Meeting in the Capital 2016

MEETING Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to corporate event planning

in the Capital

A supplement to

April 25, 2016 • $5

Canada’s

BIG YEAR

WHAT EVENT PLANNERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NATION’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

A message from Michael Crockatt President and CEO, Ottawa Tourism

Ottawa already had the country’s most diverse set of impressive off-site venues and a walkable downtown core but over the next couple years, we’ll see even more options.

Buckle up! Ottawa is on the cusp of some very exciting times: major infrastructure projects (including hot new hotels like Canada’s first Hyatt Andaz brand and Ottawa’s first Alt Hotel), a dynamic new transportation system, and the country’s biggest celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 are taking this destination to the next level.

Ottawa’s highly educated, bilingual, young population is hitting its stride: from vibrant high-tech companies like Shopify to the creativity of the animation industry to the hip live music scene, Ottawa is awash in people just getting it done!

How does your next meeting or conference fit into this energy? Ottawa already had the country’s most diverse set of impressive off-site venues and a walkable downtown core but over the next couple years, we’ll see even more options, including: • A dramatic new entryway and new public spaces at the National Arts Centre; • A new permanent Arctic Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature; • A completely refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum; • A completely new Bank of Canada Museum; • The brand new Global Centre for Pluralism; • A new Canadian History Hall at the Canadian Museum of History; and • A $100-million redevelopment of the municipal complex known as Arts Court.

And that’s after already seeing the electrifying development of Lansdowne Park, a 40-acre sporting, shopping, dining and cultural

destination just south of downtown and the $360-million expansion and renovation of the Rideau Centre, the premier shopping experience downtown, which wraps up in August 2016.

Ottawa Tourism’s staff—and the extremely experienced local hospitality community in general—is here to help your meeting be the best ever. Ottawa’s base of local industry experts, easy transportation options, and top-notch hotels at every price point sets us apart.

That’s why we were successful in our bid to host One Young World, an impressive gathering of 1,500 18- to 30-year-old professionals from over 190 countries in late September 2016.

While these young politicians, business leaders, scientists and philanthropists debate and make progress on the world’s most pressing problems, they’ll also be experiencing the best that Canada has to offer, all in one place, in Canada’s coolest and most innovative city. For truly, Ottawa is a representation of Canada from coast to coast to coast, and we take this responsibility seriously.

Let our team help you wow your delegates, build their camaraderie and showcase your products and services in unique ways. From our award-winning airport to the impressive Shaw Centre (tied for second for the best convention centre in the world), your event is in good hands in Ottawa.

Michael Crockatt President and CEO Ottawa Tourism

WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA 4

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

WE WANTED TO BRING A CONFERENCE TO OTTAWA. OTTAWA TOURISM BROUGHT ITS A-GAME.

“When I recommended a client consider Ottawa for its next big conference, I worked with Ottawa Tourism to build the case. They coordinated their members’ proposals and put them in a single package, organized everything for our site visit, and looked after us every step of the way. They made choosing Ottawa easy, and we look forward to working with them to make the conference a huge success.”

– Ellen Boddington, CMP, CMM Stellar Conference & Event Management Inc.

WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA/MEETINGS

Contents

PUBLISHER

Michael Curran EDITOR Peter Kovessy EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Screnci Jacob Serebrin

Venues:

Detailed information on the largest

90

meetings spaces in Ottawa-Gatineau p32

Cover story:

150th anniversary celebrations in the capital How meeting planners can capitalize on Canada’s big year

p15

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes

PLUS

Ten unique meeting spaces for your next event p10

DJ Snake & Lil Jon

hat

SALES + MARKETING TEAM Wendy Baily Nikki DesLauriers RESEARCHER Patti Moran

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe

Meetings 101 9 Decoding dress codes 28 Selecting an event soundtrack 30 Corporate retreats: Cooking classes 38 The post-meeting checklist

What’s happening?

Turn Down for W

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Regan Van Dusen Celine Paquette

8 New in the capital 19 Festival calendar 25 The man behind the city’s newest food festivals

— Single

Trade shows Avoid these

10

mistakes exhibitors make p26

PRESIDENT Michael Curra

www.obj.ca

© 2016 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 ©2016 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.

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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

A

familiar face has been tapped to lead the city’s tourism industry into one of its biggest years in recent history.

Michael Crockatt, the former vice-president of business development and marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority, was named CEO of Ottawa Tourism earlier this year.

Mr. Crockatt, who was also named chair of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce in June 2015, takes the helm of Ottawa Tourism as the city prepares for the celebrations surrounding Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Other organizations and businesses around the city are also preparing for 2017 through special programs and physical upgrades.

That includes the Lord Elgin Hotel, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016 and is spending some $10 million on upgrades.

It’s the latest shakeup to the city’s hospitality industry, which is expecting to add a new hotel in the ByWard Market this summer, the Andaz Hotel, an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels.

Also scheduled to open

this year is the new Infinity Convention Centre, a 15,000-square-foot facility located off Hunt Club Road between Riverside Drive and the Airport Parkway.

With a capacity of 1,200 guests, the open-space venue features 23-foot-high ceilings, a kitchen, breakout rooms and free parking.

Looking ahead, several other prominent Ottawa properties are set for a makeover.

Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna has pledged to find a new use for the former U.S. Embassy on Wellington Street, across from Parliament Hill, by 2017. The building had previously been tapped for a national portrait gallery.

And, a kilometre to the west, a debate is well underway on plans to redevelop LeBreton Flats. The National Capital Commission is weighing two proposals, both of which include a new NHL arena, an innovation pavilion, linear plazas and public squares.

The government agency is expected to announce its preferred redevelopment option in 2017.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

WHAT TO

MEETINGS 101

WEAR Understanding the fashion lingo of meetings, conventions and formal events WHITE TIE

Attire (M): Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid,

white pique wing-collared shirt with stiff front, white vest, white bow tie, white or gray gloves, black patent-leather shoes and black dress socks.

(F): Formal evening gown.

BLACK TIE

Attire (M): Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers, formal white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund to match tie, black patent-leather shoes and black dress socks, no gloves. (F): Formal evening gown or cocktail dress.

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Attire (M): Either a tuxedo or dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie. (F): Formal evening gown, cocktail dress

or dressy separates.

CREATIVE BLACK TIE

Attire (M): Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt

or matching coloured or patterned bow tie and cummerbund, black shiny patent or dressy black leather shoes and black socks. (F): Formal evening gown, cocktail dress or dressy separates, or any of the above accessorized with items such as a feather boa, colourful shawl or jewelry.

SEMIFORMAL

Attire (M): Dark, dressy business suit, matching vest, white shirt, conservative tie, dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks. (F): Cocktail dress, or long dressy skirt

and top.

FESTIVE ATTIRE

Attire (M): Seasonal sport coat or blazer in colour of choice and slacks, open-collar

shirt, or shirt and "festive" tie.

(F): Cocktail dress or long dressy skirt and top, or dressy pants outfit.

DRESSY CASUAL

Attire (M): Seasonal sport coat or blaser and slacks, open-collar shirt. (F): Full-length dress or skirt and dressy top, or dressy pants outfit.

BUSINESS CASUAL

Attire (M): Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks, or khakis with an open-collar shirt. (F): Skirt, khakis or slacks, open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater.

SPORT CASUAL

Attire (M): Khakis or clean, pressed jeans, plain T-shirt

(no slogans), polo shirt or casual button-down shirt.

(F): Khakis or clean, pressed jeans, plain T-shirt, polo shirt or casual button-down shirt.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

9

10 VENUES

unique meeting spaces in the capital

BY JACOB SEREBRIN

Photo by Mark Holleron

1. Mayfair Theatre 1074 Bank St. (613) 730-6552 mayfairtheatre.ca

2. Aquatarium 6 Broad St., Brockville (613) 342-6789 aquatarium.ca

The oldest active movie theatre in Ottawa has hosted corporate functions, meetings, AGMs, retreats, workshops and conventions in a room that has all the style of an era when going to the movies was a little more glamorous.

While the theatre itself is historic, the sound and projection technology is state-of-the-art. The big screen can be used for presentations or to round out a meeting or event with a classic or contemporary film. The theatre has seating for 325 and boasts great sightlines from every seat. Classic theatre snacks are available and there’s also the option for catering.

This brand-new nautical-themed venue is all about the Thousand Islands and boasts a wide variety of attractions, including replicas of wrecked ships.

