MEETING OTTAWA-GATINEAU’S 2018 GUIDE TO CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING
in the Capital Inside
VENUE DIRECTORY: Updated details on more than
90
local options for your next event
A
COMPLETE GUIDE
for organizing:
• Company parties • AGMs
• Retreats • And more
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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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RIGHT: Upgrades to the National Arts
Centre created brand-new meeting spaces offering unique perspectives on the city. BELOW: The Canada Science and Technology Museum recently reopened its doors following a $80.5-million renovation project.
A message from Michael Crockatt President and CEO, Ottawa Tourism After the most exciting year Ottawa has known to date, 2018 is confidently asserting itself as the year of meaningful transformation! This year, Ottawa is making the most out of the legacy from Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations that boosted our tourism economy and positioned our city as a unique, accessible and welcoming world capital and incredible gathering destination for conventions and events for years to come. As we like to say at Ottawa Tourism, the party isn’t over! We are entering 2018 with a strong legacy of incredible tourism investments, adding to an already impressive list of unique off-site meeting venues: • The Canada Science and Technology Museum reopened its doors after undergoing an $80.5-million renovation project that left it entirely renewed; • A completely re-imagined Bank of Canada Museum positioning itself as the heart of the Canadian economic system; • The stunning new and avant-garde National Arts Centre façade which comes with brand-new public spaces offering stellar views of our city; • The Canadian Museum of Nature’s new Arctic Gallery, which gives
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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
visitors insight into Canada’s northmost region; • The new Canadian History Hall in Canada’s most visited museum, the Canadian Museum of History; and • The National Gallery of Canada’s newly integrated Canadian and Indigenous Galleries. These are only a few of the new, redesigned, renewed and reimagined spaces that appeal to meeting planners and leave visitors inspired. Ottawa Tourism’s meetings and events team continues to be hard at work as they welcome more than 155 large-scale meetings and conventions this year. The city will welcome 19 per cent more delegates than they did just two years ago, making 2018 another great year for events, meetings, and conventions. Our city has so much to look forward to this year: • A new Le Germain hotel opens this spring in a multi-use building after a $100-million investment in the redevelopment of the Arts Court complex; • Also in the Arts Court redevelopment, Ottawa will see the opening of the new Ottawa Art Gallery; • In May, the Rideau Canal welcomes the North American debut of Le
Boat, a company offering luxury self-drive boats allowing visitors to explore the entirety of the 202-kilometre canal at their own pace; • The Royal Canadian Geographical Society opens Canada’s Centre for Geography and Exploration at 50 Sussex Dr., which will also be the editorial offices of Canadian Geographic; • The Parliament of Canada’s Centre Block renovations commence in September, as the West Block’s new glass-covered courtyard debuts as the interim House of Commons and the Government Conference Centre serves as the meeting space of the Senate; and • The highly anticipated light-rail Confederation Line begins operation in November, wrapping up another exciting year and making our city more vibrant and more accessible than ever before. All of these initiatives contribute to reshaping the way people think and talk about Ottawa. We look forward to continuing to offer visitors the complete capital experience, telling the story of Canada and getting people talking.
Michael Crockatt President and CEO Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
HELLO BEAUTIFUL
FANCY MEETING YOU HERE We love showing off our city’s beauty to out-of-town guests, which is why we work with local members of both national and international associations to invite their organizations to meet here. You identify the opportunity and Ottawa Tourism will build a customized bid to win the business. Contact us and capitalize on what Ottawa has to offer!
OTTAWATOURISM.CA/MEETINGS Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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CONTENTS PUBLISHER Michael Curran
SEE PAGE
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EDITOR Peter Kovessy CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Regan Van Dusen Celine Paquette SALES & MARKETING Wendy Baily Cindy Cutts Carlo Lombard Victoria Stewart RESEARCHER Patti Moran
06 How I did it: Lessons learned
What’s inside Meeting in the Capital?
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Resources and howto guides on selecting venues, contracting suppliers and first-hand lessons from Ottawa executives.
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from planning the company’s anniversary party What’s new? Trends from around Ottawa Writing an RFP: How to engage suppliers AV: Making your event look and sound great Volunteers: Tips for staffing your event Scheduling: Major events and festivals in 2018 Venues: Details on more than 90 conference facilities, banquet halls and meeting rooms
Hindsight: Guy Laflamme reflects on organizing Canada 150 events for Ottawa’s big year. SEE PAGE 30
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran
www.obj.ca © 2018 Ottawa Business Journal Meeting in the Capital is published once per year by the Ottawa Business Journal. This publication contains information considered accurate at the time of printing. However, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. The Ottawa Business Journal is published by Great River Media Inc. All original contents copyright ©2018 by the Ottawa Business Journal. Information and opinions in Meeting in the Capital are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Information contained herein has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this is not guaranteed. Company listings are considered current at press time. PRINTED IN CANADA
Cover photo: The National Arts Centre fully reopened in 2017 with new public spaces overlooking downtown Ottawa.
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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
HOTELSUITES
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albertatbay.com | 1-800-267-6644 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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PERSPECTIVES Anderson had previously organized several weddings and other events and was asked to help co-ordinate Pythian’s anniversary event. The party turned out to be a huge success, with some 300 guests from 16 countries descending on the Canada Aviation and Space Museum for a night of celebrations. It took many months of advance planning, a hard-working committee and creative thinking. Here’s how Anderson and her team did it:
TAKING STOCK Before jumping straight into logistics, Anderson plotted a rough roadmap. What’s already been accomplished? What research has already been undertaken? What needs to be done next? She also explored the type of atmosphere she wanted to create, which helps to answer several more practical questions. For example, should it be a formal, sit-down dinner? Or more of a cocktail-style event with lots of mingling?
VENUE
Christina Anderson is the talent acquisition programs and operations manager at Pythian Group. She helped to organize the firm’s 20th anniversary party. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
How I did it
HR specialist Christina Anderson was tasked with organizing a major anniversary party for her firm. Here’s how she tackled it. In September 2017, the Pythian Group turned 20. It’s a major milestone for any company and is an especially significant landmark for a high-tech firm such as Pythian, which provides IT consulting and managed services. So, in other words, it was time to throw a
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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
big party. “We were ecstatic, really, that we were turning 20 years old,” said Christina Anderson, talent acquisition programs and operations manager at Pythian. “We wanted to bring the community that we work with together to celebrate.” While not a full-time event planner,
Selecting a physical location is one of the biggest decisions for any event planner. In Pythian’s case, Anderson explored a half-dozen venues before deciding on the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. In addition to making sure the space was an appropriate size, Anderson toured the sites armed with other questions. For example, she knew she’d have live bands playing. What are the acoustics like? When it comes to food and beverages, can they bring in their own caterer and alcohol? Once again, the desired atmosphere played a factor. Anderson knew there would be guests who hadn’t seen each other in years and wanted to ensure there were nooks and other areas were people could connect and talk. The museum also nicely tied in with the event’s theme of going forward with technology. “We wanted the venue to be quintessentially cool,” Anderson said. “The aviation museum inspires that idea of looking at technology (and) looking at how we can progress into the future.”
GUESTS Pythian has office locations around the world and wanted its global team to feel included. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
— SPONSORED CONTENT —
< Pythian Group president and CEO Paul Vallée at the firm’s 20th anniversary party. PHOTO BY ROSIE LEONARD
PROFILE
< Approximately 300 people attended the celebration. PHOTO BY ROSIE LEONARD
To enable as many staff as possible to attend, Pythian got creative and allowed employees to tap into their professional development budget to offset the cost of their flight and hotel. Communication was key, Anderson said. Information was included in the company newsletter and an FAQ was written up to explain what expenses would qualify. “We had to take a look at things like how would we get them to and from the event (as well as) to and from the hotel,”she added. This approach of enabling employees to use their own resources to co-ordinate travel logistics – rather than trying to tackle it all from Ottawa – helped keep the workload manageable. Several local staff also got into the spirit by offering their out-of-town colleagues a place to stay during their Ottawa visit.
TEAMWORK One of the biggest lessons Anderson said she learned was the importance of relying Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
on others for their expertise. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help (and) don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she said. That approach paid off. It turned out that a relative of one of the organizing committee members manages entertainers in the Ottawa area and was able to help arrange the musical lineup, which ultimately included Juno nominee Kalle Mattson, cover band Don Bilodeau and DJ Illo. Anderson also drew on the expertise of outside experts for specific components, such as Top Shelf Distillers to create signature cocktails for the event. She added that the work of the party committee, which consisted of her fellow Pythian colleagues Sisina Vivas, Lesley Slack, Jennifer Jackson and Bev Hemish, was invaluable. “I can organize and plan this all out … (but) I’m just the one holding the clipboard,” Anderson said, praising her team. “I couldn’t have done it without them.” — With reporting by Kieran Delamont
A beautiful conference hall overlooking the water An inspiring location on the Ottawa River. Choose Nepean Sailing Club for your next business meeting and allow our dedicated team to take care of your needs from start to finish. Full catering and bar services available, as well as use of the 12-ft screen and ceiling-mounted projector.
