Connect in Ottawa newsletter – November 2021

Hybrid City Alliance wins ICCA Best Marketing Award

We are thrilled to share that the Hybrid City Alliance, of which Ottawa is a founding member, was the top winner of the 2021 ICCA Best Marketing Awards. This prestigious award recognises innovation and future-forward thinking during a very challenging year. Our partnership with The Hague Convention Bureau has allowed our Business Events team to collaborate with leaders from 22 destinations across 15 countries around the world. Thanks to Theresa Gatto for her many contributions to this joint effort on Ottawa’s behalf. To learn more about the Hybrid City Alliance contact Theresa at tgatto@ottawatourism.ca. Watch our entry video.

Launch of Hub350

On October 28, we celebrated the grand opening of Hub350. The Ottawa Tourism team is thrilled to be a part of this exciting partnership with Kanata North Business Association to help build a unique eco-system at Hub350, the gateway to Canada’s largest technology park. Together, we look forward to driving growth and innovation in Kanata North. Learn more about Hub350.

IAVSD 2023

We are proud to share that the 28th Symposium on the Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and on Tracks will take place in Ottawa August 21-25, 2023. Winning this bid was a joint effort, leveraging the Think Ottawa partnership between Shaw Centre, Invest Ottawa, and Ottawa Tourism. In addition, we are grateful for the additional support from Auto Guardian, Carleton University, and the National Research Council of Canada. More on IAVAD.

IMEX America November 2021

Ottawa Tourism was pleased to join Business Event Canada in the Canadian Pavilion at IMEX in Las Vegas this November. The show has over 12,000 participants and was the first in-person event for many, in almost two years. A highlight for our team was hosting 30 clients where we highlighted Ottawa Tourism and The Hague Convention Bureau as the European and Canadian destinations of choice for International Associations. Over the past number of years, a strong bond has been created between Ottawa Tourism and The Hague Convention Bureau. Due to the synergies of the two cities and building on the 75 years of friendship between countries, we continue to strengthen our partnership and find strategic co-hosting opportunities.

Speaking Engagements

Ottawa Tourism’s Senior Manager, Business Events, Theresa Gatto, is speaking on panels at the Prague Tourism Conference (November 2021) and the Penang Tourism Conference (December 2021) regarding the benefits of multi-hubs and the Hybrid City Alliance.

TIAC Tourism Congress

Ottawa is thrilled to host and participate in the hybrid 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress November 30-December 1, 2021, with in-person activation at the Westin Ottawa. This event promises two days of thought-provoking keynotes, insights into industry trends, practical and insightful sessions, and plenty of networking opportunities for in-person and virtual participants. Register for the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress.

Capital event links in Canada to London

As captured in Conference & Meeting World, this past September Ottawa Tourism hosted UK friends and clients with dinner at the Langham Hotel. It was wonderful to reconnect in-person and with messages from Ottawa virtually. Full article.

Destination spotlight – Ottawa

A great double page feature of Ottawa as the destination spotlight in the Autumn 2021 issue of Ignite magazine that includes highlights of how we meet now, including hybrid ready solutions. Full article.

How Ottawa is helping reimagine business events from Costa Rica to Japan

The Ottawa Business Journal interviewed Theresa Gatto regarding our work with the Hybrid City Alliance and how the “approach allows delegates to meet face-to-face in smaller groups, which will be vital in the recovery process post pandemic.” 

Ottawa drives agricultural innovation with first-of-its-kind smart farm

This article from Business Events Canada highlights the Smart Farm at Area X.O in Ottawa, a real futureplex of innovation and collaboration. The Smart Farm provides access to cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous systems, sensors, big data and robotics — not to mention one of the most advanced, integrated communications test infrastructures in the world. Full article.

Ottawa: Unleashing new possibilities in agribusiness

Business Events Canada highlights Ottawa-area business Dairy Distillery, who disrupted how things are done. Seeing the milk sugars discarded in milk production, and then working in conjunction with University of Ottawa’s biology department, the prefect process of converting milk sugar into spirits was born. Full article.

Ottawa welcomes a new kind of stay and event venue - reStays

Get creative with events at reStays. The new boutique hotel is in downtown Ottawa hosts stunning views of Parliament Hill. reStays houses an exceptional series of modern venues for you to choose from. The Sky Lounge (1200 SQFT | up to 30 guests) and Private Lounge (1200 SQFT | up to 75 guests) are two of the most sought-after spaces. Each room offers exquisite dining and cocktail areas with Instagram worthy settings, as well as smart tv and private washrooms. Discover breathtaking views of Parliament Hill in the Sky Lounge and enjoy the full bar set with friends. For more intimate events, choose to host dinners in the Private Lounge, which has a full kitchen. The 24/7 concierge team is always available to help you make your dream event a reality.

reStays is unique because it welcomes options for a wide variety of differing events. Besides the traditional event spaces, reStays also has a theater, board room, courtyard, and games room- all places in which events can be held. Book a private showing with popcorn and treats in the Theatre (400 SQFT | includes 11 smart tech recliner chairs) or try and beat your party in a game of billiards in the Games Room (400 SQFT | up to 30 guests), which has a smart TV and a Bluetooth speaker. reStays is designed for business and pleasure. Think about hosting your next team meeting in our board room (400 SQFT | up to 9 guests), which is equipped with first-class conferencing technology. Afterwards, take your employees to the courtyard (3000 SQFT | up to 200 guests) for drinks, music, hors d’oeuvres, and perhaps a screening with our projector. The elegant atmosphere of each space is sure to please each guest.

To bring your event to the next level, include catering. reStays is partnered with a selection of charming restaurants: Le Moulin De Provence K-D, La Bottega Nicastro, and Riviera. A business conference or a wedding at reStays is the perfect setting to include our partners in. To ensure that each of your guests has an exceptional time, have them stay with us. Our hotel is ready to house your entire guest-list. Make get togethers easier by having everyone within rooms distance. From booking to the party, reStays can accommodate you every step of the way. The location, the venue, the catering, the service-it all happens at reStays. Get in touch with our concierge team to make it happen.

If your vision is to host an event that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, choose reStays. Our scenic views, luxurious spaces, unique amenities, and exemplary service will ensure that your party is stellar from start to finish. The only thing you will need to worry about is bringing the good times. If you are interested in hosting an event at reStays, please contact corey@restays.com or call 613-222-4795. Learn more about reStays.