There are also multiple options for corporate events and meetings. The attraction has event planners on staff that help coordinate and organize events. There’s a 26,000-square-foot Discovery Hall and a theatre, which can be reconfigured to suit various events and accommodate up to 250 people or be partitioned so that multiple events can take place at the same time. For something a little more intimate, there’s a boardroom that can accommodate 22

10

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

people, boasting a 70-inch interactive touchscreen and kitchen.

3. Terrace on the Canal 191 Colonel By Dr. (613) 241-9997 terraceonthecanal.com This new outdoor venue on the east side of the Rideau Canal is a wooden terrace with a modern decor on one acre of green space. With Parliament Hill in the background, it offers a mix of old and new, outdoors and urban. Rental of the site comes with a sound system, liquor license and bar staff. There’s a choice of three exclusive caterers. There’s also the possibility to have lanterns, torches, open fire pits or fireworks for evening events. In case of rain, there is a tented area.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

VENUES

Looking for even more venue ideas?

Check out the list of Ottawa-Gatineau’s largest meeting spaces, starting on page 32

4. Upper Deck Diner 3490 Innes Rd. (613) 424-7720 upperdeckdiner.com This diner and dairy bar in a converted double-decker bus serves up burgers, fries and milkshakes. It has a wide selection of poutines and recently had one of its creations voted favourite poutine at the University of Ottawa’s Poutine Festival (if anyone knows good poutine, it’s probably university students). The menu also features vegetarian and gluten-free options and has a peanut-free kitchen. There’s seating for 32 on the second floor of the bus. Outside, there’s table seating for 40 and five picnic tables. There’s also a deck with an eight-foot-byeight-foot stage. Catering is, of course, available.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

11

VENUES

5. Escape Manor Downtown: 201 Queen St. (4th floor) Hintonburg: 982 Wellington St. W. (613) 695-1655 escapemanor.com Escaping from a locked room might just be the most unique way to start a meeting. Escape Manor has four themed “escape rooms” that require teamwork and problem-solving to leave, creating the opportunity for a great team-building exercise. The venue itself is draws influences from the movie Clue! and Sherlock Holmes, with dark, rich textures and classic furniture.

There’s a licensed lounge on site. Food and beverages can also be brought in from one of Escape Manor’s restaurant, catering and or craft brewery partners.

6. La Charrette 460 West Hunt Club Rd. (613) 225-0260 lacharrette.ca This venue was built to host meetings, conferences and events. The space is bright, open and multicoloured, creating a modern and funky look that’s reminiscent of space for a tech startup. Since it’s purpose-built, there are lots of amenities that ensure meetings run smoothly, such as WiFi, a printer/photocopier, projectors, wall-to-wall projection screens, iPod docks and ceiling-mounted speakers.

12

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

There are also charging stations for mobile devices and writable walls. The furniture is easily movable, opening up a wide variety of options for how the room will be set up. Once the business is done, attendees can relax around the grand piano or with a drink – the venue has a liquor license.

7. Ottawa Rowing Club Boathouse 10 Lady Grey Dr. (613) 241-1120 theboathouseorc.com This heritage building at Canada’s oldest rowing club (founded the year of Confederation) celebrates its history with mementos, trophies and rowing equipment. The Rowing Club has picturesque views of the Ottawa River, complete with green space just a few minutes away from Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market. There’s parking for cars, as well as dock space if you want to arrive by boat. There’s also the option to host a corporate leadership event at the Rowing Club. The program involves learning about rowing and water safety, followed by rowing down the Ottawa River – an excursion that requires a lot of teamwork. After that, there can be a BBQ or catered lunch at the boathouse.

8. Carleton University River Building 1125 Colonel By Dr. (613) 520-5611 Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Mar2016_OBJ_half_4c_CMN1618_facilities_2 2016-03-23 1:31 PM Page 1

VENUES

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE DASPLETOSAURUS

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.

10. Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts 310 St Patrick St, Ottawa (613) 288-1079 sbcottawa.ca

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

THE ATRIUM

FACILITY RENTALS: 613-566-4712 events@mus-nature.ca

nature.ca Atrium: Brian Scott. Barrick Salon: Melissa Johnston. Nature Café: Charlotte Field. Creative: STCstorytellers.com

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

13

OBJ Magazine

NATURE CAFÉ

Spring 2016

THE BARRICK SALON

96946 / Canadian Museum of Nature

This deconsecrated Catholic church hosts a wide variety of events and has several rooms that can be rented. The former sanctuary is now a concert hall with a capacity of 699 people in the original church pews. With incredibly high ceilings and soaring arches, it’s definitely a unique venue.

In the basement, there’s the Kildare Room. It’s a versatile space, with stone wall and gallery lighting. Next to the Kildare Room is the newest addition to Saint Brigid’s – an Irish Pub. Called Brigid’s Well, it has a capacity of 170 and features art by the artists who work out of the studios at the The Rectory Art House next door.

insertion date

This venue combines art and fine food. Located above popular catering firm Thyme & Again, the gallery features rotating exhibits of contemporary Canadian

RENT A SPACE IN NATURE

publication

9. Exposure Gallery 1255 Wellington St. W. (2nd floor studio of Thyme & Again) (613) 722-0093 x221 exposuregallery.ca

photography, curated by the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa. The room itself has a unique feel, with a black ceiling, earthy colour scheme and sleek lighting. Thyme & Again’s catering team can also work with customers to develop decor ideas, set-up and plan menus. In terms of food, the catering company highlights seasonal, local ingredients.

docket / client

conferenceservices. carleton.ca One of the newer buildings on the Carleton campus, this modern structure received four Green Globes for sustainability. It has an accessible green roof and uses skylights and curtain walls to bring sunlight in.

There’s also a three- storey plant-covered “living” wall in the atrium and a large balcony overlooking the Rideau River. That large open, bright space can accommodate 196 people.

There’s also a large balcony overlooking the Rideau River that can accommodate 100 people, conference space with room for 272 people and a theatre with space for more than 380 people.

The university’s conference services department can also help with event planning.

Catering is available.

Get together in nature.

where business meets pleasure where business meets pleasure

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COVER STORY

Canada comes to the capital An event planner’s guide to Ottawa’s 2017 celebrations

BY LUCY SCRENCI

Meeting and convention organizers can capitalize on the influx in visitors to Ottawa in various ways

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

“B

e here for Canada’s big year.”

Organizers of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations have been using this call to action to help drum up excitement in advance of the festivities in 2017.

The year is primed to be a spectacular one, incorporating a slew of major events – such as the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition, which features competitors racing downhill on skates – punctuating a full year of celebrations and festivals.

Besides capturing the attention of local residents, the year is also shaping up to be a huge opportunity for the city’s economy and tourism industry.

“Our goal is to attract 1.75 million more visitors on top of the seven to eight million we host on a year-to-year basis,” says Guy Laflamme, executive director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau,

which is spearheading the year’s festivities.

Based on Tourism Ontario’s economic assessment model, Mr. Laflamme says those numbers translate to more than $320 million in direct consumer spending.

‘POWERFUL SELLING FEATURE’ Event, meeting and convention planners can also capitalize on the influx of visitors to Ottawa in various ways.

Pat Kelly, the former CEO of the Shaw Centre who now heads a tourism consulting practice, calls the Ottawa 2017 festivities a “powerful selling feature” for meeting and conference organizers.

“A lot of planners picked Ottawa as the site of their 2017 convention because of the knowledge that it would MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

15

COVER STORY be a big year in the capital and that there would be a lot going on,” Mr. Kelly says. “There may be a branding and sponsorship opportunity for 2017, or there may simply be the opportunity for the organization to purchase a large number of tickets for their delegates to attend a particular event.”

He advises convention planners to access the Ottawa 2017 event program and plan their off-site activities accordingly so delegates can experience the festivities.

Michael Crockatt, the president and CEO at Ottawa Tourism, views the year’s celebrations as a way to spark interest in Ottawa as a convention site for the future.

“In a normal year, there’s fantastic things for attendees to do, and fantastic venues for people to hold off-site events, but 2017 is going to be unlike any other.

Ongoing complementary events are

going to be an incredible showcase for meeting planners who have their events here. There’s also an opportunity for us to showcase the community to meeting planners who are looking at future events, too.”

LEGACY This long-term approach is the basis for much of the strategy behind the Ottawa 2017 festivities.

John Cosentino, the general manager of the Albert at Bay Suite Hotel, says organizers are looking to extend the benefits of Canada’s 150th birthday beyond 2017.

