Ottawa boasts a wealth of outstanding tourist experiences, as highlighted by Ottawa Tourism’s “Oh! To Ah!” campaign. And with the iconic Parliament Hill dominating the skyline, the city’s political importance is unmistakable. Yet, it is the wave of public and private investments, along with the collaborative work of key organisations, that is driving Ottawa’s emergence as a top destination for world-class association conferences, business meetings, events, and exhibitions.
Firstly, improved access to and from the city has played a significant role in Ottawa’s growth and will continue to do so. Air France added a direct route in 2023, and Air Canada is reinstating its direct route to and from London Heathrow in 2025. The latter – relaunching in March after a four-year COVID-related hiatus – will naturally strengthen Canada’s connection with London and the rest of Europe, as well as overseas markets. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights operated by Air Canada will come with Wi-Fi and gourmet meals created by Canadian celebrity chefs. Passengers can also join the Aeroplan loyalty programme and have the opportunity to access Maple Leaf Lounges.
Air France and Air Canada’s five weekly non-stop flights to Paris and London respectively will be a huge boon for both leisure and business travellers and make Ottawa more attractive as an event destination.
On the ground, Ottawa’s hospitality and venue infrastructure has been rapidly expanding. Leading the charge is the Shaw Centre, Ottawa’s iconic conference venue. It was recently named the ‘World’s Best Convention Centre’ by the AIPC and for good reason: aside from the 192,000 square footage of meeting space, the centre boasts progressive waste management and efficiency programs as well as advanced accessibility features – not to mention panoramic city views.
Then there’s the upcoming renovation of the former Chapters bookstore into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Developed by the country’s leading entertainment provider, Live Nation, the new event venue is set to transform the downtown area into a sought-after location for concerts and conferences alike. The 2,500-capacity venue promises an intimate, dynamic setting for a range of events with top-of-the-range sound and lighting systems, and a variety of amenities including flexible seating arrangements and multiple bars. Due to open in 2025, the development is already generating a lot of excitement.
Elsewhere, an influx of luxury hotels is imminent. Over the next three years, the AC Marriott, Moxy, Renaissance and Hard Rock hotels will arrive in the capital. Not all new builds, some will occupy old spaces, revitalising and bringing vibrancy to lesser used parts of the city. But all will offer superior event space and accommodation options for large-scale gatherings.
Beyond the venues, as Canada’s capital, Ottawa is a cultural hub. Most know the prestigious national museums (seven in total) but much of the city’s appeal lies in its hidden cultural gems. Local festivals, unusual attractions and intimate galleries abound (think, light shows, historic amphibious tours, multisensory baths and vintage fairs). A testament to Ottawa’s creative, cultural scene, these lesser-known adventures enhance any business trip or event itinerary.
Ottawa’s transformation hasn’t come out of nowhere, rather, it’s being driven by a keen recognition of industry needs and trends. The city’s latest tourism strategy includes various initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of business events, enhancing the economic vitality of local communities, and preserving the city’s unique cultural heritage.
Sustainability is an obvious priority, and Ottawa is keen to build a more resilient and regenerative business events industry. In May this year, for example, the city launched a food recovery program in partnership with La Tablée des Chefs. The program tackles food waste and food insecurity in the community, specifically ensuring large-scale event venues in the capital are equipped with the necessary resources to donate surplus food to local organisations.
Additionally, Ottawa is championing green-certified hotels and eco-friendly convention venues who are focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable catering and minimisation of unnecessary travel.
And now, as a ‘Rainbow Registered’ organisation, Ottawa Tourism is proving itself as an inclusive and welcoming leader in the city’s event infrastructure at a time when ED&I is a key factor in destination selection for many conference organisers. And as the city looks to the future, an upcoming accessibility review will further ensure that Ottawa is prepared to meet the diverse needs of all conference and event participants, reinforcing its position as forward-thinking.
Strategic, city-wide partnerships have been equally pivotal in enhancing the city’s conference profile. Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, and the Shaw Centre’s Think Ottawa Leader program, for example, empowers local Leaders to make their mark by becoming Ambassadors, who host impactful association conferences in their respective fields. These Ambassadors are in turn supported with venue sourcing, bid development and marketing. Through this collective effort, Ottawa has already successfully hosted a range of major international events, with more on the horizon.
For those looking to host leading business events in a city that combines innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity, Ottawa is ready to deliver.
For more information, contact the Meetings and Conventions team or visit ottawatourism.ca