UNIQUE FEATURES This 1200-sq-ft hall seats 80-100 people for the perfect business retreat. Free parking. Fully accessible, including elevator.
SALES CONTACT Name: Heather Erven Phone: 613-829-6462 Address: 3259 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 1A6 Email: hospitality@nsc.ca MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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SPONSORED CONTENT
FACTS & FIGURES
8,400
Space details
Total meeting space in sq. ft.
3,630
3 major hotels within 15 minutes (Ramada, Hilton, Crowne Plaza)
Largest meeting room in sq. ft.
4
Shuttle buses available
320
Theatre capacity
500
Reception capacity
450
Restaurant capacity
500
Banquet capacity
Available parking Onsite, free, bus parking available
DAILY RENTAL RATE FROM $695
SALES CONTACT Name: Erin Boucher Phone: 819-827-1717 ext 2241 Email: eboucher@campfortune.com
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Group rates available
Number of meeting rooms
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
Onsite services One of the region’s most exhilarating event spaces is nestled in the heart of Gatineau Park, less than 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Camp Fortune offers a casual, relaxing atmosphere that’s ideal for gatherings of all sizes. From banquets to weddings to corporate retreats and more, Camp Fortune offers a beautiful outdoor setting coupled with a range of indoor spaces that allow for unforgettable experiences at this four-season venue. The location is particularly well suited to teambuilding events, given that the surrounding hills, fields and forests offer a private playground. You can bring your own activities, or take advantage of the onsite aerial park and ziplines, scenic chairlift rides and abundant hiking trails. In addition, Camp Fortune offers both a beginner disc golf course
Complimentary high speed WiFi Catering Recreation activities
Major events as well as the most challenging course in Canada, along with a free fall airbag jump, plus skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. At Camp Fortune, the food is as enticing as the environment. With 25 years of food service experience, the catering team serves up delicious casual fare as well as expertly-prepared haute cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a cocktail reception, buffet or sit-down dinner, you’ll enjoy many menu customization options.
“Our experienced staff makes arranging a group event effortless for you.”
Networking gala Wedding Company barbeque
Unique Features Relaxed, natural setting Scenic chairlift rides Private playground with tree top adventure and ziplines
ERIN BOUCHER, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER AT CAMP FORTUNE
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
TAKE YOUR MEETING TO NEW HEIGHTS Teambuilding Activities • Staff Appreciation • Company BBQ
Conferences • Meetings • Day Retreats • Banquets All conveniently located only 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the heart of the Gatineau Park.
Let us help plan your next event Contact us today: Erin Boucher Britney Amarica eboucher@campfortune.com 819-827-1717 ext 2241
bamarica@campfortune.com 819-827-1717 ext 2207
300 Dunlop Road, Chelsea, Québec, J9B 2N3 CAMPFORTUNE.COM
Insta
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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TRENDS
Ashbury College’s signature gala in 2017 featured an aerial bartender. PHOTO BY CAROLINE PHILLIPS
Innovative ideas and creative trends Observations from Caroline Phillips, a self-described ‘professional party crasher’ and OBJ.Social columnist
Ottawa’s premier full-service, event production and exhibit design company offering turn key solutions for the integration of stage design, lighting, sound, audio-visual and décor to create and customize events with uniqueness beyond expectations!
www.eventdesign.ca 613.739.3442 12
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
No event planner ever wants their annual gala to be sameold, same-old. Rather, it’s about coming up with new ideas and concepts to keep the evening feeling fresh and new. The hottest trend during Ottawa’s busy gala season this past fall was aerial acrobatics. The artists typically contort, spin, and even fly through the air, while hanging from a suspended fabric. I watched these graceful and thrilling shows at four separate galas that took place within a three-week period during October and November. While on the subject of lofty heights, the most creative way to serve drinks these days is from above. Aerial bartenders were featured
at two fall galas, serving champagne to guests while hanging upside down from giant hoops. It’s been a solid five years since I started seeing mobile photo booths popping up everywhere, allowing partygoers to grab oversized sunglasses, wacky hats, feather boas and other props, before mugging for the camera. The booths remain popular on the social scene, especially after guests have downed a couple of cocktails. Also trendy are high-end food trucks, particularly at outdoor parties. When choosing a venue, remember: Everyone likes a room with a view, whether it’s of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal or a beautiful and scenic golf course.
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Mar2016_OBJ_half_4c_CMN1618_facilities_2 2016-03-23 1:31 PM Page 1
HIRING SUPPLIERS
How to write an RFP
(and keep vendors happy) Tips on drafting a request for proposals If you’ve been tasked with planning a major event for your company – whether you’re a first-time event planner or have handled events in the past – the RFP (request for proposal) process is an important one that can make for smooth sailing, or make your life more difficult. Here are a few tips on making the process as smooth as possible:
“Look at what you can do and what kind of resources you can put into it. You’ve got to cost those resources out,” says David Dunlop, of D.R. Dunlop and Associates, a firm specializing in planning and managing events. The more specific you can be in your needs, the easier it will be for suppliers to return clear costed-out charts to you.
ESTABLISH YOUR GOALS
HOST DOCUMENTS IN THE CLOUD
The first part of any RFP should be outlining what you want to accomplish, and what the purpose of the event is. A little bit of early effort can save you a lot more work down the line. Veteran event planners recommend focusing on setting out clear goals for your event – what you are trying to achieve, who your company is, and why you are issuing an RFP in the first place – in order to save yourself some hassle down the road. By laying this out clearly at the start, you not only help clarify it in your own mind, but you help suppliers gear their proposals to you.
One thing that can help with organization is to avoid having to send out different files to all sorts of people. Keep all your documents – RFPs, proposals, etc. – in one place in the cloud, so that suppliers are easily able to reference the document, and your team does not need to send around a large number of files. When you get into the decision stage, there will already be enough to think about, so try to streamline where you can.
Get together in nature. RENT A SPACE IN NATURE OR HISTORY, ELEGANCE — for spaces grand to intimate — it’s only natural to consider hosting your event at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Minutes from Parliament Hill, this completely renovated treasure is perfect for private or corporate affairs. Make a statement with your next event, in Ottawa's only rental facility deep in the heart of nature.
THE ATRIUM THE BARRICK SALON
NATURE CAFÉ
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Atrium: Brian Scott. Barrick Salon: Melissa Johnston. Nature Café: Charlotte Field. Creative: STCstorytellers.com
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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OBJ Magazine
nature.ca
Spring 2016
FACILITY RENTALS: 613-566-4712 events@mus-nature.ca
insertion date
It’s important to work with other people in the process, especially if writing RFPs and planning events is not your main duty at your job. This will help you avoid missing things and will clarify your needs. “Don’t try to do it all by yourself,” says Dunlop. “If you’re in an office where as a part of your related duties you end up having to do a conference, you really do have to bounce ideas off people.” – By Kieran Delamont
96946 / Canadian Museum of Nature
COLLABORATE
publication
Things like budget, expected number of attendees, and other specific needs should be outlined clearly. Again, this is a process that is as much helpful for the planner as it is for the supplier. The more clearly you can pin down the specifics of what you need to do, the less time you’ll need to spend worrying about unknowns.
DASPLETOSAURUS
docket / client
LAY OUT THE SPECIFICS
CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE
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FACTS & FIGURES Onsite services
43,000
Complimentary parking
Total meeting space in sq. ft.
Complimentary WiFi
11,000
In-house catering
Largest meeting room in sq. ft.
37
Hotel Space details
Number of meeting rooms
576 onsite units
1,200 1,000
800
Theatre capacity
Reception capacity
Banquet capacity
550 complimentary underground parking spaces on site.
