Connect in Ottawa newsletter – Summer 2024

Air Canada resumes London Heathrow to Ottawa non-stop international services

Air Canada will now serve London Heathrow from six Canadian cities. Four weekly seasonal flights begin March 31, 2025, with up to 63 weekly flights in summer 2025. There will be a variety of connections at Heathrow across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

This is the only Canadian airline connecting the capital of Canada to Europe.

The Lord Elgin Hotel expands with latest event space

The Trillium Room & Patio at the Lord Elgin Hotel is a stunning new event space, offering 1,554 square feet of bright, airy ambiance — perfect for receptions, weddings or meetings. Conveniently accessible from the hotel lobby, this venue can accommodate up to 100 guests, including the patio.

Stefano Iaconcic joins the Les Suites Hotel Ottawa Sales Team

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa is proud to introduce the newest member of their Sales Team. Stefano Iaconcic joins Team Les Suites as Sales Manager, bringing with him a wealth of hotel experience and passion for the industry.

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals offers accessible cargo bike

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals introduced an electric cargo bike that’s designed for accessibility. Perfect for families with young children, individuals with mobility needs or anyone who prefers not to pedal, this bike offers a great way to enjoy outdoor adventures.

This accessible option features a roomy cargo area, customizable seating and various safety features. It’s available for both guided and self-guided tours. Learn more about the bike.

VIA rail increases services between Ottawa and Toronto

Enhanced service between Ottawa and Toronto begins with the introduction of several new departures. Passengers who want to arrive in Toronto before 9 a.m. can take advantage of the new 641 early-morning frequency from Monday to Thursday between Ottawa and Toronto. Train 644, which used to only offer three departures a week between Toronto and Ottawa, is now available daily.

Read the press release and review the complete 641 timetable.

Ottawa welcomes 2024 CSAE Conference this fall

The 2024 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Conference will take place in Ottawa from October 29-November 1. Ottawa is the ideal destination to host an event whose theme of the year is connection. Seasoned association leaders and innovative emerging leaders from across the country will gather to network with peers and industry experts in a city that connects the entire country.

Attendees can expect engaging sessions on topics such as generative AI, strategic transformation and Indigenous knowledge that is imperative to the future of the national association business. In between sessions, visitors can participate in spectacular social events energized by the passion of associations. Ottawa is a vibrant, walkable city with award-winning restaurants, iconic attractions and cultural landmarks.

Get ready to connect, inspire, and lead—right in the heart of Canada.

Register now.

Ottawa to bring the world’s trails together at World Trails Conference

From September 30 to October 3, 2024, the World Trails Conference, led by Trans Canada Trail and the World Trails Network, will take over the city. Hosted at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre, the event is committed to achieving carbon neutrality.

The event has partnered with Synergy Enterprises who has given them recommendations and will monitor the conference’s environmental impact. They’re also working with Bullfrog Power for 100% green electricity.

The conference will focus on impactful details, including offering low-carbon menus with locally sourced ingredients, encouraging eco-friendly transportation and offsetting any unavoidable emissions with carbon credits. They’re implementing waste management strategies and a “leave no trace” policy.

This dedication to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with Ottawa’s commitment to hosting more sustainable events. As a premier destination for conferences seeking global recognition, Ottawa is also devoted to leading the way in sustainable event practices.

Learn more about the World Trails Conference’s sustainability efforts and register for the conference.

Team Ottawa stands out at CMEE 2024

Canada’s largest show for meeting professionals, the Canadian Meetings and Events Expo (CMEE) took place in August 2024 in Toronto, and Ottawa Tourism made a strong impact with hosting, sponsoring, and networking activities throughout the week.

Julie Clement (Manager, Business Events), Laura Matley (Manager, Business Events) and Lizzy Low (Manager, Business Events) hosted the Ottawa booth alongside 12 hotel and convention partners across two days.

Ottawa Tourism also sponsored keynote speakers, Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe of Mandy’s, a build-your-own salad bar. The Ottawa booth boomed with visitors as the location of the “salad sisters” book signing for their second cookbook. Each planner that received a signed book also received a bookmark created by Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) to spread awareness and resources for anti-human trafficking efforts. Did you know that Ottawa is, to our knowledge, the first destination in Canada to commit to a long-term action plan against human trafficking?