“We’re looking forward to making things happen for 2017, but we’re also excited that a lot of these programs are going to leave behind some sort of infrastructure or some kind of legacy,” he says.

As an example, local 2017

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In 2017, some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks will be transformed “to surprise and inspire people,” says Guy Laflamme, executive director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau.

“We are really thinking outside the box … that’s why we will be using regional assets, but in a very different manner,” he adds.

Here are some of the focal points for festivities:

Red Bull Crashed Ice

Rideau Canal: The final stretch of the Red Bull Crashed Ice Competition will be taking over the canal’s locks.

Alexandra Bridge: Canada’s first interprovincial picnic will take place on the bridge that links Gatineau and Ottawa. Turf will be laid to create a “lush green haven” for residents of both provinces to enjoy a meal in comfort.

Lyon LRT Station: Underlining the importance of the Confederation Line and light-rail transit, the new underground Lyon Station will be the scene of a 10-week multimedia experience in 2017. In a statement, Mr. Laflamme says this was the very first concept he proposed when he took the reigns on planning the Ottawa 2017 celebrations.

Lansdowne Park: Embassies and high commissions will host their own national celebrations at the Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building.

Elsewhere in Ottawa, winners of the Canadian Videogame Awards will have their work projected onto landmarks and buildings across the city.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

COVER STORY

organizers say they hope the nation’s capital can replicate the success Quebec City experienced in the years following its 400th anniversary.

“If you look at the level of vibrancy and success of the Quebec economy since 2008, it was definitely a factor in explaining how their economy flourished. They saw some benefits way beyond 2008, and how it generated an increase

in the pride of local citizens and the level of confidence of business leaders,” says Mr. Laflamme.

Garnering support among all sectors of the city and involving various communities has been a large focus for Mr. Laflamme and the Ottawa 2017 Bureau.

The organization is working closely with the city’s chambers of commerce, BIAs and individuals businesses.

They’re also asking the community to submit proposals for arts and culture projects to be included in programming.

For Mr. Cosentino, this level of collaboration is unprecedented.

“The great thing about our community at the moment is we have never had a better aligned partnership or buy-in from all the different various sectors, from all the different various stakeholders in the industry, or even outside the industry,” he says.

TAKE YOUR MEETING TO NEW HEIGHTS Teambuilding • Staff Appreciation • Company BBQs

The natural choice for your event.

Conferences • Meetings • Day Retreats • Banquets

WHO’S INVOLVED? Some of the companies and service providers working behind the scenes: CIBC: Lead partner of Ottawa 2017.

InitLive: This mobile app will help Ottawa 2017 organizers schedule and stay in touch with volunteers.

Moment Factory: The production company has been chosen to produce the light, sound and video experience for the underground LRT experience at Lyon Station.

Stantec: The engineering firm will support the setup of the Ottawa 2017’s signature attraction, Inspiration Village, as well as the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition.

Northern Micro: The high-tech firm has been chosen as the IT solutions provider for Ottawa 2017.

Gowling WLG: Legal firm for Ottawa 2017.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

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WATIVALS OTTTA S & FES 2016

EVEN

culture, f o s n o ti ra b le ce e th Your guide to all a’s capital d a n a C in ts r o sp & c si food, mu

Image © Royal Ontario Museum

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

19

2016 EVENTS & FESTIVALS July 9 to Sept. 10

Soundandlightshow.ca

Fortissimo: Beating Retreat Ceremony Parliament Hill

Military and musical spectacular features massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard.

July 21-23

613-992-4793 Parl.gc.ca/vis

Odyssey Theatre’s “The Servant of Two Masters” Strathcona Park

Comedy by Carlo Goldoni.

July 21 to Aug. 21

613-232-8407 Odysseytheatre.ca

Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly

MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS AND CEREMONIES

Canadian Museum of Nature

Deadly Skies: Air War, 1914-18 Canadian War Museum

Focus on the lives of nine people, from both sides of the conflict, who experienced the air conflict of the First World War. June 3 to Jan. 29, 2017

Exhibition exploring how reptiles fit into the animal kingdom and their native environments.

Oct. 7 to April 2, 2017

June 11 to Sept. 5

613-566-4700/ 800-263-4433 Nature.ca

613-566-4700 / 800-263-4433 Nature.ca

Napoleon and Paris

Alex Janvier

Canadian Museum of History

Forged in Fire: The Building and Burning of Parliament

819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 Warmuseum.ca

Over 250 works reveal Napoleon’s ambitious dream of turning Paris into the capital of Europe.

June 16 to Jan. 8, 2017

Exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the fire that destroyed Canada’s first Parliament Buildings.

Until Oct. 31

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755–1842)

819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 Historymuseum.ca

613-234-4570 Bytownmuseum.com

Considered the most important female painter of her time, Le Brun brought new inspiration to the portrait genre.

June 10 to Sept. 11

Changing of the Guard Colourful drills including regimental bands and pipers.

June 26 to Aug. 20

National War Memorial and Beechwood Cemetery

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 Gallery.ca

613-239-5000 / 800-465-1867 Parl.gc.ca/vis

Learn about Star Trek technologies such as tricorders, warp drives, phasers and teleporters.

May 13 to Sept. 11

Ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who have served in Canada’s military.

Nov. 11

Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala

Torchlight Shakespeare Festival

613-591-3335 Legion.ca Beechwoodcemetery.com

Bytown Museum

Star Trek’s Starfleet Academy Experience

613-993-2010 Casmuseum.techno-science.ca

Canada Roars

Canadian Museum of History Historical narrative showcasing the roots and development of Canadian musical heritage.

May 18-20

613-321-2066 Odysseyshowcase.org

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MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

A celebration featuring performances, video portraits and personal tributes.

June 11

613-947-7000 / 866-850-2787 Nac-cna.ca

Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Parliament Hill

Various Ottawa parks

Professional Shakespeare company A Company of Fools presents Pericles, Prince of Tyre.

July 4 to Aug. 20 (except Sundays)

613-863-7529 Fools.ca

A Century of Community Bytown Museum

Exhibit features eclectic works, images and artefacts that helped shape the history of Ottawa and Canada.

Feb. 3, 2017 to Feb. 19, 2018

Ultimate Dinosaurs

Northern Lights: Sound and Light Show

An exhibition highlighting large dinosaurs of the southern hemisphere.

An artistic journey of Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Work showcasing a senior Aboriginal artist at the forefront of contemporary Canadian Aboriginal art.

Nov. 10 to March 12, 2017

613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 Gallery.ca

National Gallery of Canada

National Arts Centre

National Gallery of Canada

613-234-4570 Bytownmuseum.com

Parliament Hill

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

2016 EVENTS & FESTIVALS

SPORTS AND ATHLETICS Ottawa Fury

and running across Ottawa.

July 23-24

Ottawa PoutineFest

Ottawatriathlon.ca

Bell Capital Cup

Poutine vendors take over downtown Ottawa and offer up their take on Canada’s dish.

May 5-8

Tournament featuring young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada.

Dec. 28 to Jan. 1, 2017

Gatineau BeerFest

Various locations

613-599-0241 Bellcapitalcup.ca

TD Place at Lansdowne Park Professional soccer team in its third North American Soccer League season.

Season runs from May 1 to Oct. 29

Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

Ottawafuryfc.com

Skaters compete in the men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance disciplines.

Jan. 16 to 22

Ottawa Champions Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park Baseball team in the Can-Am League.

Season runs from May 19 to Sept. 5

Marion Dewar Plaza

613-851-5752 Ottawapoutinefest.ca

Jacques Cartier Park

Artisans, local produce, beer and food matches in an outdoor country atmosphere.

May 26-28

Festibieredegatineau.ca

TD Place Arena

Skatecanada.ca

Ottawa Ribfest Sparks Street

Downtown Ottawa

Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon.

May 28-29

613-234-2221 / 866-786-6882 Runottawa.ca

FOOD AND DRINK

TD Place at Lansdowne Park Football team in the Canadian Football League.

Season runs from July 8 to Nov. 4

Ottawaredblacks.com

Ottawa ComicCon EY Centre

A celebration of the worlds of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, movies, TV, toys, anime and gaming.

May 13-15

ottawacomiccon.com

613-230-0984 Sparkslive.com

Throughout Ottawa/Gatineau

Bytowne Oyster Festival Oysters and live music.

Canadian Tulip Festival Annual world-famous festival features a million tulips blooming in public areas and parks.