DAILY RENTAL RATE FROM $250
SALES CONTACT Name: Pamela DiNardo Phone: 613-288-3455 Email: pdinardo@ottawacec.com
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The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre isn’t just one of the National Capital Region’s largest event facilities; it’s also one of the most accommodating. Formerly known as the Hampton Conference Centre, it boasts two onsite hotels with a total of almost 600 rooms, abundant complimentary parking – including over 500 indoor spots – and a layout that incorporates natural light throughout, making it a warm, welcoming space. The atmosphere is enhanced by stellar service at all levels, including the impressive talents of the culinary team for whom customization is always on the menu. Often cited as offering the best food in the city, prepared in-house from scratch, the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre takes great pride in confirming their Chef’s commitment that no one will
Group rates available Two 24-hour fitness centres
Major events ever leave their venue hungry. To sweeten the deal, there are no gratuity charges on any food or beverages. From ballrooms to meeting rooms to classrooms to lecture halls, this impressive facility has loads of space and experience at hosting successful events of all sizes. Centrally located, it’s easily accessible by car, OC Transpo and VIA Rail. Whether you’re planning a networking breakfast, a convention or a charity gala, the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is the ideal venue.
“We’re constantly refreshing our menus and services to remain one of Ottawa’s most popular event venues.”
Charity galas Corporate conferences, tradeshows and education events Weddings
Unique Features Naturally-lit atrium; natural light in one ballroom and all meeting rooms Exceptional food Centrally located, easily accessible by car and public transit
PAMELA DINARDO, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, OTTAWA CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRE
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
AUDIO/VISUAL equipment used.
BE PREPARED TO PAY
Mapping out AV requirements Tips for working with specialists to make your next event look and sound great Let’s face it: The technology being incorporated into events is getting more complicated. There are a litany of new, 21st century decisions to be made: televisions or a projector? Do you need to livestream it? Do you need Wi-Fi for your attendees? When you need to put together a successful event on top of your other duties, it can be hard to juggle all these questions. We spoke to a technical events specialist about what people tasked with planning an event can do to make sure it goes smoothly.
THINK ABOUT SPACE Some event planners neglect to properly reflect on how much space they have and how much space they need, says Victoria Lamothe of Ottawa Special Events. That presents challenges when it comes time to map out the locations of speakers and screens. A lot of times, she says, “you have to go and explain that if they want the people in the back to hear, then they need the extra Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
speakers.” A good rule of thumb? Think about the people at the back of the room.
ASK QUESTIONS … AND SHARE THE ANSWERS AV specialists appreciate receiving as much information as you can provide, particularly about the venue. For example, a venue may have a defined number of rigging points – places from which one can hang equipment from the ceiling – that can influence your AV approach. “Something so small in your mind could make the biggest difference to us,” says Lamothe. Some suppliers will even do a site visit with their client, which can be helpful for scouting out where they can unload and store equipment – questions that are far more convenient to answer in advance than on the day of the event. Additionally, an AV specialist may spot things that may not have otherwise made it onto an event planner’s checklist, such as ceiling height and other architectural elements that will influence the type of
When planning an event, everyone has an idea of how much they are going to pay. It’s usually a good idea to accept that the vision in your head is going to come with a price tag. “Gear is not cheap,” says Lamothe. “People will come and they want a show that will cost $10,000, but the budget is only $2,000. So you have to try to make the best you can within their budget.” On the flip side, it’s important to make sure that you’re not paying for expensive technologies that you either don’t need or won’t work well at your event. Requesting a itemized list of equipment and technology, as well as associated price, can help you understand your expenses and control costs. It’s always a good idea to be upfront with your tech supplier, and try to negotiate: oftentimes suppliers might be willing to throw in some extra gear for free if they think it will make you happy enough to be a repeat customer.
CONSIDER OUTSOURCING Many large venues will have AV suppliers that they prefer event planners hire. If you’re booking an event there, they will likely encourage you to use their suppliers, and may even have a penalty for not doing so. There are obvious benefits for using the in-house suppliers: These teams have been vetted, intimately know the venue and are familiar with the staff. But it’s good to consider going out-ofhouse, as it may save you a couple bucks. “A lot of the time, we try to bid lower so that even with the charge, we’re cheaper than the in-house company,” says Lamothe.
Learning the lingo EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIER: A supplier that enters into a contract with a facility and is the only one permitted to offer that service inside the facility or centre. OFFICIAL SUPPLIER: A supplier that has an arrangement with a facility to provide services for a facilities client, but the services provided are not in an exclusive manner and outside sources are permitted. PREFERRED SUPPLIER: A supplier that is favoured by a facility to provide a specific service. The relationship with the facility is not formal.
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
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MANAGING VOLUNTEERS WRITE A CLEAR JOB DESCRIPTION Volunteers need to know what’s expected before they sign up. Make the job look like fun, and try to answer the who, what, when, where, why and how. Who do you need to fill the role? Are there any special requirements? What will they have to do at the event? When is the event? Where is it taking place? Why is the event important? And how do people get involved or contact you?
ACCESS TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE TEAM Establish a clear line of communication from the beginning. This is where an app like InitLive can come in handy.
THE RIGHT CLOTHES
Human help: A guide to delegating duties on event day Made-in-Ottawa technology lets event planners make the most efficient use of staff A volunteer workforce can be a unique cohort to manage. While the enthusiasm of coworkers who are eager to pitch in and make your event a success can rarely be matched by outside contractors, one has to consider that volunteers come with varying levels of experience and may not have internalized all the details that an event planner has in their head. And, on a day where seemingly hundreds of details need your attention, herding a volunteer workforce can add to the pressure. “You have the logistics of the event to plan, and you have to delegate to all the right people, who are either staff or volunteers,” says Myra Beaman, a digital marketing specialist with InitLive, an Ottawa tech firm that targets event planners. “It’s just a lot of people you’ve got to manage, and ultimately you have to juggle a lot of things and trust a lot of people.” While it may seem like a lot of work, InitLive discourages event planners from
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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
the temptation of trying to do everything alone. Instead, the firm says advance planning and communication are the keys to success. InitLive has built its business around helping event planners manage staff and volunteers. Founded in 2013 by the motherdaughter team of Debbie and Melissa Pinard, the company’s platform includes communication features such as allowing managers to broadcast messages directly to the smartphones of their volunteers, to change assignments and roles on the fly as well as fill any holes left by a volunteer who can’t make their post. Its clients include the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland as well as the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, which used InitLive to manage nearly 3,000 volunteers during the marquee events that marked Canada’s 150th anniversary. Through its market research and interviews with event planners, InitLive has prepared a checklist for managing event volunteers:
Whether you are providing matching t-shirts or offering guidelines for what they can choose from their own wardrobe, your volunteers need to know as soon as possible what they are expected to wear.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION Help make the event day as easy as possible for volunteers by telling them in advance where they can park, where they can leave their personal items as well as providing information about the venue, such as the location of the bathrooms. Anticipate potential questions and answer them ahead of time.
WATER AND SNACKS A little sustenance goes a long way in preventing volunteer burnout during a long shift. If you can’t provide this for some reason, make sure volunteers know to bring their own food and consider sharing a list of nearby restaurants they can visit during their breaks.
SUPPLIES Check and double-check that volunteers have the supplies they need to do their jobs well. It’s no fun when a volunteer is five minutes into a shift and has to go searching for a pen.
THANK-YOU NOTES When the job is done, make sure your volunteers know how much you appreciate their efforts. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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FACTS & FIGURES Space details
6,400
Total meeting space in sq. ft.
Hundreds of hotel rooms in every price range available within 10 kilometres; shuttle service available upon request.
2,800
Largest meeting room in sq. ft.
3
Audio-Visual and WiFi
200
Delicious, expert catering
Theatre capacity
200
Reception capacity
140
Restaurant capacity
130 75
Onsite services
Number of meeting rooms
Banquet capacity
Available onsite parking
DAILY RENTAL RATE FROM $200
SALES CONTACT Name: Ravinder Tumber Email: contact@hostindia.ca http://hostindia.ca Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
One of Ottawa’s newest and most versatile event spaces, Host India’s new banquet hall is a gorgeous venue that is suited to events both large and small. Beautifully appointed, it is perfect for corporate meetings as well as wedding, graduation, birthday, christening and anniversary celebrations. Purposefully designed to incorporate the latest in technology, the banquet hall includes a performance stage, dance floor, high quality sound and LED lighting systems, remarkable acoustics and an innovative cyclorama screen ideal for slide, stage and light shows. The facility also boasts a large, full-service restaurant as well as a smaller meeting room. Host India’s expert catering has delighted thousands of patrons with a menu that includes authentic Indian fare with lots of fusion cuisine and
Major events Weddings
regional delicacies. With twenty years of experience, Host India is able to provide elegant, professional service as well as exceptional food to elevate your event. With the added convenience of 75 parking spaces right at the facility, Host India’s banquet hall represents a conveniently-located, impressively affordable and extremely attractive venue. Host India has made a name for itself by offering superior hospitality and extraordinary food and with this new banquet hall they are now better equipped than ever to help you host an unforgettable event.
