Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to corporate event planning
MEETING in the Capital
NEW PERSPECTIVES
Fresh event spaces, hotels bolster Ottawa’s offerings
A supplement to
May 1, 2017 • $5
Photo courtesy of Stephanie White / stephaniewhite.style
Iconic event spaces
Iconic event spaces that Aspire to Inspire, overlooking the City's premier landmarks and the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. The magnificent design includes five new event spaces with a signature 650 seat Ballroom, divisable into 3 equal parts with floor to ceiling windows and an abundance of natural light and breath-taking views. Let our talented culinary team create that special menu just for you, we are reinventing the "Art" in culinary arts and focused on delivering unparalleled experiences.
Largest event space: 9,000 sq.ft. | Total indoor event space: 30,000 sq. ft. Total outdoor event space: 18,000 sq.ft. | Number of meeting rooms: 9
RESERVE NOW!
Call or email us today to book your meeting or special event. 613-232-5713 | meetingsandevents@nac-cna.ca
GREEN
Event Initiatives • • • • • • •
All meeting supplies are set at a "Green Station", rather than individual settings Comprehensive recycling program in place including glass, paper, plastic and cardboard First in Ottawa to introduce ORCA, and in-house wast to water composting station Member of Savour Ottawa, we feature sustainable seafood, fair trade and local organic products Executive Chef will customize and create a full sustainable menu Leftover food from catering events is donated to local shelter upon request Recycling receptacles in all meeting rooms
that Aspire to Inspire.
A message from Michael Crockatt President and CEO, Ottawa Tourism Ottawa in 2017 is an adventure. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the capital is abuzz with activity, enthusiasm and visitors!
We have also been very successful in harnessing local contacts to attract major international meetings to Ottawa.
This didn’t just happen, of course – it’s the result of years of planning by Mayor Jim Watson, Guy Laflamme and his team at the Ottawa 2017 bureau, and the local tourism team, from hotels to attractions to festivals. The meetings and conventions sales team at Ottawa Tourism, for example, has been hard at work leading up to 2017 and has successfully secured more than 45 large-scale meetings for our city this year, an unprecedented 220 per cent increase over the number of large events (more than 500 delegates) held just two years ago. While the attention commanded by our year-long celebration is one reason for the increase, Ottawa’s popularity with meeting planners is also the result of significant investment in the destination over the past few years. First and foremost, the city’s purpose-built convention centre – the Shaw Centre – has been a huge draw in its six years of operation. Billions of dollars have been and continue to be invested in our city’s infrastructure, including $863 million of renovations to Parliament Hill’s West Block, extensions to our Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, and an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in redeveloping the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
hands-on when it comes to preparing bids to host these events. We provide tools and expertise to convince corporations and associations that Ottawa is the place to be! It’s important to note, beyond the one-off parties, this year’s 150th celebrations also include a series of legacy projects for Ottawa, such as a new, permanent Arctic Gallery for the Canadian Museum of Nature; the new Canadian History Hall at the Canadian Museum of History; a new façade and dramatic public spaces for the National Arts Centre; a new Bank of Canada Museum; the new Global Centre for Pluralism; and a new Canada Science and Technology Museum opening in November 2017. These attractions will continue to draw crowds – and meetings – for years to come. And the momentum continues in 2018, with the full opening of Canada’s Centre for Geography and Exploration at 50 Sussex Dr.; the Confederation Line Light Rail Transit system commencing operation; a new Le Germain hotel at Arts Court; and a new luxury, self-driving boat rental company called Le Boat making its North American premiere along the Rideau Canal system. Embrace the excitement! Michael Crockatt President and CEO Ottawa Tourism
We have also been very successful in harnessing local contacts to attract major international meetings to Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism staff are
WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA 4 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
WE CAME TO OTTAWA FOR A CONFERENCE IT CAME WITH SO MUCH MORE “We brought the Canadian Sponsorship Forum to Ottawa and I have to say I would gladly recommend the city to anyone planning an event. We couldn’t have asked for a better hotel and meeting facility—right downtown and close to everything. Our offsite networking event at the Canadian Museum of Nature was quite simply incredible. And Ottawa Tourism made it all easy, from the initial bid package through planning and assisting us during the event.” — Mark Harrison, President & CEO TrojanOne