May 13-23

June 26

613-567-5757 or 800-66-TULIP Tulipfestival.ca

613-266-6743 Whalesboneoysterfest.ca

Hintonburg Happening Wellington West

Capital Ribfest

Nine-day art, music, fashion and food festival.

May 6-14

Bon Appétit Ottawa

Ribbers, live music and craft beer gardens.

July 28-31.

Hintonburghappening.ca

Top restaurants, hotels, caterers, wineries and breweries join together for one of Ottawa’s top cocktail parties.

May 3

613-851-5752 Capitalribfest.ca

613-231-5651 Bonappetitottawa.ca

Ottawa City Hall

Ottawa City Hall Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park

Ottawa RedBlacks

Spring

Teams compete to barbecue the best chicken and ribs.

June 22-26

Ottawachampions.com

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

MUSIC, FESTIVALS AND EXPOS

Canadian Triathlon Championships and Ottawa CAMTRI American Cup Dow’s Lake

Ten major races involving athletes swimming, cycling

Mac My Cheese Fest Vendors, live entertainment, eating contests and plenty of cheese.

Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

613-851-5752 Macmycheesefest.ca

Summer City of Om

Lansdowne Park Yoga festival.

June 4

Cityofom.com

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 4-5

613-580-9674 Ottawa.ca/doorsopen

WESTfest

Laroche Park A festival of music, art and life.

June 4-5

613-729-3565 Westfest.ca

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

21

Catering to

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All YOU have to do is Enjoy!

Call us at 613.727.1044 and let us cater to YOU! www.centurioncenter.com 22

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Official caterer of the

Mayor’s Breakfast Series Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

2016 EVENTS & FESTIVALS Ottawa Veg Fest RA Centre

613-241-2633 / 888-226-4495 Ottawajazzfestival.com

613-234-6306 Ottawachamberfest.com

Marketplace of healthy products and services.

June 4-5

Escapade Music Festival

Ottawa Busker Festival

Dance music concert featuring some of the world’s rising and established international artists including Martin Garrix, Diplo and DVBBS.

Sparks Street Unorthodox entertainment by street performers from around the world.

July 28 to Aug. 1

June 25-26 Escapademf.com

613-230-0984 Sparkslive.com

800-838-5915 livinggreenexpo.ca

Canada Dance Festival

National Arts Centre and other venues A celebration of contemporary Canadian dance.

June 4-11

Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre

Lansdowne Park Festival highlighting music, dance, storytelling and crafts.

Sept. 14-18

613-230-8234 / 877-730-8234 Cityfolkfestival.ca

Ottawa International Animation Festival Various locations

Canadadance.ca

Bytown Days

North America’s largest animation festival.

Sept. 21-26

Celebration the creation of the Rideau Canal and Bytown.

July 30 to Aug. 1

613-232-8769 Animationfestival.ca

613-562-0405 / 844-256-2466 Bytowndays.ca

Ottawa International Film Festival

Beside Bytown Museum

Ottawa Explosion Weekend Various locations

Independent music festival.

June 15-19

Ottawaexplosion.com

Ottawa Fringe Festival

CityFolk

Cineplex Lansdowne

Screenings of the best in new cinema from established and up-and-coming filmmakers.

Oct. 14-16

Canada Day

Sound of Light

International fireworks competition.

Aug. 6-20 (Wednesdays and Saturdays)

Oiff.ca

613-232-6162 Ottawafringe.com

Canada’s 149th birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration.

July 1

819-771-3389 Feux.qc.ca

Franco Ontarian Festival

819-997-0055 / 866-811-0055 Canadaday.gc.ca

Ottawa International Writers Festival (fall edition)

Various locations A celebration of the arts.

June 15-26

Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau

Major’s Hill Park

French celebration with concerts, street art and entertainment celebrating Franco Ontarian culture.

June 16-18

613-321-0102 FFo.ca

GlowFair

Bank Street between Slater and Gilmour streets Musical performance stages, street installations and street performers.

June 17-18

Canadian Museum of History

Christ Church Cathedral

Capital Pride Festival

A celebration of the finest new and established writing.

Oct. 20-25

Celebration of the strength, equality, dignity and self-determination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer community.

Aug. 15-21

613-562-1243 Writersfestival.org

613-252-7174 Ottawacapitalpride.ca

Shaw Centre

Various locations

Music and Beyond

Downtown churches and concert halls A classical music festival that presents over 85 concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups and small ensembles.

July 4-17

613-241-0777 Musicandbeyond.ca

RBC Bluesfest

Arboretum Arts Festival

Artists, artisans and designers showcase innovative displays and contemporary designs.

Nov. 9-13

Outside Ottawa City Hall

Signaturesottawa.ca

Boutique music, food and arts festival.

August 17-20, 2016

Ottawa Gatineau Tattoo Expo

LeBreton Flats

Arboretumfestival.com

613-232-6255 Glowfair.ca

One of the largest international music events in the world.

July 7-17

Capital Fair

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

613-247-1188 / 866-258-3748 Ottawabluesfest.ca

Music, food, midway rides, animals and a demolition derby.

Aug. 19-28

Boat racing, concerts, a children’s activity area, food, drinks and vendors.

June 23-26

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest

613-741-3247 Capitalfair.ca

Mooney’s Bay Park

613-238-7711 Dragonboat.net

TD Ottawa Jazz Festival

Confederation Park and other locations Concerts featuring avant-garde, big band, swing and other forms of jazz.

June 23 to July 3

Mooney’s Bay Park

Rideau Carleton Raceway

North America’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament.

July 16

Autumn

Hopehelps.com

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival Gatineau

Ottawa Chamberfest

Dominion-Chalmers United Church The world’s largest chamber music festival.

July 21 to Aug. 4

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Signatures Show

Canada’s largest balloon festival.

Sept. 1-5 819-243-2331 / 800-668-8383

Hilton Lac-Leamy

International artists, onsite tattooing, live bands and more.

Nov. 11-13

Ottawatattooexpo.com

Winter Winterlude

Various locations Winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events.

Feb. 3-20, 2017

819-997-0055 / 866-811-0055 Winterlude.gc.ca

Balloongatineau.com MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

23

A full range of traditional and non-traditional accommodations

24

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Unlimited beautiful scenery

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Meet & eat Les Gagne brings new food-focused festivals to the capital

BY JACOB SEREBRIN

M

eetings and conferences are all about bringing people together. And, according to Les Gagne, nothing does that quite like food.

Mr. Gagne is the founder and “chief of possibility” of Feature Festivals and Events, the Ottawa-based company behind a rapidly growing list of local festivals, including the Ottawa PoutineFest, Capital Ribfest and the Mac My Cheese Fest.

He describes them as “unique foodie experiences” that are “fun, inexpensive and make for a great selfie.”

The former head of the Sparks Street Business Improvement Area is no stranger to hosting large events in the nation’s capital. In that previous role, he introduced a New Year’s Eve party and led one of Canada’s largest rib festivals.

But since the start of 2015, Mr. Gagne has introduced a slew of new events that have attracted tens of thousands of visitors, major sponsors and local partnerships.

While Mr. Gagne’s festivals generally start with classic Canadian comfort foods, he says there is plenty of room for diversity and international influences – think

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Thai macaroni and cheese, for example – that is part of bringing people together.

The festivals may be focused on food, but Mr. Gagne says he’s part of a wider movement that’s seeing more and more events added to Ottawa’s social and cultural calendar.

Mr. Gagne says that as his festivals continue to grow, he hopes they’ll help attract more tourists to the city – and encourage them to return more often – by giving them more things to do.

“It’s not just Parliament Hill that we have to offer,” he says. The city, he adds, is “cultivating a new culture.”

Mr. Gagne says he plans to keep expanding. This summer he’ll be bringing his rib festivals to four cities in Alberta and to Trois-Rivières in Quebec.

And he’s looking to expand locally as well.

In June, he plans to launch the first edition of a music-focused festival that will also highlight food in ball form – whether that’s deep-fried mac and cheese balls, meat balls or rice balls.

He’s also thinking about a festival focused around finger food.

“I want to be part of making the city a fun, exciting place to be,” he says.

EVENTS

ON THE MENU: Ottawa PoutineFest

May 5-8 Location: A festival featuring variations on the classic dish. This year, there will be an attempt to break the world record for the biggest poutine. The inaugural edition of the festival last year drew more than 50,000 people.