Graduation, birthday and anniversary parties Cultural and corporate events
Unique features Stage, dance floor and cyclorama screen Remarkable acoustics High quality sound and LED lighting systems
“Ours is the perfect venue for people to capitalize on Host India’s legendary hospitality.” RAVINDER TUMBER
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
17
BROOKSTREET & THE MARSHES GOLF CLUB Ottawa’s Premier Four-Diamond Hotel, Golf, Dining, Spa & Conference Destination • •
30,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space
NEW stylish ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests •
•
State of the art audio visual technology •
276 modern guestrooms & suites
•
3 restaurants, café & daily live jazz
Championship golf course, 9 hole short course & mini putting course
•
Spa, gym, indoor & outdoor pools, plus endless recreational activities •
Getaway packages featuring spa, golf, family, shopping & dining
w w w.m arsh esgolfc lu b.c om 18
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
www.b r o o ks tr e e t.co m Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
SCHEDULING YOUR EVENT
What’s on in Ottawa-Gatineau? Choosing when to hold your event is simultaneously straightforward and complex. While it’s as simple as selecting a date on a calendar, event planners also need to consider outside factors that can hinder or bolster attendance. The National Capital Region is home to a wide range of festivals, athletic matches and tournaments, exhibitions and other special events throughout the year. Some organizers may want to avoid scheduling their conference or meeting too close to a competing event that could limit attendance. In other cases, though, a music festival or special museum exhibition can complement your event by providing attendees with the opportunity to partake in memorable activities during social periods and their leisure time. Either way, consult the following pages to see what is happening in Ottawa and Gatineau in the coming months to make the most of your event.
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
19
MAY Monkeyjunk National Arts Centre MonkeyJunk is the indestructible jukebox in the roadside bar spitting anthems until sunrise. May 3 613-947-7000 / 866-850-2787 nac-cna.ca
Ottawa Bach Choir – Baroque Passion St. Jean-Baptiste Church OBC features the Passion Motets by Schütz, Handel’s brilliant Dixit Dominus and Bach’s motet, Komm, Jesu, komm. With baroque chamber string ensemble and Canadian soloists. May 4 613-270-1015 ottawabachchoir.ca
Ottawa ComicCon EY Centre A celebration of pop culture and entertainment featuring celebrities, personalities, fans and exhibitors from the worlds of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, movies, TV, toys, anime and gaming. May 11-13 ottawacomiccon.com
Hintonburg neighbourhood unique. May 23-27 thehappeningottawa.ca
Eve Film Festival Kanata Ribfest Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool Craft beer, delicious food, live entertainment and a brand new car show to kick off the barbecue season. May 25-27 kanataribfest.ca
Canadian Tulip Festival Commissioners Park and Aberdeen Pavilion This annual world-famous festival centres around Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas. May 11-21 613-567-5757 or 800-66-TULIP tulipfestival.ca
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Downtown Ottawa Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon, during the country’s most popular multi-day running event. May 26-27 613-234-2221 / 866-786-6882 runottawa.ca
Sporting Life 10K Run for Ooch Lansdowne Join 2,000 people in running and walking along Ottawa’s iconic Rideau Canal to help raise critical funds for Camp Oochigeas (Ooch) and send kids with cancer to camp. May 13 888-464-6624 www.sportinglife10k.ca
The Happening Wellington West neighbourhood Enjoy an art, music, fashion and food festival that celebrates what makes the
20
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
JUNE
Music at the Museum: Centralaires Concert Band – Music to Remember Canada Aviation and Space Museum Engaging afternoon concerts. May 27 ingeniumcanada.org/aviation
Arts Court Theatre A feminist event that showcases and supports work by women and genderqueer directors in film. June 1-2 evefilmfestival.ca
Doors Open Ottawa Various locations Building owners unlock their doors and welcome the public in to share the secrets of architecturally and historically significant buildings. June 2-3 613-580-9674 ottawa.ca/doorsopen
Italian Week Preston Street Italian Week features a huge religious procession that winds through its streets, a Mardi Gras type celebration and wonderful samples of Italian food and music. June 7-17 italianweekottawa.ca
WESTfest Gatineau BeerFest Canadian Museum of History Discover artisans, local produce, beer and food matches among friends and family. May 31 to June 2 festibiere.ca/en/summer
Tom Brown Arena and Park A festival of music, art and life in Canada’s biggest free street party. June 8-10 613-261-1707 westfest.ca
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Volleyball Nations League TD Place Cheer on Canada’s men’s national team as they compete against Australia, Germany and the United States. June 8-10 volleyball.ca
Ottawa Fringe Festival
Cirque du Soleil presents Corteo
Various locations The Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts and an opportunity for local, national and international artists to showcase their original work. June 14-24 613-232-6162 ottawafringe.com
Canadian Tire Centre A festive parade imagined by a clown in a theatrical world of fun, comedy, acrobatics and spontaneity. June 27 to July 1 cirquedusoleil.com
Carivibe Ottawa Caribbean Carnival Various locations Ottawa’s biggest celebration of Caribbean culture. June 15-17 613-590-1588 carivibe.com
Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Vincent Massey Park See some of Canada’s best Aboriginal talent, featuring music and family programming. June 21-24 ottawasummersolstice.ca
Franco Ontarian Festival Major’s Hill Park The biggest francophone celebration in Canada’s capital region, with concerts, street art and entertainment celebrating Franco-Ontarian culture. June 16-18 613-321-0102 ffo.ca
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies
Mooney’s Bay Park Non-stop boat racing, free concerts, a children’s activity area and great food, drinks and vendors. June 21-24 613-238-7711 dragonboat.net
Musical Ride Centre Performance by the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride and their signature flaglowering ceremony at sunset, among other activities and police displays. June 27-30 rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Confederation Park and other locations From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado. June 21 to July 1 613-241-2633 / 888-226-4495 ottawajazzfestival.com
JULY Canada Day Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau Canada’s 151st birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration. July 1 819-997-0055 / 866-811-0055 canada.ca/canada-day
Music and Beyond Downtown churches and concert halls A classical music festival that presents concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups and small ensembles. July 4-17 613-241-0777 musicandbeyond.ca
Ottawa Beach Soccer Festival Petrie Island Beach All soccer players are invited with divisions for 35+, mixed adults, mixed U18, U14, U12, U10. July 5-8 613-294-4549 givefestivals.org
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
21
Capital Fair Rideau Carleton Raceway Featuring a demolition derby, a critter zoo, stunt dogs, daily magic shows and a great hypnotist. Aug. 17-26 613-741-3247 capitalfair.ca
PHOTO BY RAPH_PH / FLICKR
Capital Pride Festival RBC Bluesfest LeBreton Flats One of the largest international music events in the world, with more than 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year. July 5-15 613-247-1188 / 866-258-3748 ottawabluesfest.ca
Northern Lights: Sound and Light Show Parliament Hill Discover the stories of Canada as told through a spectacle of giant images of Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes projected the façade of Centre Block. July 9 to Sept. 3 soundandlightshow.ca
H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest Mooney’s Bay Park This is North America’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, with more than 25,000 players and spectators and a wide variety of entertainment events featuring prominent artists. July 14 hopehelps.com
Fortissimo: Beating Retreat Ceremony Parliament Hill This annual military and musical spectacular features massed military
22
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. July 19-21 613-992-4793 Army-armee.forces.gc.ca
Various locations From culture to partying, there’s an event for everyone. Parade and show on Sunday. Aug. 20-26 613-252-7174 ottawacapitalpride.ca
Boochfest Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park A gathering of kombucha brewers, kombucha enthusiasts, and the kombucha curious to celebrate the world’s most refreshing and lively drink. July 22 boochfest.ca
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Carivibe Reach the Beach Party
SEPTEMBER
Petrie Island Ottawa’s biggest Caribbean beach bash with non-stop entertainment, music and plenty of Caribbean cuisine. July 28 613-590-1588 carivibe.com
