Connect in Ottawa newsletter – Winter 2025

Ottawa hosts Meet Week from February 24-28, 2025

Ottawa Meet Week is a four-day showcase of industry-leading events hosted by the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI Ottawa Chapter), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA Canada East Chapter), Destination Direct Canada and REVEAL Social. It’s a must-attend week of networking, inspiration and connections for Canada’s meeting and events community.

Destination Direct Canada (February 24-25, 2025) is a Hosted Buyer program designed specifically for Canadian meeting industry professionals. Instead of buyers wandering the trade show floor, DMOs (destination marketing organizations) set up their own branded suites in an all-suite hotel. Using matchmaking software, buyers pre-select appointments and join DMOs in their suites for 15-minute conversations.

Combine inspiration with efficiency and meet with DMOs from across the country in just two days and discover the perfect place for your next meeting.

Unwind and connect with industry peers at REVEAL Social (February 25, 2025). This Meet Week kick-off event gathers over 30 Canadian destinations for a night of delicious food, incredible prizes and great conversations. It’s also the 10th anniversary of this networking tradition.

Save the date for Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Tête-à-Tête 2025, hosted by Ottawa-Gatineau at the EY Centre. The event brings together leaders from associations, not-for-profits and government agencies across Canada to explore a range of exhibitors offering innovative products and services tailored to help you reach your organizational goals.

Ottawa Tourism’s own Mary Sayewich (Director, Strategy & Projects) will be speaking on a panel addressing impactful partnerships, “Social Responsibility in Action: A Case Study in Your Community” alongside Jean-François Archambault (Founder & General Director) of La Tablée des Chefs.

Registration is free for association and not-for-profit executive directors, employees, meeting and event planners and government procurers.

Ottawa Meet Week is your chance to experience why Ottawa is a leader in the business events community and to connect with the people who make it all happen.

Ottawa’s new O-train line connects the airport to downtown

Ottawa’s public transit is evolving to better serve business travelers, with the opening of the new O-Train Line 4, known as the Airport Link. This convenient and sustainable transit option connects Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to downtown with ease.

Riders can board Line 4 at the airport, travel to South Keys Station, transfer to Line 2 and continue to Bayview Station. From there, Line 1 provides a seamless connection to the heart of downtown Ottawa. Visit OC Transpo for more details and trip planning options.

Air Canada resumes Ottawa-London direct flights

Starting March 31, 2025, Ottawa will gain direct access to one of the world’s busiest travel hubs! Air Canada is relaunching its non-stop international service between Ottawa and London Heathrow with four weekly seasonal flights, expanding to up to 63 flights per week by summer 2025.

From Heathrow, travelers will enjoy seamless connections to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, making global travel more convenient than ever.

As the only Canadian airline linking Canada’s capital directly to Europe, Air Canada’s service underscores Ottawa’s growing importance as a gateway for international travel.

Rogers Centre Ottawa welcomes new chefs and new menu

Rogers Centre Ottawa is set to elevate its dining experience in 2025 with a new menu that offers a first-class Canadian culinary journey. Partnering with top artisans, growers and suppliers across the country, the menu focuses on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, blending global dining trends with locally sourced, organic products for transformative culinary experiences.

The venue has also recently welcomed two talented chefs: Chef Mohammed, with extensive experience from Doha, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, including his role as Head Pastry Chef at Sarabeth’s Restaurant Chain and Chef Bernard, a Culinary Arts graduate from Cork Institute of Technology, who brings his expertise from luxury hotels and top-tier catering in Ireland and Vancouver. 

Turn meetings into memories at Winterlude

Imagine beginning your day with an engaging conference or business meeting and ending it by marveling at breathtaking ice sculptures, gliding along the world’s largest skating rink, or warming up with live performances that highlight Canada’s rich diversity. 

From January 31 to February 17, 2025, experience the best of the national capital region during the 47th edition of Winterlude — a celebration of culture, connection and all things winter.

Discover hundreds of Winterlude activities.

Exclusive group offer at Andaz Ottawa for February and March 2025

Andaz Ottawa is offering an exclusive group deal through March 2025. Room rates start at $199++ in February and March.

Enjoy up to 50% off meeting space rental with a food and beverage minimum, complimentary projector and screen and a complimentary upgrade to an Andaz Suite or two Deluxe Rooms (based on availability). You’ll also receive discounted valet parking and double World of Hyatt planner points.

Located in the heart of ByWard Market, Andaz Ottawa offers 200 modern rooms with stunning views of Parliament Hill, Gatineau Hills and the ByWard Market. The hotel features 4,500 square feet of flexible event space, two food and beverage outlets (including a luxurious rooftop lounge) and complimentary Wi-Fi in every room.

This offer is valid for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other promotion and may be withdrawn at any time. Bedroom rates are valid for 10+ rooms. 

To learn more or to submit an RFP, contact yowaz.rfp@hyatt.com. 

Leadership meets legacy with Think Ottawa

Ottawa is a hub for transformative business events, thanks in part to the Think Ottawa program. This strategic program, powered by Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism and the Rogers Centre Ottawa, identifies and supports local Leaders to leverage their expertise and influence in bringing national and international events to the city.

Think Ottawa is more than just a program — it’s a catalyst for collaboration and innovation. The program supports leaders by helping them craft compelling bids, build local organizing committees and connect with a network of industry experts. Leaders who bring major events to Ottawa not only elevate their sectors but also benefit from recognition, networking opportunities and career growth.

Seller Profile: Theresa Gatto

Theresa (BBA, CMP, DES) (Senior Manager, Business Events) leads Ottawa Tourism's efforts for the international market. During her 18 years with the team, she has collaborated with stakeholders to secure multi-million-dollar business events amongst the corporate, association and international markets throughout her tenure, thereby bolstering the economy of our nation's capital and supporting 43,000 jobs within the tourism sector.

She’s an award-winning sales professional with 20+ years of industry expertise that consistently surpasses sales targets while maintaining a client-centric approach and a passion for community service. As someone inherently drawn to connecting with others and dedicated to volunteerism, active engagement in our industry over the past two decades includes volunteer leadership roles within Meeting Professionals International, Canadian Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association and Meetings Mean Business Canada.

Meet the Business and Major Events team

Behind every unforgettable event in Ottawa is a powerhouse team of industry experts dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Get to know the Business Events team and discover how their passion, expertise and unwavering support can take your meeting to the next level.

• Ottawa Meet Week – February 24-28, 2025
  • REVEAL Social
  • Destination Direct Hosted Buyer Program
  • 2025 CSAE Tête-à-Tête
• Sport Event Congress – March 18-20, in Calgary

• Aqsarnitt Tradeshow & Showcase 2025 - February 17-20, 2025
• Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) Annual Conference 2025 – April 15-17, 2025