Music Love Fest/BallsFest

June 10-12 Location: Outside Ottawa City Hall This new festival will be focused around music and food in ball form.

Capital RibFest

July 28-31 Location: Outside Ottawa City Hall A long weekend devoted entirely to barbecue, especially ribs. Last year it drew nearly 40,000 people.

Kanata RibFest

Sept. 8-11 Location: Kanata Rec Centre (The Big Hill) A suburban version of the Capital RibFest aimed at Kanata residents.

This year, Mr. Gagne plans to expand the concept east into Orleans with a separate festival the following weekend, Sept.16-18.

Mac My Cheese Fest

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Location: Outside Ottawa City Hall Lobster, Thai, pulled pork and smoked salmon are just some of the twists taken on macaroni and cheese. The first edition of the festival last year attracted more than 40,000 visitors.

Pond Hockey Tournament

For eight years, Mr. Gagne has organized the Beaver Cup pond hockey tournament as part of Winterlude. While this year’s pond hockey season was cut short by warm weather, Mr. Gagne is planning a new and bigger event for the coming year that will be held a week before Winterlude.

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

25

Turn Down for W DJ Snake & Lil Jon

AMBIANCE

hat

— Single

A planner’s playlist Expert tips on selecting and sourcing the right music for your event

BY JACOB SEREBRIN

W

hether it’s in the background or the foreground, nothing sets the mood for an event quite like music.

While this means organizers need to be atune with the ambiance they’re trying to create when picking songs, one of the first questions event planners typically face is whether to hire a professional DJ or take responsibility for a soundtrack themselves.

Amanda O’Reilly, the president of Balance InStyle, a local event planning firm, recommends that organizers ask themselves how they want their event to feel.

“Do you want a killer dance party or do just really want ambient background music?” asks Ms. O’Reilly.

While an iPod works for smaller events where the music plays more of a background role, a DJ might be what it takes to get everyone moving.

“The benefit of a DJ is the DJ can feel the crowd and they can make a party happen,” Ms. O’Reilly says.

There are other benefits. A DJ can also double as an MC and introduce guests or speakers during the event.

DECIDING ON A DJ When it comes to picking a DJ, Ms. O’Reilly says it’s a good idea to meet them in person to make sure they’re the right fit.

Getting a sense of the DJ’s personality is one factor but it’s also important to ask about their repertoire and library of available music, she says.

That library is one of the big benefits of hiring a professional, says Stéphane Gonthier, a DJ and the owner of Ottawabased Dynamix Productions.

He says his DJs come with around 30,000 songs ready to play.

They’ll also bring their own equipment, including speakers, microphones and, in some cases, extras such as lights.

He says experience is one of the most

26

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

important factors to look for when picking a DJ. Event organizers should also pay attention to how willing the DJ appears to understand their potential client’s objectives.

“The DJ will make or break the night,” says Mr. Gonthier.

His company has an online planning tool where customers can make specific requests – including what not to play – and set a schedule for the evening so the DJ knows what type of music they should be playing when.

DIY OPTIONS If hiring a DJ isn’t in the budget, bringing your own iPod can keep costs down.

For event organizers going this route, Ms. O’Reilly’s advice is to inspect the venue’s sound equipment, specifically the system in the room where the event will take place.

Even if a venue has a solid sound system, Ms. O’Reilly says it is important to conduct your own sound check in advance to make sure everything works and sounds sharp.

She also recommends having a backup plan.

“Bring a computer or bring something else, because we’ve seen iPods freeze,” she says.

When it comes to the music itself, she recommends preparing playlists in advance so the organizer isn’t rushing over to change songs every few minutes.

LICENSING FEES Regardless of what kind of music an event plays, organizers may have to pay fees to SOCAN and or Re:Sound, Canada’s performance rights and music licensing organizations. Those fees will either be paid by the venue or the event planner.

EVENT SOUNDTRACKS DJ Stéphane Gonthier and Balance InStyle president Amanda O’Reilly share some ideas on where to start searching for songs to play during different types of events.

AFTER-WORK SOCIAL GATHERING: Jazz or lounge music with a good background beat that creates ambiance.

COCKTAILS OR GALAS: Lounge music, blues or jazz.

DINNER: Acoustic or jazz renditions of top-40 hits.

AWARD CEREMONY: Songs that are fun and empowering.

Mr. Gonthier says the playlist for dance parties often depends on the crowd, but typically involves a mix of classic tracks and top-40 hits.

“We want to make sure we have the right balance to please the older crowd, but also the younger crowd, so they don’t get bored,” he says.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

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10 TRADE SHOWS

1

mistakes exhibitors make

– and how to avoid them After making a large investment in money, time, training and marketing, the last thing an exhibitor wants to do is stand in the way of their own success. Yet many people continue to fall into the same traps, year after year.

Here are some of the common hazards, and how to steer clear of them: 28

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

Underselling your company with bad graphics

All too often, companies represent themselves at trade shows with a patchwork of a “display,” such as vinyl banners wrapped around foam board, dented or dinged-up displays and a variety of hodgepodge displays. These types of displays will send prospects running to the competition. Represent your company in the best light possible. A less-thanprofessional appearance does not give your prospect confidence in you or your products and services.

Putting way too much text on your display

2

You’ve got literally seconds to get someone’s attention as they stroll around the show floor. No one will stop to read a lot of text. Please understand that you cannot tell your entire company story on your tradeshow display.

3

Not promoting your presence at trade shows

So you’ve got a great-looking booth and you all ready to go. So where is everyone? Why don’t you have any traffic coming into your booth? What have you done to promote your presence at the show? Let your clients and prospects know about your trade show appearances by using an e-newsletter and social media. Plan the launch of a new product or service around a show to create a buzz. Send invites directly to those prospects that you may not have connected with in the past.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Not training or discussing proper expectations with your booth staff

4

So your booth staffers are sitting down instead of engaging with prospects. Are they more concerned with playing games, texting or chatting away while prospects stroll right by your booth? Make sure you set the proper expectations before the show. Don’t make the assumption that because you have professional sales people they will understand the nuances of how to work in a trade show environment. Staff your booth with people who are as good or better than you.

5

Not listening to the needs of your prospects

Don’t be so excited to get your message across and sell your product that you miss out on important information about your clients’ needs. Also, be sure to be aware of body language and pick up any visual cues that may help you understand your clients’ needs even better. Take advantage of everything that a face-to-face interaction has to offer.

6

Depending on a fishbowl to bring in qualified leads

Lose the fishbowl! Is this type of giveaway really giving you the qualified leads you are seeking? Be an expert provider of solutions and you won’t need a generic giveaway contest to drive traffic to your booth.

7

Hauling too much literature to your booth

Most of the literature handed out at trade shows doesn’t make it past the garbage can of an attendee’s hotel room.

Instead, write “Show Sample” on a copy Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

of your literature to display at the show, and then get your prospect’s contact details to e-mail or physically mail the information to them after the show. It will also save you the expense of shipping your heavy literature around. This gives you a great call to action to follow up with your prospect after the show.

Explore technology to get information in your prospects hands. QR codes and mobile marketing platforms are great ways to do this.

8

Not planning for trade show success

If you don’t have a good plan in place you won’t be able to show a return on investment to justify future shows and all you’ve really done is waste a lot of time and money. Discuss timelines with your trade show marketing consultant, get feedback from industry peers and do your homework.

9

Not informing your exhibit service partner

Make sure that the service crews handling the logistics of your booth understand what’s going on with your booth. Provide them with a list of shows for the year so that your booth gets from one show to the next, deciding which shows you have time to ship to the advanced warehouse and which events you may have to ship direct to the show. Discuss any unique items such as products in the booth, monitors and height limitations.

10

Not following up on leads

Though is seems like a no-brainer, you need to make sure that your leads are called on in a timely fashion. Discuss next steps, quoting, future meetings and provide any additional information they need. Deliver on the promises and the expectations that you have set at the show.

Adapted and republished with permission by Skylinetradeshowtips.com and Skyline.com MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

29

RETREATS

A

fresh take on team-building Cooking classes helps coworkers work together under pressure

BY JACOB SEREBRIN

F

or most people, cooking is an after-work activity. But an increasing number of businesses and organizations are finding that cooking classes are effective teambuilding activities that help employees hone their communication skills “There’s lots of organic team-building happening in the kitchen,” says Carley Schelck, the co-owner and CEO of Ottawa-based cooking school The Urban Element. “There’s natural camaraderie and working together to achieve a goal.”