AUGUST Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light Canadian Museum of History Five international fireworks designers create amazing displays that light up the Ottawa-Gatineau sky during five nights filled with lights, music and entertainment. Aug. 4-18 (Wednesdays and Saturdays) 819-771-3389 feux.qc.ca
Gatineau Canada’s largest balloon festival, where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky. Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 819-243-2330 / 800-668-8383 balloongatineau.com
CityFolk Lansdowne Park Music, dance, storytelling and crafts festival highlighting Canada’s rich traditions as an eclectic mix of performers share the spotlight and deliver a variety of side-stage shows. Sept. 12-16 613-230-8234 cityfolkfestival.ca
Canada Army Run Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau A half-marathon, 10K and 5K run attracts military and civilian runners, walkers and spectators from around the world. Sept. 23 armyrun.ca Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Remembrance Day Ceremony Ottawa International Animation Festival Various locations North America’s largest animation festival showcases the finest new productions from around the world. Sept. 26-30 613-232-8769 animationfestival.ca
Ottawa Geek Market Nepean Sportsplex A celebration of Ottawa’s growing geeky community, featuring shopping, activities and costumes. Sept. 28-30 geekmarket.ca
NOVEMBER 2018 U Sports Women’s Soccer Championship
Beechwood Cemetery As Canada’s National Military Cemetery, Beechwood is a natural gathering place for recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the country’s fallen heroes. Nov. 11 613-741-9530 beechwoodottawa.ca
SPORTS CALENDAR
OCTOBER
University of Ottawa The Ottawa Gee-Gees will welcome some of the best women soccer players in Canada as they compete in a series of elimination matches for the title of national champion. Nov. 8-11 oua.ca/sports
Halifax Harbour 1918
Ottawa Salsa Convention
Ottawa Champions Baseball Club
National Gallery of Canada This Masterpiece in Focus exhibition examines the work of Harold Gilman and Arthur Lismer in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Oct. 12 to Feb. 18, 2019 613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 gallery.ca
Canadian Museum of History A four-day Latin dance festival where top nationally and internationally renowned dance artists give workshops and performances, followed by social dancing at night. Nov. 9-12 613-295-5038 ottawasalsaconvention.ca
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park Home dates: May 18-23; June 1-3; June 5-10; June 19-24; June 29-July 1; July 9-11; July 16-22; July 31-Aug. 5; Aug. 9-12; Aug. 24-26; Aug. 28-Sept. 3. 613-745-2255 ottawachampions.com
Symposium Gatineau en couleurs
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton (Gatineau) Check out art by 70 artists and sculptors from the Outaouais Region and elsewhere as they create masterpieces on site that can be acquired by art lovers. Oct. 26-28, 2018 symposiumgatineauencouleurs.ca
National War Memorial A moving ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who have served in Canada’s military. Nov. 11 613-591-3335 legion.ca
Ottawa Redblacks TD Place Home dates: May 31 (pre-season); June 21; July 12; July 20; Aug. 11; Aug. 31; Sept. 22; Oct. 5; Oct. 19; Nov. 2. 613-232-6767 ottawaredblacks.com
Ottawa Fury FC
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
TD Place Home dates: April 21; April 28; May 2; May 12; May 25; May 30; June 2; June 27; July 8; July 14; July 21; July 28; Aug. 3; Aug. 15; Aug. 18; Aug. 25; Sept. 30; Oct. 13. 613-232-6767 ottawafuryfc.com MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
23
Largest Meeting & Ranked by total meeting space. Magazine advertisers highlighted in yellow. Venue Address Phone Fax Web
EY Centre
4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6
613-822-8800
613-688-4824
eycentre.ca
Shaw Centre
55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2
613-563-1984
613-563-7646
shaw-centre.com
Carleton University Conference Services
1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
carleton.ca/conferenceservices
613-520-5611
613-520-2750
University of Ottawa Conventions & Reservations 85 University Pvt., Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
613-562-5771
613-562-5201
reservations.uottawa.ca
Canadian Tire Centre / Ottawa Senators Hockey Club - Meetings & Banquets
1000 Palladium Dr., Kanata, ON K2V 1A5
613-599-0100
613-599-0105
canadiantirecentre.com
Collège La Cité
801 Aviation Pky., Ottawa, ON K1K 4R3
613-742-2483
613-742-2479
collegelacite.ca
Nepean Sportsplex
1701 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean, ON K2G 1W2
613-580-2424 x23055 613-580-9607
Palais des congres de Gatineau
50 Maisonneuve Blvd., 3rd flr, Gatineau, QC J8X 4H4 819-595-8000
819-595-8012
congresgatineau.com
Hilton Lac-Leamy
3 Casino Blvd., Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X4
819-790-6444
819-790-6408
hiltonlacleamy.com
NAV Centre
1950 Montreal Rd., Cornwall, ON K6H 6L2
1-877-832-6416
613-936-5089
navcentre.ca
The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4
613-560-7000
613-560-7359
thewestinottawa.com
613-667-9888
Ottawaconferenceandeventcentre.com
Ottawa.ca
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3
613-288-3450
Lansdowne Park
450 Queen Elizabeth Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3
613-580-2429
—
Ottawa.ca/lansdownepark
Algonquin Commons Theatre/ Algonquin Students’ Association
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
613-727-4723 x6442
—
algonquinsa.com
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
613-727-4723 x7481 613-727-7735
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7
613-241-1414
613-562-7030
fairmont.com
Ottawa Marriott
100 Kent St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7
613-238-1122
613-783-4228
Ottawamarriott.com
algonquincollege.com/conference
RA Centre
2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 7X7
613-733-5100
613-736-6233
racentre.com
Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8
819-776-7018
819-776-7059
history.ca/facilityrentals
Brookstreet
525 Legget Dr., Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2
613-271-1800
613-271-3541
brookstreet.com
Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon St., Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9
613-237-3600
613-237-9114
marriott.com/yowdm
North Grenville Municipal Centre
285 County Road 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
613-258-9569 x134
613-258-9620
northgrenville.ca
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8
819-776-7018
819-776-7059
warmuseum.ca/facilityrentals
National Arts Centre - Meetings and Events
1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
613-232-5713
613-943-1403
nacmeetings.ca
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1
613-566-4712
613-566-4798
nature.ca
Shenkman Arts Centre
245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1
613-580-2787
613-580-2656
shenkmanarts.ca
Infinity Convention Centre
2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 2L9
613-222-3700
Saint Paul University
223 Main St., Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4
613-236-1393 x2240 613-782-3005
ustpaul.ca
Centrepointe Theatres & Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa, ON K2G 5K7
613-580-2424 x41216 613-580-2704
centrepointetheatres.com
—
infinityconventioncentre.com
St. Elias Centre Conference & Banquet Facility* 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1V 6N1
613-737-4997
613-737-6493
steliascentre.com
Crowne Plaza Gatineau-Ottawa
2 Montcalm St., Gatineau, QC J8X 4B4
819-778-3880
819-778-3309
crowneplaza.com/gatineauottawa
Centurion Conference & Event Center
170 Colonnade Rd. S., Ottawa, ON K2E 7J5
613-727-1044
613-727-8293
centurioncenter.com
Fairmont le Château Montebello
392 Notre Dame St., Montebello, QC J0V 1L0
819-423-6341
819-423-5106
fairmont.com/montebello
Lord Elgin Hotel
100 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5K8
613-235-3333
613-235-3223
lordelgin.ca
Tudor Hall
3750 North Bowesville Rd., Ottawa, ON K1V 1B8
613-739-4287
613-739-8589
tudorhall.ca
Doubletree by Hilton Gatineau-Ottawa
1170 Aylmer Rd., Gatineau, QC J9H 7L3
819-778-0000
819-777-7161
doubletreegatineau.com
Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre
6346 Deermeadow Dr., Ottawa, ON K4P 1M9
613-821-2675
613-821-4692
orchardview.ca
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 3J9
613-327-4611
613-993-7923
cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
Calabogie Peaks Resort
30 Barrett Chute Rd., Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0
1-800-669-4861
1-877-533-5170 calabogie.com
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
2452 York’s Corners Rd., Edwards, ON K0A 1V0
613-821-2751
613-821-5221
stanleysfarm.com
Strathmere
1980 Phelan Rd W., North Gower, ON K0A 2T0
613-489-2409
613-489-2630
strathmere.com
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
150 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2
613-238-1500
613-238-8497
sheratonottawa.com
Sala San Marco Event & Conference Centre
215 Preston St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1
613-238-6063
613-233-3331
salasanmarco.ca
allsaints Event Space
10 Blackburn Ave., Ottawa, ON K1N 8A3
613-230-3050
Capital Hill Hotel and Suites
88 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5E9
613-235-1413
24
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
— 613-235-6047
allsaintsottawa.ca/facilities-rental capitalhill.com
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Convention Spaces Mtg space (sq. ft.)
