From queer-owned spaces to inclusive tours and year-round pride, Ottawa is where community, creativity, and celebration come together.
Connect. Then explore in Ottawa.
Ottawa puts your event on a national stage — and surrounds it with experiences you won’t find anywhere else. When you meet in Ottawa, you gain access to world‑class venues where delegates can build strong professional connections before exploring the outdoor adventure and cultural richness Ottawa is known for. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is home to decision makers at all levels and thought leaders across a variety of sectors which makes it a unique place to meet whether you’re hosting provincial, national or international gatherings.
Ottawa Tourism is dedicated to making every event in Ottawa a success. With complimentary services, planning tools and financial incentives, Ottawa Tourism ensures a seamless event experience from start to finish.
Ottawa’s sectors
Software
Ottawa ranks among the world’s top hubs for innovation and tech talent, attracting software leaders like Microsoft, Oracle, SAP and IBM. A steady pipeline of startups and scale-ups, strong research ties and global market access keep the city’s tech ecosystem dynamic and expanding.
Information and Communication Technology
Ottawa stands as a premier center of innovation, driven by leading optical networking companies that tap into the city’s deep pool of skilled tech professionals. Global telecom giants recognize Ottawa as a powerhouse for cutting-edge research and development.
Cybersecurity
Ottawa’s cybersecurity sector blends advanced research, engineering strength and deep industry expertise to protect digital information worldwide. With 100+ specialized companies, the city is globally recognized for leadership in encryption, identity management and vulnerability protection.
Aerospace, Defence and Security
As a G7 capital, Ottawa hosts 170+ embassies, missions and federal institutions including National Defence, RCMP, Public Safety and Transport Canada. Combined with leading universities, R&D infrastructure and global firms, the city fuels aerospace and defence innovation.
Engineering
Ottawa is a powerhouse for engineering innovation, supported by 65 federal research labs and centres like the Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre. From robotics and AR/VR to smart mobility and cleantech, Area X.O and global partners accelerate breakthrough technologies.
Cleantech
Ottawa is a national cleantech leader, powered by innovative companies, government labs and top researchers. Global firms like Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Wesco and Waste Management thrive here, advancing bio-refinery solutions, recycling, smart grids and building technologies.
Life Sciences
Ottawa draws top life sciences talent from around the world thanks to its cutting-edge academic research, acclaimed patient-focused hospitals, and access to pioneering government laboratories.
Think Ottawa
Powered by the combined strengths of Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism and the Rogers Centre Ottawa, Think Ottawa is on a mission to bring the world’s most important conferences, conventions and events to the city.
Connect in Ottawa blog
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Getting to and around Ottawa is easy for meeting attendees
Ottawa is an easily accessible destination for travellers across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. -
10 things you probably didn’t know about Ottawa
Here are 10 things you probably don't know about Ottawa, from its booming knowledge-based industries to its world-class convention centre and unique off-site venues for events.
Hosting history
Acoustical Society of America Semi-Annual North American Spring 2025 Convention [Acoustical Society of America]
The Acoustical Society of America Spring Convention brought together acoustics experts to share leading‑edge work in sound, vibration and signal processing, and signal processing, featuring technical sessions, networking, and exhibits of the latest innovations. Ottawa’s robust acoustics research community, anchored by federal labs and universities, made it a natural choice for this premier gathering of sound science experts.
35th Annual INCOSE International Symposium (IS2025) [International Council on Systems Engineering]
The International Council on Systems Engineering’s 35th international symposium offered systems engineering professionals a premier platform for presentations, tutorials and global networking around practical and emerging applications of systems thinking. As a hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced systems engineering, Ottawa offered an ideal setting for global leaders in systems thinking to collaborate and innovate.
Pharmasave 2024 National Conference & Buying Show [Pharmasave]
The Pharmasave National Conference brought together independent pharmacy owners, suppliers and business leaders to explore new buying opportunities, merchandising strategies and health‑care service innovations across the cooperative’s retail network. With its strong life sciences sector and role as the heart of national healthcare policy, Ottawa provided a strategic environment for pharmacy leaders to align on future-focused retail and care models.
2024 International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) [Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada]
The 2024 International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) offered a rich program of workshops, presentations and networking opportunities focused on competency‑based education, trainee mentorship and the changing role of residency programmes in a complex healthcare environment. Home to leading medical institutions and national health organizations, Ottawa was perfectly positioned to host this global dialogue on medical education and professional development.
Frequently asked questions
Ottawa Tourism works with hundreds of event and meeting planners and professionals each year, hosting a wide variety of events of all sizes across multiple sectors, including government, technology, cybersecurity, aerospace, defence and security, engineering, clean technology, and life sciences.
Why Ottawa for your next meeting, convention, or event?
- Access to expertise: Ottawa connects you with leaders, researchers, and decision-makers in key sectors across government, technology, and life sciences to elevate your event content and create a meaningful attendee experience.
- Comprehensive event support: From bid development and venue sourcing to complimentary services and funding opportunities, Ottawa Tourism and its trusted network of partners are here to support your event every step of the way. The destination also provides the Responsible Events Guide, a practical resource designed to help planners advance their sustainability goals through initiatives such as Ottawa's À la Carte Food Recovery Program, making it easy to reduce event waste while supporting the local community.
- Unique venues: From world-class convention centres, including the award-winning Rogers Centre Ottawa, to internationally recognized hotel brands, boutique properties and unique off-site venues, Ottawa offers meeting spaces to suit events of every size and budget.
- Memorable experiences: Canada's capital offers delegates access to renowned attractions, including the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, vibrant neighbourhoods, rich cultural experiences, and outdoor exploration, all within a compact and walkable downtown core.
How can Ottawa Tourism help me plan and bring my event to Ottawa?
Ottawa Tourism's Business Events team offers the support you need to deliver a successful event every step of the way. Services include bid development, venue and hotel sourcing, site planning support, supplier recommendations, transportation guidance, and access to valuable planning resources to bring your event to life.
Event planners can also access financial incentives and visitor resources, including tailored itineraries and marketing support. Our Event Services team will be with you every step of the way once you choose Ottawa as your host destination.
Does Ottawa Tourism help me prepare and submit a bid?
Yes. Ottawa Tourism works alongside event planners and professionals throughout the bidding process to help put forward a strong proposal for Ottawa.
The Business Events team can assist by identifying venues and accommodations, connecting you to a strong network of trusted suppliers and subject matter experts, providing destination information, and coordinating site visits to strengthen your proposal.
What do I need to start the bidding process?
Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) through the Ottawa Tourism website or contact our Business Events team directly. Ottawa Tourism will work with you to understand your event requirements and help guide the next steps.
Connect with the team
Submit a request for proposal
Start planning with us today and complete the following RFP.
Contact the Business Events team
Connect with Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events team for expert support in planning meetings, conventions, and events that succeed in Canada’s capital.