WWW.OTTAWATOURISM .CA/MEETINGS
Contents
PUBLISHER
Michael Curran EDITOR Peter Kovessy
VENUES:
Detailed information and key contacts on the largest 90 meeting spaces in Ottawa and Gatineau PAGE 34
PLUS: Go inside the capital’s leading event spaces PAGE 15
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes GRAPHIC DESIGNER Regan Van Dusen Celine Paquette SALES + MARKETING Wendy Baily Carlo Lombard SPECIAL PROJECTS & MARKETING MANAGER Victoria Stewart RESEARCHER Patti Moran
MEETING Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to corporate event planning
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe
in the Capital
NEW PERSPECTIVES
Fresh event spaces, hotels bolster Ottawa’s offerings
A supplement to
May 1, 2017 • $5
Photo courtesy of Stephanie White / stephaniewhite.style
COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WHITE/ HTTP://WWW.STEPHANIEWHITE.STYLE
What’s happening in Ottawa? 8
Capital primer: New attractions, hotels and developments 27 Events and festivals calendar
TECHNOLOGY
Tools such as Facebook Live have made it easier than ever for delegates to remotely participate in conferences alongside in-person attendees. Here are the top tools and tips for holding successful “hybrid meetings.” PAGE 14
Meetings 101
PRESIDENT Michael Curran
10 A meeting planner’s checklist
and budget planner
12 13 23 24
Serve alcohol at your event Hold healthier meetings Plan an accessible event
How to ...
Design a team-building activity (that attendees will actually want to participate in)
www.obj.ca © 2017 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 ©2017 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
6 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
A Message from
Ryan Young
President of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Ottawa Chapter
I
trust you are all enjoying Canada’s yearlong 150th birthday celebration. With so many grandiose events to take in and positive vibes throughout the city, there’s been no better time to live, work and visit in Ottawa. Kudos to Mayor Jim Watson, Michael Crockett, President and CEO, Ottawa Tourism, and Guy Laflamme, Executive Director, Ottawa 2017, for leading the charge and beautifully showcasing our Nation’s Capital. As President of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Ottawa Chapter, I have the great privilege of leading our 300+ engaged members. In fact, we pride ourselves on having one of the highest volunteerism ratios in all of MPI. Our committees range from planning specific events to member care to community outreach. All of our volunteers quickly learn that the more you put in in, the more you get out, which often translates into business getting done. On a global scale, MPI is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide and boasts 17,000+ global members in more than 90 chapters and clubs in 24 countries. MPI provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI Ottawa knows meetings. Each and every year, our Board of Directors and subsequent Chairs and volunteers plan and execute over 12 major events, varying greatly in scope, in budget, and overall purpose. In our 2016-17 program year, we networked in an art gallery, got educated on a train, stayed put for an online webinar, executed an unconference format, and soon will be taking a behind the scenes look at the Jazz Festival. Here are some of our other signature events: Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), formerly known as National Meetings Industry Day, a Canadian initiative that has recently been expanded out by our Global counterparts to advocate meetings across the globe; Prix Prestige Awards Gala, a night where we celebrate our Chapter’s successes and individual standouts; Charity Auction Dinner, where over 700 MPI members gather together to give back to local
charities, in which this year saw over $25,000 raised; and In addition to these great events, MPI Ottawa, in collaboration with the MPI Toronto and MPI Montreal & Quebec Chapters, is very excited to push their innovative limits with a new event in April 2018. Simply dubbed ‘the EVENT’,
which paves the way for all sorts of marketing fun, will be built around peer to peer learning and technology facilitated networking. It will spark ideas that participants can take back to their own events. It will do so through proven MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL O n e C o m m u n i t y, E n d l e s s P o s s i b i l i t i e s MPI was founded MPI Ottawa Chapter was founded
1984
1972 288 1,431 7 17,000 90 24
MPI Ottawa membership planners
suppliers faculty/students
128 112 48
MPI Ottawa members
MPI Canada members chapters
MPI International global membership chapters clubs worldwide
