AGBU FOCUS is raising funds for AGBU Education Innovation projects and has pledged to fund the creation of e-learning apps supporting the mission to make learning Armenian in the diaspora fun and exciting. Having identified a gap in quality Armenian e-products for children, parents and teachers, AGBU is actively working with experts and reputable institutions and organizations to make educational apps, e-books, and online language courses readily available for all.

AGBU FOCUS is also dedicated to AGBU’s mission to expand the reach of the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. With partnership TUMOxAGBU locations opening in Gyumri and Stepankert, thousands of youth can take advantage of the unique after-school learning experience which has yielded many success stories in Yerevan. Guided by skilled teachers and advisors, students ages 12-18 receive unparalleled hands-on exploration of technology. To date, 10,000 students have attended classes at the flagship Yerevan center, with 100 children requesting enrollment each week. Determined not to turn a single eager learner away, TUMOxAGBU started registration this May for fall classes at the Gyumri location and plans to open a location in Stepanakert are in the works.

Tickets for AGBU FOCUS 2015 are on sale now and discounted accommodations are available at the Shangri-La Hotel. For more information about the weekend’s events and to register, purchase tickets or book hotel rooms, visit www.agbufocus.org. To donate to AGBU FOCUS 2015 in support of AGBU Education Innovation, visit http://agbufocus.org/team-view/donate/ or call AGBU at 212-319-6383.

For any other questions, please contact FOCUS Coordinator, Sharis Boghossian atfocus@agbu.org. Be sure to “Like” the AGBU FOCUS Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/agbufocus and invite your network of Armenian YPs to do the same.