Number. of Largest mtg Theatre mtg rooms room (sq. ft.) capacity
Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity
Daily rental rate
In-house catering
Free Key executie Ranked bySales contact total meeting space. Parking
219,000
12
90,000
6,000
7,500
N/A
4,200
WND
Y
N
Neill Bales
Jennifer Diggens
192,000
28
57,740
6,000
6,000
N/A
3,840
WND
Y
N
Nina Kressler
Katrina McQuigge
150,000
26
10,000
444
500
800
340
$95-$600
Y
N
Kendra Reay
Linda Cruz
90,000
200
16,000
420
500
700
240
$100-$2,000
Y
N
Jennifer Stewart
72,182
12
14,016
500
450
350
350
$300-$2,500
Y
Y
Geoff Publow
Kailey Fleming
70,000
212
12,000
1,000
500
400
500
WND
Y
Y
Josée Derome
Annie Coutu
70,000
13
8,640
900
1,000
N/A
480
$142.30-$1,850 Y
Y
Chantal Laporte
Kay Boland
60,000
12
26,668
2,800
4,000
1,750
1,750
$285-$1,350
Y
N
Pierre Latour
Denis Carpentier
51,000
16
15,866
1,600
1,500
140
1,100
$350-$9,250
Y
Y
Alain Miroux
Fabienne Nadeau
50,000
70
9,800
875
1,000
450
500
WND
Y
Y
Kim Coe-Turner
Silvia Marino
47,750
33
16,587
1,500
1,800
200
1,250
$495-$16,200
Y
N
Ross Meredith
Shaddy Shibley
43,000
37
11,000
1,200
1,000
100
800
Starting at $250
Y
Y
Claudio Dinardo
Pamela Diane DiNardo
42,000
2
35,000
2,800
2,800
N/A
2,800
WND
N
N
Benoit Osborne
Jennifer Bradley
40,915
13
11,160
835
300
295
150
WND
Y
N
Ken McLeod
—
—
40,144
20
11,760
N/A
1,256
60
1,200
Starting at $85
Y
N
Mary Baxter
Jennifer Thurston
36,000
16
5,886
600
800
180
450
$700-$7,000
Y
N
Claude J. Sauvé
Sue Ohlson
36,000
26
6,500
600
600
180
600
$250-$4,000
Y
N
Stephane Pelletier
Amina Hassan
33,821
12
6,690
600
600
180
475
WND
Y
Y
Tosha Rhodenizer
Shelley Carbonetto
33,235
12
12,925
500
1,400
60
600
$700-$5,000
Y
N
Mark O’Neill
Genevieve Mercier
30,000
25
7,200
800
1,200
125
370
WND
Y
N
Nyle Kelly
Mark Nisbett
26,000
17
10,000
1,100
1,000
150
900
WND
Y
N
Zubair Siddiqi
Marilyn Power
23,000
5
17,000
300
300
N/A
300
$126-$1,050
N
Y
Mark Guy
Lisa Kmiel
22,000
5
9,038
231
1,500
N/A
600
$600-$4,000
Y
N
Mark O’Neill
Genevieve Mercier
20,500
6
20,500
2,800
3,100
200
2,500
$1,000-$13,800 Y
N
Nelson Borges
Lisa Levia
20,000
8
7,700
220
500
60
240
$800-$3,300
Y
N
Nathalie Boulet
Andrea Fernandes
17,795
7
6,458
500
500
N/A
N/A
WND
N
Y
Caroline Obeid
Maureen Johnson
17,000
6
15,000
1,800
1,500
1,200
1,200
WND
Y
Y
Sharron Mulvey
Jo-Anne Saikaley
15,658
32
4,600
300
300
90
150
WND
Y
N
Nadine Tremblay
Alexandra Mongrain
15,564
5
10,000
954
199
N/A
WND
N
Y
WND
Allan Sansom
Christine Etherington
15,500
4
15,500
1,500
1,200
WND
1,150
WND
Y
Y
Zare Kesyan
15,040 12 4,028 450 500 140 350 $375-$2,500 Y
N
Michael Lucas Nathalie Tremblay
14,000
7
10,500
800
800
40
800
$495-$5,000
Y
Y
Sean McGrath
Kim Le Sage Le Blanc
13,440
20
4,200
425
500
350
350
$0-$2,500
Y
Y
Genevieve Dumas
Cindy Gascon
13,000
15
2,200
200
225
160
160
$375-$2,500
Y
N
David O. Smythe
Ann Meelker
12,600
3
12,000
1,650
1,000
N/A
1,000
$500-$2,500
Y
Y
Joe Giammaria
Rosie De Leo
12,000
11
6,133
720
800
150
400
$300-$2,750
Y
Y
George Chaiban
WND
11,300
7
5,600
600
600
N/A
400
$150-$1,500
Y
Y
Adam Milito
Amanda Baker
11,068
8
2,400
150
500
N/A
138
$450-$3,000
N
N
Kerry-Leigh Burchill
Lauren DeBruyn
10,278
6
3,685
250
250
60
200
$250-$1,000
Y
Y
Maggie Fairfield
10,000
4
6,000
600
600
400
350
WND
Y
Y
Earl Stanley
10,000
8
2,800
250
600
N/A
500
$300-$650
Y
Y
Glenna Camposarcone Laura Kelly
9,700
10
2,720
275
300
85
230
$375-$2,000
Y
N
Yolaine Charette
Maria Papadakos
9,500
4
9,200
1,000
800
600
WND
$250-$5,000
Y
Y
Tony Zacconi
Jessica Marshall
9,120
5
3,096
515
515
N/A
515
Starting at $50/hr Y
Y
Leanne Moussa
8,924
8
2,650
140
200
70
150
WND
N
Hume Rogers
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Y
—
— Susan Faith-Lecoupe
— Sherri Macki
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
25
Largest Meeting & Venue Address Phone Fax Web Global Knowledge
720-350 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X7
613-798-5353
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa
35 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC J8X 4E9
819-778-6111
819-778-3647 613-782-2228
—
traincanada.com fourpointsgatineau.com
Innovative Professional Offices
200-440 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6
613-232-1110
Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre
1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2
613-225-8016 ext.223 613-225-0843
hellenicottawa.ca
Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa
161 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2
613-231-2020
613-231-2048
marriottresidenceinnottawa.com
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
2400 Alert Rd., Ottawa, ON K1V 1S1
613-288-9001
613-249-8729
Ottawaairport.hgi.com
Dow’s Lake Court Conference Centre
865 Carling Ave., 2nd floor, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8
613-725-3855
613-725-3101
dowslakecourt.com
Holiday Inn Ottawa East
1199 Joseph Cyr St., Ottawa, ON K1J 7T4
613-744-1060
613-744-7845
hiottawaeast.com
Villa Lucia Supper Club and Banquet Hall
3430 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K2H 5B1
613-596-1346
613-596-2812
villalucia.com
Quality Inn and Suites
111 Bellehumeur St., Gatineau, QC J8T 6K5
819-568-5252
819-568-0753
qualityinnandsuitesgatineau.ca
Host Banquet and Catering Services
622 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 0T6
613-875-6724
Best Western Plus Ottawa Downtown Suites
377 O’Connor St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2M2
613-567-7275
— 613-567-1161
innovativeprofessionaloffices.com
hostindia.ca victoriapark.com
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3
613-327-4611
613-990-3655
casmuseum.techno-science.ca
International Development Research Centre
150 Kent St., Ottawa, ON K1P 0B2
613-696-2620
613-567-4349
idrc.ca
Anderson Links Golf Club
4175 Anderson Rd., Ottawa, ON KOA 1K0
613-822-9477
613-822-9440
andersonlinks.com
Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3
613-991-6064
613-990-3655
sciencetech.technomuses.ca
Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
350 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7E9
613-241-1000
613-241-4804
marriottcourtyardottawa.com
Ramada Plaza Manoir du Casino
75 d’Edmonton St., Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W9
819-777-7538
819-777-6473
ramadaplaza-gatineau.com
Best Western Plus Ottawa / Kanata Hotel and Conference Centre
1876 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 5B8
613-828-2744
613-596-4742
bestwesternplusottawa.com
819-770-9705
Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa
131 rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC J8X 3W3
819-770-8550
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market
325 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1
613-667-4500
Albert at Bay Suite Hotel
435 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X4
613-238-8858
613-238-1433
Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa Kanata
101 Kanata Ave., Kanata, ON K2T 1E6
613-271-3057
613-271-3060
Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa
60 Mill Rd., Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0
819-459-3475 x106
—
wakefieldmill.com
The Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
613-216-4229
—
thebayviewyards.com
543 on the Island
6 Booth St., Albert Island, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K8
613-224-0134
—
The Meadows Golf and Country Club
4335 Hawthorne Rd., Ottawa, ON K1G 3N4
613-822-2582
613-822-6092 613-760-4767
—
bestwesterngatineau.ca andaszottawa.com albertatbay.com hisottawa.ca
zibi.ca/contact/zibi-event-rentals themeadowsgolf.com
Novotel Ottawa
33 Nicholas St., Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7
613-230-3033
La Grange Country Inn
37 Rockhurst Rd., Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0
819-459-3939
Prinzo Fine Catering
85 O’Connor St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5M6
613-565-1328
The Metcalfe Hotel
123 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5L9
613-231-6555
613-231-7555
themetcalfehotel.com
Learning Tree International
2300-160 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2N8
613-237-0098
613-237-4588
learningtree.ca
novotelottawa.com
—
lagrangecountryinn.com
—
prinzo.ca
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
180 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2L5
613-236-5000
613-238-3842
suitedreams.com
Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre
1274 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K8
613-728-1951
613-728-1955
Ottawabestwestern.com
The Irving Greenberg Centre
1233 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON, ON K1Y 0G7
613-236-5192
613-232-2075
gctc.ca
Les Suites Hotel, Ottawa
130 Besserer St., Ottawa, ON K1N 9M9
613-232-2000
613-232-1242
les-suites.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West Nepean
2055 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 5Y9
613-690-0100
—
holidayinnexpressottawawest.com
Russell Curling Club
1076 Concession St., Russell, ON K4R 1A2
613-445-2829
—
russellcurlingclub.com
La Charrette
460 West Hunt Club Rd., Ottawa, ON K2E 0B8
613-225-0260
—
The Business Inn
180 MacLaren St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0L3
613-232-1121
613-232-8143
thebusinessinn.com
The Marshes Golf Club
320 Terry Fox Dr., Ottawa, ON K2K 3A2
613-271-3376
613-271-3372
marshesgolfclub.com
La Grange de la Gatineau
80 Summer, Cantley, QC J8V 3J3
819-459-3939
ARC The.Hotel
140 Slater St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5H6
613-238-2888
613-235-8421
arcthehotel.com
Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill
402 Queen St., Ottawa, ON K1R 5A7
613-236-1133
613-236-2317
radisson.com/ottawa.ca
TCC Canada – Blackwood 304-555 Legget Dr., Tower A, Kanata, ON K2K 2X3 613-566-7000
26
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
—
—
lacharrette.ca
grange.ca
tcccanada.com/locations /blackwood-centre
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Convention Spaces Mtg space (sq. ft.)