MPI Ottawa’s planner breakdown by industry
10 16
government planners
27
meeting management professional planners
75
association planners
CMP/CMM
18% senior management 13% executive 4% support staff 49
volunteers103 committees board members
FAC
Ryan Young President, MPI Ottawa & Associate Director of Sales, Brookstreet Hotel
corporate planners
MPI Ottawa’s position levels breakdown:
MPI Ottawa engagement
learning techniques, cutting edge technology, creative room designs, and alternative session formats. When you talk to the minds behind the EVENT, you will not hear them use the term conference, and that’s on purpose. Their intent is to keep open minded and stay away from a typical conference structure. Keep an eye on Twitter for more news from @theEVENTmpi as this may be something you want to attend to enhance your own organizations’ meetings and events. All in all, there are many exciting things ahead for MPI Ottawa! We look forward to partnering with Meeting in the Capital and growing the meetings industry together.
11 16
35% middle management 30% professional staff
Founded in 1972, Meeting Professionals In global meeting and event industry associ
MISSION
Connect thethe global meeting and event Connect globel meeting community learn, innovate,to collaborate and eventtocommunity learn, and advocate. innovate, collaborate and advocate
VISION
Leading and empowering the meeting and event community to change the world.
CHAPTERS/CLUBS
More than 90 chapters and clubs in 24 countires
OTTAWA PRIMER
Chaudière Falls
What’s new in Ottawa?
F
or event planners considering where to hold their next conference, tourism officials in Ottawa have a simple message: Be here for Canada’s big year. But whether you’re planning an event for this year or 2018 and beyond, the festivities surrounding Canada’s 150th anniversary have been designed to create a lasting legacy of tourism attractions and infrastructure that will help attract visitors to the nation’s capital for years to come. Several marquee events are planned for the second half of 2017, including a new soundand-light show at Chaudière Falls, an outdoor NHL game at Lansdowne Park – scheduled for a few weeks after the Grey Cup at the same venue – and a sneak preview of Ottawa’s new light-rail line in the form of an underground multimedia experience inside a downtown station. The rapid transit system itself is slated to open to passengers in 2018, improving transportation links across central Ottawa by connecting the University of Ottawa, Via Rail station, Rideau Centre, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, downtown hotels and other destinations by rail between Blair Road in the
8 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
east and Tunney’s Pasture in the west. City council recently approved the second phase of the rapid-transit network, which will extend rail further east, west and south, including an extension to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. In the meantime, airport officials recently opened a new transportation option for air travellers by signing a deal with Uber to allow the ride-hailing service to provide drop offs and pick ups for airport passengers. Elsewhere in the city, a new municipal licensing system allows Uber to legally operate as a private transportation company.
dubbed the Heritage Room Gastropub. On the hotels front, the new Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market continues to draw attention from out-of-town guests and residents alike, especially for its rooftop patio offering views of the historic market and Parliament Hill. A few blocks over, another Ottawa hotel is constructing a new rooftop space for guests. The Westin Ottawa’s TwentyTwo is due to open this year and will feature a glass ballroom with views of the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa River and Château Laurier. In a rebranding, the local owners of the former Indigo Hotel in downtown Ottawa have renamed it the Metcalfe Hotel and are planning various renovation and redesign projects to give the historic property its own distinct identity. Outside the downtown core, the popular Canada Science and Technology Museum is due to reopen this year following $80 million in renovations. Another building that’s been closed to guests in recent years is the former Canada and the World Pavilion on Sussex Drive, adjacent to the Rideau Falls. Last fall the Royal Canadian Geographical Society agreed to lease the property from the National Capital Commission and turn it into a new Centre for Geography and Exploration. Plans include exhibition space and a permanent interpretive geography centre. Looking ahead, keep an eye on the historic Zibi development, a new waterfront community on the Ottawa River that will include outdoor event space. One of its first uses will be as a venue this summer for a new Cirque du Soleil show, VOLTA, which is slated to include 31 performances in August before an audience of up to 2,500 people.
RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS Several new restaurants have recently opened in Ottawa, further bolstering the city’s culinary credentials. These include The Riviera – a casual finedining restaurant in a historic former bank on Sparks Street – and Citizen, which serves wine, cocktails and snacks on Gilmour Street adjacent to its highly popular cousin restaurant, Town. There’s also a new place to eat and drink inside the Novotel Ottawa’s historic Albion Rooms,
Ottawa’s light-rail line will open to passengers in 2018. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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GETTING ORGANIZED
CUT HERE
Meetings 101 Source: thegreatevent.com
START HERE
Event planning checklist
Special lighting Generator Extension cords Video production Other rentals Labour Subtotal
6 to 12 months ahead Yes No m m Decide event purpose (raise funds, visibility, celebration, etc.) m m Choose a theme m m Visit potential sites m m Research/appoint an event coordinator/manager m m Research/select committees/chairpersons m m Chairperson forms subcommittees m m Get cost estimates (site rental, food, drinks, sound/lights, etc.) m m Get recommendations for entertainment; hold auditions m m Get bids for entertainment m m Get bids for decorations m m Get bids for design/printing m m Get bids for other major items m m Finance committee drafts initial budget m m Decide on admission cost m m Create sponsorship amounts/levels m m List items to be underwritten and possible sources m m Research/approach honorees m m Compile mailing list (individuals/businesses) m m Check proposed date for potential conflicts, finalize date in writing m m Get written contracts for site
Decorations Event decor $_____ Stage decor $_____ Stage backdrop $_____ Centerpieces/table decor $_____ Flowers/plants $_____ Candles $_____ Balloons $_____ Specialty linen $_____ Chair covers $_____ Signs $_____ Props $_____ Paper supplies $_____ Misc. charges $_____ Labour $_____ Subtotal $_____
THE DETAILS
Entertainment
Event budget planner Venue Rental fee $_____ Permit(s) /licence $_____ Labour $_____ Subtotal $_____
Rentals Heat/air $_____ Furniture $_____ Tables $_____ Registration tables $_____ Chairs $_____ Pipe and drape $_____ Carpeting/flooring $_____ Props $_____ Tents/canopies $_____ Staging (skirting, stairs) $_____ Risers $_____ Stanchions/ropes $_____
10 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Labour Subtotal
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
$_____ $_____
Food services Food $_____ Beverages $_____ Bartender fees $_____ Catering fees $_____ Equipment $_____ Tables/chairs $_____ Supplies - linens, china, glasses, utensils $_____ Labour/staff $_____ Gratuities $_____ Tax $_____ Health permits $_____ Personnel/VIP/guests /volunteers $_____ Misc. charges $_____ Subtotal $_____
Audio-visual Television monitors $_____ Video players/recorders $_____ Cameras $_____ Projectors $_____ Screens $_____ Lecterns/podiums $_____ Microphones $_____ Sound system $_____ Walkie-talkies $_____ Pointers/marking pens $_____ Flip charts $_____ Blackboards $_____ Technical staff $_____ Labour $_____ Subtotal $_____
Electrical General lighting
Music $_____ Talent $_____ Celebrity $_____ Speaker’s fees $_____ Models $_____ Labour $_____ Other $_____ Subtotal $_____
Utilities/waste management Water hookup Restrooms/portopotties Trash/dumpsters/ receptacles Disposal service Setup crew Cleanup crew Supplies Misc. Subtotal
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
$_____ Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Promotion/advertising Print $_____ Web $_____ Radio $_____ TV $_____ Show signs $_____ Street signs $_____ Directional signs $_____ Banners $_____ Printed photos $_____ Promotional items $_____ Radio/TV/video production $_____ Subtotal $_____
Insurance Gen. liability insurance Rider Specialized Subtotal
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