The hospitality and food industry veteran offers different programs that vary depending on what a client wants to get out of the experience. If the goal is to have some fun while building fellowship among staff, the day will look different than if it’s intended to work through more serious issues.

Either way, Ms. Schelck says her clients often incorporate a measurable goal or outcome to the day’s program.

One of Ms. Schelck’s signature activities is an Iron Chef-style competition that features participants being split into teams and working with an Urban Element chef to create a dish that incorporates a secret ingredient.

30

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016

The element of competition and challenge can help encourage team-building, she says, adding that employers can pick the teams themselves if they want to encourage certain dynamics among their staff.

The competition isn’t solely judged on the final dish; teams are also evaluated on how they come together to develop ideas or overcome challenges and interpersonal conflicts that arise while they’re cooking.

Ms. Schelck says that some companies bring a professional teambuilder with them and use the cooking class as one part of a larger exercise.

“Food is a bridge,” Ms. Schelck says.

“Cooking really puts everyone on the same level.”

That’s also a big part of the approach at C’est Bon, another local cooking school that offers a team-building program.

“You leave your title behind when you step into the kitchen,” says co-owner Stefanie Siska.

“Even if you’re working beside your manager, in the kitchen ... you’re wearing a different hat.”

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

RETREATS ‘COMMUNICATION IS KEY’ C’est Bon’s program starts with a planning session, where the teams learn about what they’re making and decide who’s going to do what.

That’s followed by the cooking and, of course, the meal.

There’s a big focus on fun, she says, but while people are enjoying themselves they’re also learning to work together in new ways.

“Colleagues get to know each other more, they get to spend time with each other,” Ms. Siska says. “It creates connections between employees.”

She says communication is key in the kitchen.

Participants in a cooking school-based team-building exercise can also expect to learn a lot about cooking.

C’est Bon’s full-day program ends with Vanessa Dewson a tour of the ByWard Photography Market to learn about local ingredients from local producers.

At The Urban Element, Ms. Schelck says her goal is to give everyone three “ah-ha” moments in the kitchen, whether that’s a new knife skill or caramelizing technique.

Both cooking school owners say it doesn’t matter what skill level a – C’EST BON CO-OWNER participant brings to the STEFANIE SISKA table.

“Our job is to put everyone at ease,” Ms. Schelck says. “We really try to make the recipes accessible to all.”

While food might be the excuse, she’s still looking to deliver results to her customers.

“At the end of the day we want them to feel like they’ve accomplished something together,” she says.

“Colleagues get to know each other more … it creates connections.”

INGREDIENTS TO SUCCESS: • Arrive with an open mind and positive attitude • Explain the day’s activities to participants in advance, communicating what you hope to get out of it.

• Dress appropriately – the kitchen can be a messy place.

• Leave the digital gadgets behind. Team-building activities are best when outside distractions are minimized. Plus it’s important to remain focused in the kitchen.

• Be ready to talk. Communication is important within teams and vital in noisy kitchens.

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 WND = Would not disclose.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

31

Largest Meeting & Venue

Address

Phone

Fax

Web

EY Centre

4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6

613-822-8800

613-237-0685

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

613-520-5611

613-520-2750

carleton.ca/conferenceservices

University of Ottawa Conventions & Reservations

85 University Pvt., Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

613-562-5771

613-562-5201

reservations.uottawa.ca

Nepean Sportsplex

1701 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean, ON K2G 1W2

613-580-2424 x23055

613-580-9607

ottawa.ca

Palais des congres de Gatineau

50 Maisonneuve Blvd., 3rd floor, 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

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre*

200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3

613-288-3450

613-667-9888

ottawaconferenceandeventcentre.com

Lansdowne Park

450 Queen Elizabeth Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3

613-580-2429

N/A

ottawa.ca/lansdownepark

Algonquin Commons Theatre/Algonquin Students' Association

1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8

613-727-4723 x6442

613-727-7712

algonquinsa.com

Algonquin College

1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8

613-727-4723 x7481

613-727-7735

algonquincollege.com/conference

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

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

Delta Ottawa City Centre

101 Lyon St., Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9

613-237-3600

613-237-9114

deltaottawacitycentre.com

Collège La Cité

801 Aviation Pky., Ottawa, ON K1K 4R3

613-742-2483

613-742-2479

collegelacite.ca

North Grenville Municipal Centre

285 County Road 44, P.O. Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

613-258-9569 x134

613-258-9620

northgrenville.ca

Brookstreet

525 Legget Dr., Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2

613-271-1800

613-271-3541

brookstreet.com

Canadian War Museum

1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8

819-776-7018

819-776-7059

warmuseum.ca/facilityrentals

Canadian Museum of Nature

240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1

613-566-4712

613-566-4798

nature.ca

Travelodge Ottawa Hotel & Conference Centre

1376 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L5

613-722-7600

613-722-2226

travelodgeottawa.com

National Arts Centre - Meetings and Events

53 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1

613-232-5713

613-943-1403

nacmeetings.ca

Saint Paul University

223 Main St., Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4

613-236-1393 x2240

613-782-3005

ustpaul.ca

Ben Franklin Place

101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa, ON K2G 5K7

613-580-2424 x41216

613-580-2704

centrepointetheatres.com

St. Elias Centre Conference & Banquet Facility

750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1V 6N1

613-737-4997

613-737-6493

steliascentre.com

Shenkman Arts Centre

245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1

613-580-2787

613-580-2656

shenkmanarts.ca

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, 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

32

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Convention Spaces Mtg space (sq. ft.)

Largest mtg Number of Theatre room (sq. ft.) mtg rooms capacity

Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity

In-house catering service?

Daily rental rate

Free parking?

Key executive

Sales contact Ranked by total meeting space.

