Think Ottawa Gala 2026

The Think Ottawa Gala, first held in 2019 and again in 2024, makes its return this year at the Rogers Centre Ottawa.

Think Ottawa is a collaborative program by Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, and the Rogers Centre Ottawa, designed to support local Leaders in bringing the city’s next major conference, convention, or event to Ottawa.

This year, all three partners, alongside esteemed attendees, will come together to celebrate and recognize the exceptional contributions of local Leaders who have partnered with Think Ottawa to connect with impactful events and leave a lasting impact on their industries.

The evening promises to be unforgettable, featuring inspiring speeches, exquisite food and drinks, and the warm company of industry peers.

It’s an event where connections are forged, achievements are celebrated, and the future of industries is shaped.

We hope you can join us on February 12, 2026. Final details will be shared soon.

If you have any questions, please connect with Emily Marchi at emarchi@ottawatourism.ca

Before You Register

Ticket Types:

Program Facilitator
For employees or board members of Ottawa Tourism, Rogers Centre Ottawa, or Invest Ottawa.
You can register yourself and one additional guest (your potential Leader).

Ottawa Tourism Partner
For those who have already confirmed interest through the Partner Buy-In.
You can register yourself and up to 7 guests.

Standard Admission
For general attendees, including Think Ottawa Leaders.
Think Ottawa Leaders may bring one guest.
You can register yourself and a plus one.

Recognized below are the Leaders who won from previous years. 

2024 Think Ottawa Award Winners 

• Abdulmotaleb El Saddik, Association for Computing Machinery International Conference on Multimedia 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in International Events
• Alastair Baird, Ontario Winter Games 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Sports
• Austin Moulton and Michael Sangster, National Association of Career Colleges 2022, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Small Events
• Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, United Nations 4th session of the International Negotiation on a Future Treaty for Plastic Pollution 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Sustainability
• Dr. Donna Johnston, International Society of Paediatric Oncology 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Pandemic Resiliency
• Eric Rancourt International Statistical Institute World Congress 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Science & Mathematics
• IEEE Ottawa Section, IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (2022), and IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Conference (2023), Think Ottawa Leader Award in Multiple Event Support Leader
• Jennifer Stewart University of Ottawa Conventions and Reservations, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Community Partner
• Kaite Burkholder Harris, CAEH Canadian Conference on Ending Homelessness 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in National Events
• Marc Forgette, International Indigenous Tourism Conference 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Indigenous Events
• Mathieu Roy, Trans Canada Trail Network World Trails Conference 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Legacy
• Dr. Patrice Corriveau and Dr. Stephanie Gaudet, Association Internationale Des Sociologues de Langue Francaise International Congress 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Social Studies
• Paul Barnes, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers North America Conference 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Natural Resources
• Dr. Pawel Hawrylak, Dr. Guy Austing, and Ms. Kassaundra Richards, International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors 2024, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Information Communications and Technology
• SAAS North, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Signature Event
• Dr. Vivian Welch and Santina Lebrun, What Works Global Summit 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Life Sciences
• Dr. Wei Huang and Luke Steiginga, IAVSD 28th Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and on Tracks 2023, Think Ottawa Leader Award in Advanced Manufacturing  

2019 Think Ottawa Award Winners 

• Andre Staudte and Tim Kirchner, International Conference on Photonic, Electronic, and Atomic Collisions 2021
• Branislav Djokic, IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference 2022
• Carmen Patry, International Symposium on Air-Breathing Engines Conference 2022
• Carole Yauk, Francesco Marchetti, and Paul White, International Conference on Environmental Mutagens 2022
• Constance Crompton and Shawn Graham, Alliance of Digital Humanities Organizations Conference 2020
• Daniel Benoit, North American Congress on BioMechanics 2019
• Heather Brittain, World Meeting of the International Society for Research on Aggression 2022
• Jessica Dunn, Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Public Health and Policy Conference 2022
• John Sobey and Victor Dillabaugh, International Association of Firefighters Convention 2022
• Wahab Almuhtadi, IEEE Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers
• Enrico Del Castello, International Metropolis Conference 2019
• Dr. Donna Johnston, International Society of Paediatric Oncology 2023

Instagram

• Consumer-facing: http://instagram.com/ottawatourism

Facebook

• Consumer-facing: https://www.facebook.com/visitottawa

LinkedIn

• Organization: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/ottawa-tourism