Design & printing Designer Business cards Brochures Media kit Registration packets Posters Flyers Invitations Tickets Letterhead/envelopes Specialty items Duplicating/photocopies Logo Program Subtotal
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
CUT HERE
Misc. printing /specialities Menus Maps Sponsor signs Special area VIP area Name Tags/holders Place cards Awards, recognitions Engraving Certificates Prizes Frames Thank you cards Other Subtotal
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
Overtime Host/hostesses Registration Consultants Public relations Other Subtotal
• Connect •
Misc. costs Accounting $_____ Legal counsel $_____ Office supplies $_____ Office equipment $_____ Phone $_____ Ticket sales fees $_____ Warehouse $_____ Mileage $_____ Parking $_____ Extra supplies $_____ Event photographer $_____ Event videographer $_____ Coat check $_____ Volunteers (Appreciation activity/gifts) $_____ Complimentary tickets $_____ Taxes $_____ Misc. gratuities $_____ Specialized labour $_____ Other $_____ Subtotal $_____ Total Expenses $_____
• Inspire •
• Rejuvenate •
Your Corporate Retreat Destination in the City • Naturally Lit Event Space for 2-200 Guests • • On-Site A/V & Coordinator • • Free Parking & Internet •
Income Event income Booth space sales Ticket sales/admission Sponsors/underwriters Donations Merchandise Raffle Auction Bar Ad program Other Total Income Event profit or loss
Personnel Event manager Show/event staff Additional staff
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
$_____ $_____ $_____
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
$_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____ $_____
BEYOND THE NAME TAGS: Keeping things organized, on-budget and on-time will result in an all-around successful event
2259 Prince of Wales Dr. K2E 6Z8 www.ramadaottawa.com 613-288-3500 info@ramadaottawa.com MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
11
RESPONSIBLE HOSTING
FOOD & DRINK
While we’ve all been warned about the dangers of overimbibing, event organizers can still take some simple steps to help prevent guests from drinking too much:
Mixing it up: Serving beer and wine
PORTION CONTROL: Serving drinks in smaller glasses will help limit how much people drink. NON-ALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVES: A fizzy water bar – with sliced cucumbers, fruit or ginger – will make nondrinkers feel included and reduce perceptions that the event is centred around drinking. LAY OUT LIMITS: Restrict the amount of time that a bar is open. Or hand out drink tickets, which can be an informal way of tracking how much alcohol is served.
Tips for including alcohol at an event BY COURTNEY EDGAR
N
SERVE FOOD: Ensures attendees aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
etworking over a glass of wine or chatting with colleagues over a cold beer is a common sight at after-hour business events. And with the proliferating number of craft breweries around the region, serving a local beer can add a distinctive touch to your event. Deciding to serve alcohol at a meeting or reception means answering several questions: Do you need a permit? What do you offer your guests? And how can you keep costs under control?
than a private or licensed venue. This means organizers of charity fundraisers or receptions typically need what’s known as a special occasion permit, which for the moment is issued through certain LCBO stores on behalf of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. However, that’s scheduled to change in fall 2017. The LCBO will no longer accept or process paper applications, and event organizers will have to apply for an SOP through the AGCO website.
another option. While smaller craft breweries will likely appreciate the exposure and reaching new potential customers, trying to trade publicity for free beer is a non-starter, experts say. “When it comes to beer and alcohol, the government regulates it so tightly that they really have to watch what they’re doing,” says Randy Fitzpatrick of Knowledgeable Consumption. “We can’t ask that of them.”