219,000

90,000

12

N/A

5,000

5,000

5,000

Y

WND

N

Neil Bales

Maxime Laporte

192,000

57,740

28

6,000

6,000

N/A

3,840

Y

WND

N

Nina Kressler

Dawn Guindon

150,000

10,000

26

444

500

800

340

Y

$95-$600

N

Kendra Reay

Linda Cruz

90,000

3,700

200

420

500

887

250

Y

WND

N

Marie-Sylvie Pruneau

WND

70,000

8,640

13

900

1,000

N/A

480

Y

$122-$1,795

Y

Chantal Laporte

Kay Boland

55,000

26,668

12

2,800

4,500

1,750

1,750

Y

$285-$1,350

N

L. M. Makrakis

André Pelland

51,000

15,866

16

1,600

1,500

140

1,100

Y

$350-$9,250

Y

Alain Miroux

Fabienne Nadeau

50,000

9,800

70

875

1,000

450

500

Y

WND

Y

Kim Coe-Turner

Silvia Marino

44,000

16,587

27

1,800

1,500

200

1,370

Y

$495-$16,200

N

Ross Meredith

Shaddy Shibley

43,000

11,000

37

1,200

1,000

100

800

Y

Starting at $250

Y

Claudio Dinardo

Pamela Diane DiNardo

42,000

35,000

2

2,800

2,800

N/A

2,800

N

WND

N

Benoit Osborne

Jennifer Bradley

40,915

11,160

13

835

300

295

150

Y

Starting at $75

Y/N

Ken McLeod

WND

40,144

11,760

20

N/A

1,256

120

1,200

Y

$75 and up

N

Mary Baxter

Jennifer Thurston

36,000

5,886

16

600

800

180

450

Y

$700-$7,000

N

Claude J. Sauvé

Sue Ohlson

36,000

6,500

26

600

600

180

600

Y

$250-$4,000

N

Stephane Pelletier

Amina Hassan

33,821

6,690

12

600

600

180

475

Y

WND

Y

Tosha Rhodenizer

Shelley Carbonetto

33,235

12,925

12

500

1,500

60

600

Y

$600-$4,500

N

Mark O'Neill

Genevieve Mercier

26,000

10,000

17

1,100

1,000

150

900

Y

WND

N

Zubair Siddiqi

Marilyn Power

25,000

4,800

200

300

500

120

500

Y

WND

N

Lise Bourgeois

Joseé Lacourse

23,000

17,000

5

300

300

N/A

300

N

$126-$1,050

Y

Mark Guy

Lisa Kmiel

22,910

5,188

22

450

500

125

370

Y

WND

N

Patrice S. Basille

Mark Nisbett

22,000

9,038

5

231

1,500

N/A

600

Y

$600-$3,500

N

Mark O'Neill

Genevieve Mercier

20,000

7,700

8

220

500

60

240

WND

$800-$3,300

N

Nathalie Boulet

Diane Mongrain

20,000

5,600

8

500

350

110

400

WND

$235-$1,700

Y

Jean-Pierre Benjamin

WND

15,700

6,900

4

2,200

2,400

200

1,920

Y

$1,000-$2,000

N

Nelson J Borges

Lisa Levia

15,658

4,600

32

300

300

90

150

Y

WND

N

Nadine Tremblay

Laura Dufour

15,564

10,000

5

954

500

N/A

N/A

N

$1,500

Y

Allan Sansom

WND

15,500

15,500

4

1,500

1,200

N/A

1150

Y

WND

Y

Zare Kesyan

WND

15,361

6,458

5

500

500

N/A

N/A

N

WND

Y

Caroline Obeid

Sarah Conn

15,040

4,028

12

450

500

140

350

Y

$375-$2,000

N

Michael Lucas

Nathalie Tremblay

14,000

10,500

7

800

800

40

800

Y

$495-$5,000

Y

Sean McGrath

Kim Le Sage Le Blanc

13,440

4,200

20

425

500

350

350

Y

Up to $2,500

Y

Genevieve Dumas

Cindy Gascon

13,000

2,200

15

200

225

160

160

Y

$375-$2,500

N

David O. Smythe

Ann Meelker

12,600

12,000

3

1,650

1,000

N/A

1,000

Y

$500-$2,500

Y

Joe Giammaria

Rosie De Leo

12,000

6,133

11

720

800

150

400

Y

$300-$2,750

Y

George Chaiban

WND

*WND = Would not

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

* Includes access to Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East and the Hampton Inn Ottawa by Hilton disclose.

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

33

LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2016 Venue

Address

Phone

Fax

Web

Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre

6346 Deermeadow Dr., Ottawa, ON K4P 1M9

613-821-2675

613-821-4692

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

University of Guelph Kemptville Campus

830 Prescott St., Kemptville, ON K0G 1JO

613-258-8336 x 61234

613-258-8384

kemptvillecampus.ca

Sheraton Ottawa Hotel

150 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2

613-238-1500

613-238-8497

sheratonottawa.com

Capital Hill Hotel and Suites

88 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5E9

613-235-1413

613-235-6047

capitalhill.com

Sala San Marco Banquet & Conference Centre

215 Preston St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

613-238-6063

613-233-3331

salasanmarco.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

TCC Canada

800-251 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6

613-566-7000

613-566-7003

tcccanada.com

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 3J9

613-991-3044

613-993-7923

cafmuseum.techno-science.ca

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa

35 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC J8X 4E9

819-778-6111

819-778-3647

fourpointsgatineau.com

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

Chimo Hotel

1199 Joseph Cyr St., Ottawa, ON K1J 7T4

613-744-1060

613-744-7845

chimohotel.com

Dow's Lake Court Conference Centre

865 Carling Ave., 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8

613-725-3855

613-725-3101

dowslakecourt.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

34

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

orchardview.ca

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Mtg space (sq. ft.)

Largest mtg Number of Theatre room (sq. ft.) mtg rooms capacity

Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity

LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2016

In-house catering service?

Daily rental rate

Free parking?

Key executive

Sales contact

11,300

5,600

7

600

600

N/A

400

Y

$150-$1,500

Y

Adam Milito

Tracy Regimbald

10,078

3,465

5

250

250

60

200

Y

$150-$700

Y

Michael Strauss

Maggie Fairfield

10,000

6,000

4

600

600

400

350

Y

WND

Y

Earl Stanley

Susan Faith-Lecoupe

10,000

2,800

8

250

600

N/A

500

Y

$300-$650

Y

Glenna Camposarcone Laura Kelly

10,000

7,200

40

220

500

N/A

600

Y

$50-$1,500

Y

Heather Davis

WND

9,700

2,720

10

275

300

85

230

Y

$375-$1,350

N

Yolaine Charette

Mike Abou-Abssi

9,614

2,650

10

140

200

70

150

Y

WND

N

Hume Rogers

Sherri Macki

9,500

8,000

3

1,000

800

600

Y

WND

Y

Tony Zacconi

Elena Morrison

9,020

7,350

6

450

500

350

N/A

Y

$450-$1,200

N

WND

Karen Speers

8,175

1,200

14

100

40

40

40

Y

$180

N

Kelly Freeman

Sean Cochrane

8,149

2,160

6

150

175

N/A

100

N

$450-$3,000

N

Kerry-Leigh Burchill

Lauren DeBruyn

8,000

2,700

10

150

160

45

120

Y

$350-$800

N

Jason Trottier

Denise Breau

7,750

6,000

2

500

750

N/A

500

WND

WND

Y

Costa Koskoletos

WND

7,700

2,580

9

200

220

120

120

Y

$250-$1,500

N

N. Ravi

Denise Breau

7,200

4,800

12

400

400

145

325

Y

$250-$2,500

Y

Franco Falcucci

Alison Hunter

7,100

2,600

13

225

300

92

200

Y

$250-$925

Y

Jean-Pierre Benjamin

Lucy Ramos

7,000

2,434

7

100

75

150

N/A

Y

$300-$1,500

N

WND

Nancy Bradshaw

7,000

5,000

2

250

100

250

250

WND

WND

WND

Lucia Di Franco

Claudia Juarez

6,918

3,458

12

350

400

175

300

Y

$155-$1,150

Y

Nicole de Sampaio

Roxane Rollin

RECEPTION & CONFERENCE FACILITIES

plan your next meeting

underground

meetings | tours & team building activities

diefenbunker.ca | Carp, ON | 613-839-0007 Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

Enjoy the wealth of experience and truly attentive service at Tudor Hall, and the convenience of ample free parking.

Elegant ballrooms offer 12,000 square feet of event space and provide the perfect setting for your corporate occasions and unforgettable celebrations for up to 1,000 guests.

3750 North Bowesville Road at Riverside and Uplands, Ottawa, K1V 1B8 www.tudorhall.ca 613.739.4287 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

35

LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2016 Venue

Address

Phone

Fax

Web

Innovative Professional Offices

200-440 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6

613-232-1110

613-782-2228

innovativeprofessionaloffices.com

Best Western Plus Victoria Park Suites

377 O'Connor St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2M2

613-567-7275

613-567-1161

victoriapark.com

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3

613-991-6064

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

Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa

131 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC J8X 3W3

819-770-8550

819-770-9705

bestwesterngatineau.ca

Albert at Bay Suite Hotel

435 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X4

613-238-8858

613-238-1433

albertatbay.com

Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa Kanata

101 Kanata Ave., Kanata, ON K2T 1E6

613-271-3057

613-271-3060

hisottawa.ca

Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa

60 Mill Rd., Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0

819-459-1838

819-459-1697

wakefieldmill.com

My Caterer

2525 Lancaster Rd., Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5

613-260-1432

613-260-1433

mycaterer.ca

Extended Stay Canada, Ottawa Downtown

141 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0E8

613-236-7500

613-563-2836

extendedstaycanada.com

The Meadows Golf and Country Club

4335 Hawthorne Rd., Ottawa, ON K1G 3N4

613-822-2582

613-822-6092

themeadowsgolf.com

Novotel Ottawa

33 Nicholas St., Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7

613-230-3033

613-760-4767

novotelottawa.com

Hotel Indigo Ottawa

123 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5L9

613-231-6555

613-231-7555

ottawadowntownhotel.com

La Grange Country Inn

37 Rockhurst Rd., Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0

819-459-3939

819-459-4411

lagrangecountryinn.com

Prinzo Fine Catering

85 O'Connor St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5M6

613-565-1328

N/A

prinzo.ca

Learning Tree International

2300-160 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K2P 2N8

613-237-0098

613-237-4588

learningtree.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

Russell Curling Club

1076 Concession St., Russell, ON K4R 1A2

613-445-2829

N/A

russellcurlingclub.com

La Charrette

460 West Hunt Club Rd. , Ottawa, ON K2E 0B8

613-225-0260

N/A

lacharrette.ca

The Business Inn

180 MacLaren St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0L3

613-232-1121

613-232-8143

thebusinessinn.com

La Grange de la Gatineau

80 Summer Rd., Cantley, QC J8V 3J3

819-827-3164

N/A

grange.ca

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

Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory

2710 March Rd. , Carp, ON K0A 1L0

613-225-7663

N/A

aquatopiaconservatory.com

Econiche House

32 River Rd., Cantley, QC J8V 3A1

819-827-0086

N/A

econichehouse.com

Days Inn Downtown Ottawa

319 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y4

613-789-5555

613-789-6196

daysinn.ca

Tulips & Maple

1980 Merivale Rd., Ottawa, ON K2G 1G4

613-723-7103

613-723-5430

tulipsandmaple.com

Nepean Sailing Club

3259 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K2H 1A6

613-829-6462

613-828-4636

nsc.ca

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

monterey.ca

Days Inn Ottawa West

350 Moodie Dr., Ottawa, ON K2H 8G3

613-726-1717

613-726-1462

daysinnottawawest.com

Travelodge Ottawa East

1486 Innes Rd., Ottawa, ON K1B 3V5

613-745-1133

613-745-7380

ottawatravelodge.com

36

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2016 Mtg space (sq. ft.)

Largest mtg Number of Theatre room (sq. ft.) mtg rooms capacity

Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity

In-house catering service?

Daily rental rate

Free parking?

Key executive

Sales contact

6,300

1,200

8

30

35

N/A

N/A

Y

$200-$595

N

Alana McMurtry

Alison Weir

6,000

2,000

7

160

130

N/A

150

Y

$250-$2,000

N

John Cosentino

Roger MacKinnon

6,000

9,000

7

250

1,200

N/A

550

Y

$450-$5,000

N

Chris Kitzan

Lauren DeBruyn

5,500

3,300

7

250

250

N/A

200

Y

$275-$1,175

N

Dawn Lucas

Kathrine Cyr

5,480

2,000

5

150

230

230

230

Y

WND

Y

Martin Patterson

Yasmine Andre

5,000

5,000

5

264

500

N/A

225

Y

$300-$2,200

Y

Joanne Soulard

Lauren DeBruyn

5,000

3,400

9

350

400

72

250

Y

$150-$1,500

N

Nancy Champagne

Denise Breau

5,000

2,460

9

300

350

200

160

Y

$225-$550

Y

Christine Cadieux

Marie Josee Boyd

4,999

2,000

7

190

200

90

170

Y

WND

Y

Steven Jones

Safiq A. Devji

4,511

3,034

5

300

225

70

200

Y

$200-$900

Y

Martin Fogarty

Natahlie Sarthou

4,264

3,200

9

300

220

200

200

Y

$250-$2,000

N

John Cosentino

Roger MacKinnon

4,127

2,784

7

240

350

150

150

Y

$295-$1,100

Y

Peter Wilson

Alana Haining

4,056

1,600

6

80

120

160

65

Y

$200-$600

Y

Pierre Bergeron

Brigitte Emond

4,000

3,000

4

200

350

200

200

Y

$200

Y

Yasin Altug

Met Yurtcu

3,673

2,016

3

140

150

N/A

100

Y

$425-$1,250

N

Amie Hussick

Whitney Coccimiglio

3,600

2,000

2

N/A

320

160

320

Y

$500-$1,500

Y

WND

WND

3,465

1,806

6

160

215

110

110

Y

$200-$1,200

N

Rafael Ballester

Kimberly Wilson

3,000

1,277

4

130

140

70

100

Y

$200-$750

N

Kim Jones

Denise Breau

3,000

1,200

3

60

60

N/A

60

Y

$350-$500

Y

Adam Shapero

WND

3,000

3,000

1

N/A

208

N/A

150

Y

Free with food

N

Victor Arkulinsky

Inese Arkulinska

2,964

616

8

0

24

Y

$725-$1,250

N

Sue Armstrong

Lauren Spooner

2,414

1,500

5

150

195

88

120

Y

$175-$750

N

Heidi C. Webster

Lily A. Cazeau

2,394

1,344

4

160

160

110

120

Y

$170-$480

Y

Darren Ryan

Stefanie Occhionero

2,350

1,200

2

262

300

70

50

Y

$150-$500

Y

Hugh Neilson

WND

2,235

858

3

60

60

40

48

Y

$250-800

N

Chris Pierce

Mike Di Cioccio

2,200

1,300

2

N/A

200

N/A

150

N

$150-$400

Y

Lucy Ladouceur

Lucy Ladoucuer

2,000

1,500

2

70

100

N/A

80

N

$950

Y

Antonio Mauriello

WND

1,990

785

3

50

80

380

100

Y

$250

N

Barrett Karam

Julie Belanger

1,782

1,200

5

100

100

80

80

Y

WND

Y

Sandra Fitzgibbon

Geneviève Viau

1,670

792

3

30

350

35

60

Y

$500

N

Cindy McLong

Dean Lake

1,610

670

3

80

80

100

40

Y

$345-$625

N

Jenna MacLeod

Oscar Rodriguez

1,500

N/A

N/A

N/A

150

N/A

150

N

WND

Y

Melissa Brunet

WND

1,500

750

3

60

75

N/A

100

Y

WND

Y

Nancy Bailey

Rita Berthiaume

1,440

610

2

60

45

30

n/a

N

$200-$250

N

Fayez Thawer

Dmitriy Mosiychuk

1,400

1,200

2

72

100

N/A

70

Y

WND

Y

Erin Loney

WND

1,200

1,200

1

110

120

120

104

Y

$420-$560

Y

Gene Bruce

Julie Laframboise

936

936

1

50

35

50

50

Y

$250

N

Colin Morrison

Frazer Berry

860

625

3

50

70

120

150

Y

$150-$2,500

Y

George Chaiban

Divine Mwimba

528

528

1

30

30

30

N/A

Y

$225

Y

Embrett I. Rose

Nimroz Thawer

483

483

1

30

24

75

24

WND

$200-$350

Y

Jocelyn Brunet

Jennifer Jones

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

37

CLEANING UP

The post-meeting checklist

T

he final guest has left and venue staff have started to stack chairs and remove tables. Your event was a success and you’re done for another year, right? Well, almost.

There are a few final steps to make sure you’re maximizing the returns on all your hard work.

GATHERING FEEDBACK E-mail attendees a questionnaire or survey about their experience after the event. Ask open-ended questions on specific topics that will elicit concrete and detailed feedback.

Scan social media – what was said about the event?

Ask vendors and venue staff for their thoughts on the effectiveness of your event.

Schedule a meeting with your team to discuss successes and what can be improved upon.

SELF-EVALUATION – ASK YOURSELF: Did on-site registration run smoothly?

Was venue signage used effectively?

Was the room set up properly?

Did the program run on schedule?

Was there enough food?

Was there sufficient parking?

Did the event stay within budget?

SAY THANK-YOU Send notes or e-mails to all members of your team.

Reach out to vendors and venue staff to say thanks LOGISTICS Make sure all invoices are paid Go over bills to reconcile expenses and fine-tune next year’s budget

Keep a copy of all contracts, receipts, meeting notes and other documents in a single folder Analyze ticket sales. When did most people purchase their ticket? What marketing efforts were most effective?

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING Continue to post relevant information or your event’s Facebook page and social media channels. Your event generated a massive amount of content – post all those photos, videos and memories, and encourage attendees to do them same.

Ask attendees to re-commit for your next event.

Give yourself a huge pat on the back – you did it!

Sources: MeetingsImagined.com, Ticketscript.com, SuperiorMeetings.com

A beautiful venue meets award-winning golf

Contact James to book your next meeting or event:

james@tmsiottawa.com 613-258-2105 ext. 206 www.equinellegolf.ca

O T TAWA

•

Comfort and Convenience at an affordable price.

•

Located at HWY 417, five minutes from downtown Ottawa.

•

Special packages, Corporate and Group rates available.

•

Complimentary continental breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi.

•

Meeting room available starting at $150.

•

Close to attractions, shopping & restaurants.

Just 35 minutes from downtown Ottawa Tel: 613.748.7800 Toll Free: 1.800.387.4381 sales@welcominns.com

38

MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2016 2015

Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning

New name, same great facility, food & service!

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• 43,000 sq.ft of meeting & event space • Complimentary parking at the OCEC and both hotels • 2 ballrooms with unobstructed views (11,000 & 10,000 sq.ft.)

• Wheelchair accessible • 37 versatile meeting spaces

613-741-9862

• Right off Hwy. 417, one exit from downtown Ottawa • 2 amphitheaters (capacities 132 & 229) • 576 guest rooms on property • Meetings for 10 – 1,200 ppl • Complimentary hi-speed internet access at both hotels

613-288-3450

613-741-2300

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