After 11 days of star-studded action featuring over 300 feature film, short and series debuts, another installation of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is over — and boy, was it ever a good one! TIFF is always one of my favourite times of the year because it means meeting incredible actors and film talent, seeing amazing movies before the rest of the world, reuniting with tons of festival friends and getting my exercise in for the year. 😉

This year’s festival essentials included tons of water and caffeine, under-eye concealer, lip balm, my light-up phone case (best investment!) and, if we’re being real here, prior experience. To a first-year fest-goer, TIFF can be a stressful one. Luckily, I’ve been in your shoes — and am almost ready to consider myself a seasoned veteran after eight years!

Read on for five insider secrets on experiencing TIFF like a pro!

Look out for celebs everywhere in the city…

From Little Portugal, to Yorkville and of course the Entertainment District, celebrity hangouts and press spots were all over the city this year. Working next to The Hollywood Reporter’s pop-up interview suite in the Financial District definitely had its perks, bringing numerous famous faces (and free popcorn) to my locale. See the photo evidence below — hello, Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones! Even movie lovers in Leslieville could enjoy a celeb run-in, as Tom Hanks, at TIFF for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, made headlines for his surprise appearance at Grinder Coffee. The coffee shop caught the attention of Ryan Gosling last year in a similar viral campaign. Too good!