Number. of Largest mtg Theatre mtg rooms room (sq. ft.) capacity
Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity
8,243
17
795
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
WND
N
N
Rodney Kelly
Dianne Beauchamp
8,000
10
2,700
150
160
45
120
$250-$1,200
Y
N
Jason Trottier
Denise Breau
7,800
10
1,200
60
40
N/A
N/A
$200-$595
Y
N
Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace
7,750
2
6,000
500
750
500
WND
WND
WND
Y
Mary Dimas
Taline LaVasseur
7,700
9
2,580
200
220
120
120
$250-$1,500
Y
N
N. Ravi
Patrick Quirouette
7,200
12
4,800
400
400
145
325
$250-$2,500
Y
Y
Franco Falcucci
Alison Hunter
7,000
7
2,434
100
75
150
N/A
$300-$1,500
Y
N
Sue Rowland
7,000
8
2,600
225
300
180
180
$925
Y
Y
Franca Coccimiglio
Ramondo Patino
7,000
2
5,000
250
100
250
250
$100-$500
Y
Y
Lucia Di Franco
Claudia Juarez
6,918
12
3,458
350
400
175
300
$155-$1,150
Y
Y
Nicole de Sampaio
Roxane Rollin
6,400
3
2,800
200
200
140
130
Starting at $200
Y
Y
Ravinder Tumber
6,000
7
2,000
160
130
N/A
150
$250-$2,000
Y
N
John Cosentino
Roger MacKinnon
6,000
7
9,000
250
1,500
N/A
450
$450-$6,000
Y
N
Chris Kitzan
Lauren DeBruyn
5,500
7
3,300
250
250
200
WND
$275-$1,175
Y
N
Dawn Lucas
Samantha Pilch
5,480
5
2,000
150
230
230
230
WND
Y
Y
Martin Patterson
5,000
9
5,000
240
500
N/A
250
$650-$6,000
Y
N
Lauren DeBruyn
Lauren DeBruyn
5,000
6
3,400
350
400
72
200
$200-$2,000
Y
Y
Nancy Champagne
Denise Breau
5,000
9
2,460
300
350
200
160
$225-$550
Y
Y
Christine Cadieux
Marie Josee Boyd
4,999
7
2,000
180
200
90
170
$200-$650
Y
Y
Julie Cheikh
Arnie Cayetano
4,511
5
3,034
300
225
70
200
$200-$900
Y
Y
Martin Fogarty
Natahlie Sarthou
4,500
6
2,679
120
200
120
140
WND
Y
N
Kayla Pierce
Florence Houlahan
4,264
9
3,200
300
220
200
200
$250-$2,000
Y
N
John Cosentino
Roger MacKinnon
4,127
7
2,784
240
350
150
150
$295-$1,100
Y
Y
Alana Haining
Susan Marcovitch
4,056
6
1,600
80
120
160
65
$200-$600
Y
Y
Brititte Milling
Luc Milling
3,850
1
3,850
250
300
N/A
N/A
$400-$1,100
Y
N
Richard Quigley
Heather Hammond
3,810
1
3,810
300
200
N/A
150
Starting at $3,000 N
N
Jeff Westeinde
Scott Simpson
3,600
2
2,000
320
WND
160
320
$500-$1,500
Y
Y
WND
WND
3,465
6
1,806
160
215
110
110
$200-$1200
Y
N
Bruno Beaudoin
Tracey Parslow
3,000
3
1,200
60
60
60
WND
$350-$500
Y
Y
Chris St. John
WND
3,000
1
3,000
208
WND
150
WND
WND
Y
N
Victor Arkulinsky
Irina Nachetaya
3,000
4
1,277
130
140
70
100
$200-$850
Y
N
Kim Jones
Patrick Quirouette
2,964
8
616
0
24
WND
WND
$725-$1,250
Y
N
Sue Armstrong
Lauren Spooner
2,414
5
1,500
150
195
88
120
$225-$800
Y
N
Heidi C. Webster
Ann E. Freel
2,394
4
1,344
160
160
110
120
$170-$480
Y
Y
Darren Ryan
Stefanie Occhionero
2,350
2
1,200
262
300
70
50
$150-$500
Y
Y
Hugh Neilson
WND
2,235
3
858
60
60
40
48
$250-800
Y
N
Chris Pierce
Mike Di Cioccio
2,205
4
1,040
85
100
N/A
56
$175-$700
Y
Y
Diana Pratt
Denise Breau
2,200
2
1,300
200
WND
150
WND
$150-$400
N
Y
Lucy Ladouceur
Lucy Ladoucuer
2,000
2
1,500
70
100
80
WND
$710
N
Y
Antonio Mauriello
WND
1,990
3
785
50
80
380
100
$250
Y
N
Barrett Karam
Julie Belanger
1,944
4
1,944
180
250
125
175
$500-$3,000
Y
Y
Nyle Kelly
Meghan Hamilton
1,782
5
1,200
100
100
80
80
Varies
Y
Y
Colette Paré
1,670
4
812
30
240
45
60
$350-$2,000
Y
N
Tammy Critch
Nicholas Litt
1,610
3
670
80
80
100
40
$345-$625
Y
N
Jenna MacLeod
Oscar Rodriguez
1,525
5
442
40
60
N/A
40
$180-$475
Y
N
Ashley Lawrence
Alison Weir
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Daily rental rate
In-house catering
Free Key executie Parking
Sales contact
—
—
—
—
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
27
Largest Meeting & Venue Address Phone Fax Web
Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory
2710 March Rd., Carp, ON K0A 1L0
613-225-7663
—
Econiche House
32 River Rd., Cantley, QC J8V 3A1
819-827-0086
—
Days Inn Downtown Ottawa
319 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y4
613-789-5555
613-789-6196
daysinn.ca
Tulips & Maple Inc.