Ottawa Tourism also gave away three World Juniors Prize packages at various events, hosted an elevated bowling event with Meeting Encore and 20 of their planners and clients and witnessed Tuesday Johnson and TAP Resources take home the Big Idea Award from the CMEE Hall of Fame. The honour was given based on their recent partnership with Ottawa Tourism on a “Building Better Business Relations with Indigenous Groups within the Tourism Sector” workshop.

The Business Events team had a significant presence throughout the week of CMEE activities.

Seller Profile: Lizzy Low

Lizzy has been with the organization for eight years and leads the corporate meetings market, helping to secure corporate conferences and meetings in the nation’s capital. Giving back to both the industry and our community is a priority, and Lizzy is an active member of both MPI Ottawa and Toronto chapters. Lizzy is passionate about specifically spreading awareness and education on the role tourism can play in disrupting Human Trafficking; she has the privilege to serve on the Board of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking as well as the MPI Global Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.

Ottawa to host Meeting Professional International’s “the EVENT” this September

Meeting Professional International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association in the world, and its latest international signature event is making its homecoming this September 22-24 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa. Originally launched in 2018 by MPI Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal/Quebec Chapters, MPI acquired the EVENT late last year.

As this event returns to its original venue — a four-diamond hotel and conference centre — attendees can expect keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and social events that highlight Ottawa’s vibrant culture, along with a few surprises.

Ottawa Tourism representatives, Patrick Quirouette (Assistant Director Sales, Business Events), Julie Clement (Manager, Business Events), Laura Matley (Manager, Business Events) and Lizzy Low (Manager, Business Events) are looking forward to connecting with attendees.

Lizzy Low will also be speaking on a panel by Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) as a member of their board of directors. Did you know that Ottawa Tourism has an Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan?

The exclusive Ottawa Signature Event takes place this September

Ottawa Tourism’s Sales Team is transforming a traditional FAM tour into an exclusive exploration of Ottawa curated specifically for esteemed clients. The new Ottawa Signature Event gathers clients in Canada’s capital for a standout day of entertainment, networking and cultural experiences. Participants will discover unique offsite venues, delicious eats and dance the night away with exclusive access to a VIP section at CityFolk Festival as they enjoy Canada’s own The Beaches.

Celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ culture while meeting in Ottawa

Ottawa offers delegates a unique opportunity to connect with Canada on an international stage, complete with a welcoming, inclusive spirit. Read the Ottawa Tourism Business Events’ latest blog and discover how you can support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community while meeting (and having fun) in the city.

Meet the Business Events and Major Events and Sport Team

Ottawa is an incredible host destination that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. From intimate or international business meetings to elite sporting events, our city offers an unmatched setting for successful events.

Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events and Major Events and Sport teams are experts in orchestrating seamless, impactful events. They ensure every event in Canada’s capital exceeds expectations. Partner with Ottawa Tourism and elevate your event to the level you’re truly dreaming of.

• PCMA Foundation Partnership Summit – September 5-8, 2024, in Tulum
• IMEX America – October 7-10, 2024, in Las Vegas
• ICCA Congress – October 20-23, 2024, in Abu Dhabi
• FICP – November 10-13, 2024, in Denver
• IBTM World – November 19-21, 2024, in Barcelona

• 2024 Trillium Championships – August 29-September 1, 2024
• 2024 Canada’s Drug and Health Technology Agency (CADTH) Symposium – September 4-6, 2024
• DEMO Outdoor Forestry Event – September 19-21, 2024
• International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) – September 19-21, 2024
• Century 21 Real Estate Canada Annual Conference 2024 – September 23-25, 2024
• Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention (CEPCA) 2024 – September 24-26, 2024
• Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR) Annual Conference 2024 – October 7-9, 2024
• 2024 Amazon Web Services Summit – October 9, 2024
• Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Annual Conference 2024 – October 29-November 1, 2024
• 2024 National Conference on Ending Homelessness (CAEH) 2024 – October 29-31, 2024
• 2024 Ontario Federation Of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Cross Country Running Championships – November 1-2, 2024
• Canadian Bureau For International Education (CBIE) 2024 – November 3-6, 2024