Rogers Centre Ottawa A Partnership Rooted in Shared History and Purpose
Since 2019, the two capital cities have worked side by side to attract and deliver international business events, sharing intelligence, building legacy, and proving that collaboration can be a defining advantage.
The connection between Ottawa and The Hague (pictured left) stretches far beyond the meetings industry. During the Second World War, Ottawa provided refuge for the Dutch royal family, an act of friendship that blossomed into the ongoing tradition of tulip gifts from the Netherlands to Canada each spring, resulting in the Tulip Festival. That spirit of cooperation became the foundation for the H2O partnership eight decades later, now re-imagined for a globally connected industry.
Six years ago, Ottawa Tourism and The Hague Convention Bureau formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out shared objectives in the business events sector: joint sales initiatives, co-authored research, and a commitment to supporting hybrid and multi-city events. The partnership was renewed in 2024, marking five years of measurable outcomes, sustained engagement, and a strengthened trans-Atlantic bridge for associations.
“The alliance was born out of shared values,” says Stephanie Séguin, Vice President, Sales, Business & Major Events at Ottawa Tourism. “Together, Ottawa and The Hague serve as gateways to their continents, offering planners strategic access and deep expertise.” This vision of two globally connected capitals offering complementary strengths has proven both practical and powerful, positioning Ottawa as an established voice in the international association community.
A Capital Built for Collaboration
As the seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa offers unparalleled access to national institutions, research bodies, and international organisations. This environment provides associations with direct connections to policymakers, scientists, and innovators – a critical advantage for knowledge-based events.
The city’s compact, walkable downtown allows delegates to move easily between venues, the Rogers Centre Ottawa (right), a modern convention facility overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal, showcases the city’s event infrastructure and its commitment to sustainable practices.
Ottawa’s meetings ecosystem is reinforced by the Think Ottawa program, a collaboration between Ottawa Tourism, the Rogers Centre Ottawa, and Invest Ottawa. Through this initiative, local leaders (often experts in academia, government, and research help attract and shape international congresses. This integrated approach to bidding and hosting makes Ottawa not just a destination, but a partner in  creation, social and economic impact and community legacy.
The ISI World Statistics Congress
Perhaps the clearest demonstration of H2O’s impact came in 2023, when Ottawa hosted the 64th International Statistical Institute (ISI) World Statistics Congress (ISI WSC 2023). The event welcomed 2,000 delegates, including 1,500 international participants, to the Rogers Centre Ottawa, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a capable and connected global host.
Ottawa’s successful bid for the congress was strengthened by its collaboration with The Hague, which had previously hosted ISI and shared valuable insights into the bidding and delivery process. This exchange of expertise was the essence of H2O: two destinations working as one.
The Local Organising Committee, led by Eric Rancourt of Statistics Canada, was recognised with the Think Ottawa Leader Award in 2024 for outstanding leadership. Post-event, ISI representatives, including Shebani Mehta, visited The Hague to prepare for the 65th ISI World Statistics Congress in 2025 (WSC 2025), continuing the collaboration across continents.
For Rancourt and his team, the value of H2O was clear: Ottawa’s world-class infrastructure was complemented by The Hague’s institutional knowledge, resulting in an event that seamlessly bridged expertise, execution, and legacy.
Global Collaboration, Global Visibility
The success of H2O is not confined to individual events. The partnership is regularly showcased at international industry gatherings such as IMEX America, where Ottawa Tourism and The Hague & Partners jointly host buyer activations and share case studies of their collaborative approach.
These efforts highlight the tangible benefits of cooperation, such as extended reach, coordinated client support, and a unified service model that helps associations plan confidently across borders. The two cities also co-author research and white papers, underlining a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and thought leadership in the business events space.
For Ottawa, H2O is an expression of the city’s international mindset. As the meetings industry moves toward greater sustainability and legacy-driven impact, the Ottawa–The Hague alliance provides a working model of how cities can lead by sharing rather than competing. It demonstrates that true partnership, built on history, trust, and shared purpose, can shape the future of global association events.
Discover how your association can benefit from Ottawa’s international partnerships. Visit Ottawa Tourism to learn more about how the city and its global network can support your next congress or event.