1980 Merivale Rd., Ottawa, ON K2G 1G4
613-723-7103
613-723-5430
tulipsandmaple.com
TCC Canada – Downtown 900-251 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6 613-566-7000
—
aquatopiaconservatory.com econichehouse.com
tcccanada.com/locations/ downtown-centre
Nepean Sailing Club
3259 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K2H 1A6
613-829-6462
613-828-4636
nsc.ca
Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Airport
1172 Walkley Rd., Ottawa, ON K1V 2P7
613-523-9600
613-523-2900
residenceinnottawaairport.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Kanata 578 Terry Fox Dr., Kanata, ON K2L 4G8
613-599-7767
613-599-9971
marriott.com/yowfi
Ottawa Embassy Hotel and Suites
25 Cartier St., Ottawa, ON K2P 1J2
613-237-2111
613-563-1353
Ottawaembassy.com
Monterey Hotel
2259 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON K2E 6Z8
613-288-3500
613-226-3813
TCC Canada – Queensway 200-15 Fitzgerald Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 9G1 613-566-7000
—
monterey.ca tcccanada.com/locations/ queensway-centre
Days Inn Ottawa West
350 Moodie Dr., Ottawa, ON K2H 8G3
613-726-1717
613-726-1462
daysinnottawawest.com
Holiday Inn Express
2881 Gibford Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 2L9
613-247-9500
613-247-9400
hieottawa.com
TCC Canada – St. Laurent 800-1730 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1G 5L1 613-566-7000
—
tcccanada.com/locations/ st-laurent
TownePlace Suites Ottawa Kanata
1251 Maritime Way , Kanata, ON K2K 0J6
613-599-7200
613-599-7204 marriott.com
Travelodge Ottawa East
1486 Innes Rd. , Ottawa, ON K1B 3V5
613-745-1133
613-745-7380
Ottawatravelodge.com
Hampton Inn
2869 Gibford Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 2L9
613-248-1113
613-248-1114
hilton.com
Commemorative book highlights the best of the nation and its capital
WA’SUIDE A T T O ING G BUY FORDBUUCSTINSESESS PRO SERVIC AND
K O BO OF S LIST www.canada150book.ca For orders of 12 books or more, email books@greatriver.ca 28
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
S GORIE CATE 5 3 N THA MORE STATS ES T NAM NOMIC O RS C E NTAC O C UMBE KEY 0 THE N AN 60 Y H B T S E ESSE MOR ILES BUSIN PROF WA’S TIVE U C E OTTA O: EX ’S WH WHO
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Convention Spaces Mtg space (sq. ft.)
Number. of Largest mtg Theatre mtg rooms room (sq. ft.) capacity
Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity
Daily rental rate
In-house catering
Free Key executie Sales contact Parking Ranked by total meeting space.
1,500
N/A
N/A
N/A
150
150
WND
N
Y
Nicholas Bott
WND
1,500
3
750
60
75
100
WND
WND
Y
Y
Nancy Bailey
Rita Berthiaume
1,440
2
610
60
45
30
N/A
$250-$350
Y
N
Fayez Thawer
Dmitriy Mosiychuk
1,400
2
1,200
72
100
N/A
70
WND
Y
Y
Erin Loney
WND
1,350
5
500
45
45
N/A
20
$180-$540
Y
N
Ashley Lawrence
Alison Weir
1,200
1
1,200
110
120
80
100
$420-$560
Y
Y
Heather Erven
1,200
2
900
48
48
N/A
N/A
$250-$395
Y
Y
Anu Sohal
1,000
3
500
35
N/A
WND
WND
WND
WND
WND
Dave Fowler
936
1
936
50
35
50
50
$250
Y
N
Colin Morrison
Jonatan Hudgson
860
3
625
50
70
120
150
$150-$2,500
Y
Y
George Chaiban
Divine Mwimba
625
4
442
30
40
N/A
20
$180-$450
Y
N
Ashley Lawrence
Alison Weir
528
1
528
25
25
25
25
$225-$250
Y
Y
Embrett I. Rose
Nimroz Thawer
500
1
500
25
25
N/A
N/A
$295
Y
Y
Anu Sohal
Sandra Sullivan
500 4
250
N/A
100
N/A
N/A
$180-$450
Y
N
Ashley Lawrence
Alison Weir
— Lee Knowles
500
1
500
35
35
N/A
N/A
$150-$450
N
Y
Courtney Groenewoud Ryan Latimer
483
1
483
30
24
75
24
$200-$350
N/A
Y
Jocelyn Brunet
Tarek Khefifi
400
1
400
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$250
Y
Y
Anu Sohal
Rebecca Tremblay
COMING AUGUST 2018 Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
29
HINDSIGHT
Guy Laflamme is the executive director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, the non-profit organization that planned many of the large festivities marking Canada’s 150th anniversary in the capital. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
Guy Laflamme looks back on Ottawa 2017 Reflections from the lead organizer behind many of the large-scale events celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary Guy Laflamme has a hard time believing what happened in 2017. “What we accomplished was close to a miracle,” said Laflamme. “Had you asked me two years ago if this crazy, 300-page business plan that I wrote would become a reality — if we would succeed in achieving all those crazy, audacious concepts — I would have said no way. Maybe a five, 10 per cent chance.” Laflamme, who spent 12 years helping to organize major events at the National Capital Commission before leading the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, was the key person behind the year-long festivities marking Canada’s 150th anniversary. Many of these events were without precedence in Canada’s capital. The Rideau
30
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2018
Canal locks next to the Château Laurier were turned into a high-speed downhill racetrack for Red Bull Crashed Ice; an unfinished underground light-rail station was transformed into a venue for the Kontinuum sound and light show; and a 12-metre-high robotic spider and dragon were invited to battle on downtown Ottawa roads as part of the La Machine street theatre. Now, with the benefit of hindsight – and an opportunity to catch his breath – Laflamme was able to look back on the three-year project that brought Ottawa 2017 to life.
LESSONS The event-packed year, he said, taught him some important lessons.
“I had nothing to lose with 2017,” he said. “I could have retired before I took on that role — I had nothing to prove, I didn’t have any political or career aspirations, and as a result I finally had the guts to push back in some cases, to be more determined. “In hindsight, I should have had those guts for my entire career.” Financing the celebrations also required a unique approach, as the Ottawa 2017 Bureau was looking for corporate sponsors – such as lead supporter CIBC – that shared the organization’s vision. “It was never about how we can get people to sign up for credit cards, or new accounts,” said Laflamme, adding the goal was instead “to grow our community.” Logistics can be a challenge for even the most straight-forward event; those hurdles are multiplied many times over for the complex festivities held last year. At Kontinuum, for example, all the work met stringent fire and safety codes while complex lighting and sound equipment was installed in what was still a dark, dusty transit station in progress. And it all had to be completed in “record time” as organizers only had about two and a half weeks to put the elaborate production together once construction crews building the light-rail line vacated the site in midJune. “With this kind of ambitious, incredibly complex and challenging project, inevitably you have moments where you doubt. Quite often, I was going, ‘Oh my God, why did I get into this?’” Laflamme recalled. However, advance planning, the ability to overcome those doubts, passion and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves when needed – Laflamme was spotted putting finishing touches on the paint job just hours before Kontinuum opened for previews in mid-July – helped ensure Kontinuum was a success. The dozens of special events of 2017 were met with near-universal positive reviews. One of the few exceptions where some discontent was publicly aired was the Inspiration Village installation in the ByWard Market. Public parking on York Street was replaced by a succession of special exhibits and performing arts events meant to showcase each of Canada’s provinces and territories. Some ByWard Market merchants said the loss of parking hurt their business. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
ABOVE: La Machine featured robotic creatures roaming the streets of Ottawa. BELOW:
An under-construction light-rail station served as the venue for the Kontinuum sound and light show. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OTTAWA 2017 BUREAU
Innovation Meets Activation Laflamme’s approach was to encourage businesses to keep the scale in perspective – only 70 out of 4,000 parking spots were affected, he said – and incorporate Inspiration Village into their own marketing. It worked for some; the Chateau Lafayette, for one, reported a spike in business as the nearby Inspiration Village acted as a magnet for tourists.
LOOKING AHEAD Whether the city can carry the 2017 momentum into this year and beyond remains an open question. Both Laflamme and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson have flirted publicly with the idea of carrying some events over into future years, but nothing has been set in stone. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
But with a year of mechanical monsters, underground light shows and thousandperson dinners behind him, Laflamme is looking forward to a change of pace. “I want to go from an intense pace and crazy life, to a peaceful life and just enjoying simple things in life,” he said, adding he plans to retire to a remote house he owns on the Magdalen Islands in eastern Quebec. But for anyone who has seen Laflamme’s energy and enthusiasm first-hand, it’s hard to imagine him sitting still for long. “I’m a thrill seeker. Obviously I thrive with adrenaline rush, and I’ll be experiencing the world,” he said. “I’ll be busy planning my exotic adventures.” – By Kieran Delamont
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Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning