Connect in Ottawa newsletter – Spring 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown now open

A new hospitality option has arrived in Ottawa! The AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown officially opened on April 24, 2025, offering 159 rooms with modern amenities like a pool, sauna, gym and five naturally lit meeting rooms. Located in the vibrant Byward Market neighbourhood, the hotel’s sophisticated design caters to both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy refined European-inspired breakfasts at the AC Kitchen and take advantage of convenient features like EV charging stations and USB-A receptacle plugs.

With a prime location near the Rideau LRT Station and walking distance from major attractions like the CF Rideau Centre and National Gallery of Canada, the AC Hotel ensures easy access to the best of Ottawa. This is the first of three Marriott-branded hotels slated to open in Ottawa, with the Moxy Hotel coming in early 2026 and the Renaissance Hotel in 2027.

Casino Lac-Leamy to welcome new $50-million convention centre

The Quebec government has announced a $50-million convention centre set to be built on the Casino Lac-Leamy grounds in the Hull district. Financed by Loto-Québec, the new 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed within two years. Once open, it will offer modern, spacious amenities to meet the growing needs of the Outaouais region. Construction will not disrupt casino operations, ensuring a smooth transition toward this exciting addition.

Ottawa Marriott Hotel major renovations underway

The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is undergoing a major upgrade, with plans to elevate its luxury and guest experience while maintaining its signature warmth. Renovations will include a full transformation of guest rooms, public spaces, meeting venues, and amenities, including modern workspaces and refreshed dining options. The hotel will also feature an enhanced health club, indoor pool, and upgraded event spaces, including the Summit Room and Victoria Ballroom.

The hotel remains fully operational during renovations.

Lord Elgin staff updates

After 21 outstanding years of hospitality excellence, David Smythe officially retired as General Manager of the Lord Elgin Hotel in March 2025. The Lord Elgin Hotel now welcomes Nancy Champagne as its new General Manager. With extensive experience in hotel operations and a deep commitment to guest satisfaction, Nancy is prepared to build on the Lord Elgin Hotel's strong legacy.

Rogers Centre Ottawa highlights 2025 event planning trends

Wondering what’s next for event planning? Rogers Centre Ottawa explores the emerging priorities shaping 2025, from immersive tech experiences to sustainable event strategies. Check out their blog post, “Top Trends in Event Planning for 2025,” for key insights

Ottawa Tourism celebrated business events across North America

Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events team took part in Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 3 and Business Events Industry Week (BEIW) from April 7–10. In Montreal, Lizzy Low (Manager, Business Events) attended the Montreal Venue Series (GMID Edition) at The Rec Room alongside Ottawa partners to connect with local meeting planners. In Toronto, Laura Matley (Manager, Business Events) participated in GMID activities at the Chelsea Hotel, where keynote speaker Cherry Rose Tan explored the evolving future of events. Laura and Adam Hassen (Rogers Centre Ottawa) also hosted six clients at a Toronto Blue Jays game.

Meanwhile, during Business Events Industry Week in Washington, D.C., Glenn Duncan (Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer), Lesley Pincombe (Vice President, Business and Major Events), and Nicholas Litt (Manager, Business Events) showcased Ottawa’s strengths to global industry leaders. The week concluded with the PCMA Visionary Awards, an evening recognizing innovation and excellence in the events sector. Through these celebrations and connections, Ottawa Tourism continues to advocate for the lasting impact of business events and promote Ottawa as a premier destination for meetings and conventions.

Team Ottawa connected with planners at Toronto Signature Event Venue Series

Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events team brought the Toronto Signature Event Venue Series to life, hosting two unforgettable days filled with curated experiences designed to surprise, connect, and inspire. Stephanie Seguin (Director, Sales, Business & Major Events), Julie Clement (Manager, Business Events), and Lizzy Low (Manager, Business Events) led two dynamic daytime networking events at the stunning The Dorset, where Toronto’s top corporate meeting planners connected over lunch through speed-dating-style appointments.

The evenings took guests on a journey from craft cocktails at La Plume's secret speakeasy to an elevated dining experience 38 floors above the city at Aera. Ottawa’s incredible meetings scene was represented by 14 destination partners, making each event a memorable moment and showcasing the capital's expertise in hosting business events. This event series is just one example of how Ottawa continues to make a lasting impression as a premier destination for meetings and conferences.

Ottawa Tourism at Sport Events Congress 2025

Ottawa Tourism attended Sport Events Congress 2025 by Sport Tourism Canada this past March in Calgary. Devin Jenkins, Joey Swarbrick (Managers, Major Events and Sport) and Laura Matley (Manager, Business Events) connected with sport organizations, explored hosting opportunities and showcased Ottawa as an incredible destination for sport events.

The congress was a valuable forum for discussions around major event trends, partnership opportunities and strategies to support rights holders in delivering exceptional events. It's a key opportunity to strengthen relationships and position Ottawa for future hosting success. 

Ottawa Tourism shares Responsible Events Guide at Meeting Encore 35th Anniversary

Ottawa Tourism joined industry colleagues this April to celebrate Meeting Encore’s 35th anniversary — a milestone that underscored the power of partnership, innovation and meaningful connections in the business events industry.

Meeting Encore is a Canadian team that connects meeting planners with venues to streamline the planning process and maximize event success.

At the anniversary event, Ottawa Tourism’s Mary Sayewich (Director, Strategy & Projects) participated in a session titled "Navigating the Now: Connecting Opportunity with Relationships and Innovation” and shared insights on how destinations and planners can collaborate to meet more responsibly.

Mary highlighted Ottawa Tourism’s Responsible Events Guide, a practical resource that helps meeting planners integrate sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility into the planning process. The guide also shows how easy it is to host responsible, community-minded events in Ottawa.

Whether you're just beginning or looking to go further, the guide offers actionable tips, local insights, and fresh ideas to help your event create a lasting positive impact and is available for free as part of Ottawa Tourism’s Meetings and conventions resources.

• Innovate Canada – May 27-30, in Calgary
• IMEX Frankfurt – May 20-22, in Frankfurt
• PCMA edUcon – June 1-4, in Louisville
• MPI Chicago Area Chapter Golf Classic – June 24, in Itasca
• ACCESSE25 Conference – June 23-25, in Philadelphia
• ASAE Executive Leadership Forum – June 25-27, in Montreal

• Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Joint National Conference – May 11-14, 2025
• Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Annual Conference – May 14-16, 2025
• 21st Annual Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) Conference – May 14-16, 2025
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show – May 29-June 1, 202
• Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CANSEC) – May 28-29, 2025
• Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation (CNSF) Conference – June 9-12, 2025
• Canadian Chemistry Conference & Exhibition – June 15-19, 2025
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and CNC/URSI Radio Science Meeting – July 13-18, 2025
• 35th Annual International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE International Symposium) – July 26-31, 2025