Connect in Ottawa newsletter – Summer 2025

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa now open

The $350 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, located on Albion Road, opened July 3, 2025, transforming the former Rideau Carleton facility into Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock destination.

The venue features a 150‑room music‑themed hotel (including 22 luxury suites), over 150,000 square feet of space, a 24/7 gaming floor with 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 table games, and a high‑limit area, plus 10 bars and restaurants — including the iconic Hard Rock Café and the upscale Council Oak Steakhouse.

The 2,200‑capacity Hard Rock Live venue grand opening on July 3 featured a signature guitar smash, headline concert by Avril Lavigne on Saturday, July 5 and the unveiling of a $100,000 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Ottawa Marriott Hotel appoints new General Manager

The Ottawa Marriott Hotel has named Colin Morrison as its new General Manager. Morrison brings over 30 years of hospitality experience, including leadership roles at ARC The.Hotel, Touchstone Resort, Hockley Valley Resort and most recently the Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites, where he led major renovations. He has also held senior positions with Sequel Hotels, Deerhurst Resort and beyond. Twice named Ottawa Hotelier of the Year, Morrison currently sits on the boards of TIAO, OGHA, the Bytown Museum and is a former Chair of Ottawa Tourism.

“We are thrilled to welcome Colin Morrison to the Ottawa Marriott,” says Kristine Dempster, VP Regional Operations. “His deep industry experience, strategic vision, and passion for hospitality make him the ideal leader to guide our hotel into the future.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown celebrates one-year anniversary

On July 16, 2025, DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown marked its first anniversary. Since opening in 2024, the hotel has welcomed guests from around the globe, hosted countless meetings, weddings and special events, and become a proud part of Ottawa’s downtown community.

A highlight? The hotel has served more than 150,000 of their signature chocolate chip cookies!

This milestone was made possible by the ongoing support of guests, a dedicated team and a strong connection to the local community.

JPdL welcomes new program manager to Ottawa team

James Wilson joined JPdL as new Program Manager in Ottawa. With a background of hosting corporate events, organizing conferences and trade shows across Canada and internationally, James brings a strong passion for creating memorable experiences and a keen understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service.

“I’m excited to join JPdL’s dynamic Ottawa team and to work closely with our local partners to bring events to life,” says James. “I look forward to contributing to the city’s thriving meetings and events scene and helping clients enjoy the best of Ottawa.”

As a full-service Destination Management Company (DMC), JPdL Ottawa specializes in customized group experiences, transportation, tours and special events. They would be happy to collaborate on any upcoming programs or client site visits. Feel free to reach out to Bernadette Byrne, Sales and Marketing Manager, at bbyrne@jpdl.com for more information.

Ottawa Tourism at IMEX Frankfurt 2025

IMEX Frankfurt 2025, which took place from May 20-22, 2025, was a massive success with 67,000 meetings booked, 4,466 total buyers and 2,900 exhibiting companies representing over 100 countries. This is the largest trade show of its kind in Europe for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry, and Ottawa Tourism had a strong presence there.

Representing Canada’s capital on the international stage were Theresa Gatto (Senior Manager, Business Events), Lesley Pincombe (former Vice President, Sales, Business & Major Events) and Glenn Duncan (Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer).

Ottawa hosted City Nation Place Americas 2025

This year, Ottawa had the honour of hosting City Nation Place Americas 2025 — a major win for the destination and for place branding in Canada. The two-day event on May 21 and 22 brought together leaders from across North America to explore the power of place and Ottawa’s vibrant, walkable and welcoming downtown proved the perfect backdrop.

Team Ottawa attending Canadian Meetings + Events Expo 2025 in Toronto

Ottawa Tourism is returning to the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE), taking place August 12–13, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It’s Canada’s largest and longest-running trade show for meeting and event professionals.

This year, Ottawa Tourism continues to focus on sustainability. Visit the Ottawa eco-conscious booth to learn how Canada’s capital is supporting more meaningful and responsible events.

As the Keynote Speaker Sponsor, Ottawa Tourism is proud to present Brandi Leifso, who will also be joining the booth for a special giveaway and signing experience following her session.

Ottawa Tourism is also partnering with Lionhearts Inc. to assemble soup kits for donation to local community groups. Planners will be invited to write kind notes for each kit, an activation that reflects À la Carte, Ottawa’s food recovery program, and an ongoing commitment to social impact. Visitors to the booth will also have a chance to win an exclusive trip to Ottawa.

Discover Ziigwan: An Indigenous Tourism Showcase

In May, Ottawa Tourism’s Business Events team hosted Discover Ziigwan: An Indigenous Tourism Showcase. This was an immersive journey through some of Ottawa’s most inspiring Indigenous cultural spaces led by former Business Events Manager, Julie Clement.

The experience brought attendees to key offsite venues including the Canadian Museum of History, Mādahòkì Farm, Mikinak Ceremonial Lodge and the National Gallery of Canada. The day highlighted the power of Indigenous storytelling, cultural performances and artistry, culminating in a memorable evening at the National Arts Centre featuring Métis singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume and her new album, The Truth We Hold.

“Ziigwan,” the Anishinaabemowin word for “spring,” symbolizes renewal and growth, and was a fitting theme for an event that celebrated how Indigenous culture and traditions can enrich both events and communities.

Measuring the impact of food recovery in Ottawa with À la Carte

Launched in 2024, À la Carte is the first destination-led food recovery program of its kind in Canada. Developed by Ottawa Tourism in partnership with La Tablée des Chefs, the initiative helps event venues donate surplus food to local community organizations to support people facing food insecurity and reduce environmental impact.

To date, the program has made some significant achievements:

• 184,433 meals recovered and redistributed
• 55,304 kilograms of food waste avoided
• 231 tons of greenhouse gas emissions prevented—the equivalent of taking 70 cars off the road for a year
• Water savings equal to 74 Olympic-sized swimming pools

The success of À la Carte is made possible thanks to the 19 dedicated community partners who have joined the program so far.

• Canadian Meetings and Events Expo – August 12-13, 2025, in Toronto
• Ottawa Signature Event – September 11, 2025, in Ottawa
• UK Association Sales Mission – September 16-19, 2025
• Washington Signature Event: Partners in Purpose – September 24, 2025, in Washington
• IMEX America – October 7-9, 2025, in Las Vegas
• CSAE Annual Conference 2025 – October 21-24, 2025, in Victoria
• 2025 Ontario Tourism Summit – October 28-29, 2025
• ICCA Congress 2025 – November 9-12, 2025, in Porto
• Chicago Signature Event: Partners in Purpose – November 12, 2025, in Chicago
• IBTM World: Meetings & Events Industry Expo – November 18-20, 2025, in Barcelona

• AMO 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference – August 17-20, 2025
• Global Nursing Summit 2025 – August 22, 2025
• Chartered Professional Accounts Canada – The ONE National Conference 2025 – September 18-19, 2025
• SARSCENE 2025 – October 1-5, 2025
• International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH) 2025 – October 5-8, 2025
• Folk Music Ontario Conference 2025 – October 15-19, 2025
• Mortgage Professionals Canada National Conference 2025 – October 18-20, 2025
• Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum 2025 – October 20-22, 2025
• 2025 Canadian Aerospace Summit – October 28-29, 2025
• SAAS North 2025 – November 5-6, 2025
• National Tour Association’s Travel Exchange 2025 – November 9-12, 2025
• Reach Out Centre for Kids – Ontario Intensive Treatment Pathway Symposium 2025 – November 16-18, 2025
• Tourism Industry Association of Canada Tourism Congress – November 18-20, 2025 (Gatineau)