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.
Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events team helps planners create unforgettable meetings and conventions in Canada’s capital.
With expert support from bid preparation to post-event services, they tailor solutions to meet each event’s unique needs. Ottawa offers world-class venues, vibrant culture, and natural beauty—making it a standout destination. Through programs like Think Ottawa, the team partners with local Leaders to attract global events and drive impact. Complimentary services, planning tools, and financial incentives ensure a seamless experience. Whether hosting national or international gatherings, the Business Events team is committed to making every event in Ottawa a success.
Ottawa’s sectors
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.
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. Industry leaders such as ADVA Optical Networking, Nokia, Ciena, Cisco, Fujitsu, ENCQOR 5G, and Infinera have all established a strong footprint here.
Aerospace, Defence and Security
As a G7 capital, Ottawa hosts over 170 foreign missions and key federal institutions including National Defence, the RCMP, Public Safety, and Transport Canada. Its close ties to extensive R&D infrastructure, top-tier universities, and leading global companies create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. With the highest concentration of tech talent in North America, Ottawa offers a globally competitive environment where advanced air and defence systems (ADS) flourish.
Engineering
Ottawa is a powerhouse for engineering innovation, backed by 65 federal research labs and world-class institutions like the Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre. From robotics and AR/VR to smart mobility and cleantech, the city’s engineering ecosystem thrives on deep R&D capabilities, advanced hardware expertise, and a rich network of global industry partners. With Area X.O’s cutting-edge infrastructure and the highest concentration of tech talent in North America, Ottawa is the launchpad for engineering breakthroughs across sectors.
Software
Ottawa ranks among the leading global hubs for innovation and tech talent, attracting the world’s top software firms. Industry giants like Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, and IBM have already established a strong presence here. And with new companies continually joining the scene, Ottawa’s tech ecosystem keeps expanding.
Cybersecurity
Ottawa’s vibrant cybersecurity cluster unites cutting-edge research, advanced engineering, and deep cyber expertise to safeguard digital information worldwide. With over 100 companies, it’s recognized globally for its specialized capabilities, products, and solutions in encryption, identity and access management, and vulnerability protection. This dynamic ecosystem plays a vital role in securing the digital landscape.
Cleantech
Ottawa is a national leader in clean technology, powered by a strong concentration of companies, government labs, and top-tier researchers. Global firms like Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Wesco, and Waste Management thrive here, with sector strengths spanning bio-refinery, recycling, smart grids, and green buildings. The city also hosts key federal agencies such as Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Sustainable Development Technology Canada, reinforcing its cleantech leadership.
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.
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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.
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Ottawa Tourism is dedicated to making your business meeting, convention or major event in Ottawa an unprecedented success.