THE PAPERWORK
DRINKS MENU
WHO’S BEHIND THE BAR?
Once you have your paperwork sorted, it’s time to exercise your creative side and decide what to serve. Experts say limiting the available options, rather than offering a full bar, is an easy way to keep costs under control. But sticking to beer and wine is far from the only option, says Amanda O’Reilly, president of event planning firm Balance InStyle. “A signature drink can definitely bring down the cost. Whether it is your logo, or a blue martini, come up with something creative,” she says. Working directly with a local craft brewery is
When it comes to determining whether to hire a bartender or just bring it a cooler filled with beer, Ms. O’Reilly advises organizers to think about the atmosphere they are trying to create. Having an informal meeting on a Friday afternoon in your own office space with 20 people, for example, has a very different feel than events with formally invited outside guests. However, Ms. O’Reilly says hiring a bartender brings other advantages. “It allows people to be guests at their own event,” she says.
The provincial government tightly regulates the distribution of alcohol in Ontario, which can mean extra paperwork for meeting planners. The good news is that organizers don’t need a permit to serve drinks for free at a private place where the public is not typically permitted, such as an office. So there’s no issue with putting a case of beer in the company fridge or placing a couple of bottles of wine in the boardroom. However, the rules change if you plan on selling alcohol or serving drinks anywhere other
12 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
FOOD & DRINK
How to hold healthier meetings
FRESH IDEAS:
Simple menu changes and opportunities for delegates to stretch their legs can create a more engaging event BY COURTNEY EDGAR
A
t a time when many people are trying to squeeze more exercise and nutritional foods into their day-to-day lives, some meetings and conferences still fall back on traditional menus and formats featuring bacon, pastries and a lot of sitting. The good news is that it’s becoming increasingly easy to offer delegates healthier alternatives through a simple discussion with a caterer and injecting some creative thinking into the day’s itinerary. Experts say the benefits of offering fresh food and opportunities for physical activity extend beyond the health of delegates. “You don’t want people falling asleep in the afternoon,” says Tracey Black, the owner and executive chef at Ottawa-based catering company Epicuria. A healthy lunch, she adds, can “be a perk and a positive in a day full of meetings. It gets people talking. It gets people excited. It raises the energy.”
MENU PLANNING The World Obesity Federation publishes a handbook for meeting planners who want to
hold healthier events. When it comes to food, the federation offers specific tips (see sidebar) and several broad guidelines, such as avoiding fried food and pastries while offering fresh fruit and vegetables. Ms. Black says this approach doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. “We love serving grilled proteins, such as flank steak or salmon or chicken, and then pairing them off with grain salads or vegetable-based salads using different flavours,” she says. When it comes to indulgences such as, say, chocolate, Ms. Black suggests serving bite-sized mini-desserts, as options that are easily managed. She thinks this is best for the foods that are less healthy. “People can have a little bite and savour without committing to a big piece of cake or a big cookie,” Ms. Black says. While fresh food can sometimes cost more than meals prepared in advance, serving healthy dishes at a corporate event doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. Epicuria serves a corporate lunch crowd on a daily basis, Ms. Black says. So lunch has to be affordable for all budgets. While the company does do high-end meals, she says it’s easy to simplify menus for cost-conscious organizations. “We have great protein salads,” Ms. Black says. “(We start with) grilled chicken or flank steak on greens (and) just layer it up with pestos, a pickle and
•
Avoid fried and deep-fried food
•
Substitute white rice, white pasta and white bread with brown rice, brown pasta, brown bread and grains such as barley and quinoa
•
Serve fish, chicken and lean beef over processed meats
•
Provide water jugs with fresh lemon, mint or ginger
•
Only set out small plates at buffets to encourage smaller portions
•
Serve bite-sized desserts
•
Consider signage that promotes taking the stairs, regular stretching and walking along the venue concourse
Source: World Obesity Federation
different sauces. So we can turn out a really tasty, healthy lunch for $10 to $12.”
ACTIVE CONFERENCES Despite a trend towards actively engaging meeting and event participants, it’s still common for delegates to spend hours on end sitting. However, it’s possible to plan “active conferences” that minimize the amount of sedentary behaviour. This can start with including maps of the immediate area, highlighting potential walking routes that delegates can explore on their lunch break, in welcome packages. Inside the venue, space can be left at the rear of the room for delegates to stand at high tables, suggests the World Obesity Federation. The organization also suggests building physical activity options into the itinerary of multi-day conferences by, for example, setting up a room for yoga or providing access to a nearby fitness facility.
“You don’t want people falling asleep in the afternoon.” – TRACEY BLACK,OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF, EPICURIA
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
13
TECHNOLOGY
How to host hybrid meetings Inviting attendees to participate via livestreamed video broadens event’s reach BY JACOB SEREBRIN
F
or event organizers, hybrid meetings – where in-person delegates are joined by online attendees – are an increasingly popular way to reach a larger audience by including people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend. But while technology makes it possible to create an engaging experience for participants who are hundreds of kilometres away, there are also pitfalls that can make guests remember a well-intentioned event for all the wrong reasons.
WHEN IT WORKS WELL Hybrid meetings work best at events that are focused on sharing information, says Peggy Nieghorn, the director of business development at Ottawa meeting planning firm Intertask Conferences. In contrast, building an emotional connection is more difficult with people who aren’t physically at the event, she adds. “Face-to-face is always going to be the more powerful forum to take away a tangible experience,” says Ms. Nieghorn. But at the same time, event organizers can still capture the interest of individuals who are unable to leave the office that day. This can make hybrid meetings a way for people to get a sense of a conference or event and pique their interest for future editions. This can be particularly effective when would-be attendees are short on time. Doctors, for example, need to stay upto-date on developments in their field but might not have the scheduling flexibility to attend a talk in person, Ms. Nieghorn says. Other experts say the format is wellsuited for conferences that would typically require extensive travel, such as those held by national associations. “Hybrid meetings work really well when
14 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
THE TOOLS GOTOMEETING AND WEBEX: These proprietary platforms have a similar suite of options that allow for both video streaming and collaboration. They’re aimed at groups of up to 100 people and give users control over who can access meetings. FACEBOOK LIVE: One of the most popular solutions, it’s probably the easiest way to reach a large audience. However, streams are limited to four hours and users don’t have the same level of control over who can see a broadcast. MAXPLAYER: Developed in Ottawa, this tool is primarily for webcasting, though it does have a comment function. It offers a high level of security. TWITTER: The social media platform can allow delegates at an event to communicate with each other and remote attendees through the use of hashtags. While it can drive engagement and outside interest, organizers have little control. you have a distributed attendee base,” says Alissa Hurley, vice-president of marketing for audiovisual firm FMAV. Her firm has even staged a hybrid version of a hybrid meeting: Connecting multiple events, held simultaneously in different cities by various chapters of the same organization.
HAZARDS TO AVOID Alongside new opportunities, hybrid meetings also bring meeting planners new challenges. One of the biggest is considering the distinct needs of off-site attendees. “Your remote audience are people too,”
Ms. Hurley says. “You need to think about how to engage them as much as the people who are in the room with you.” If, for example, the in-person event takes a coffee break or there’s a few minutes between speakers, remote attendees have little to watch and can easily drift away. It’s important to involve the remote audience in what’s happening at the event. For example, moderators should take questions from both virtual and in-person attendees during Q&A sessions.
PLATFORM PROS AND CONS Some social media platforms, such as Facebook Live, come with built-in functions intended to encourage engagement. But it isn’t appropriate for every meeting as it’s generally public, which means anyone can watch the live stream and add comments. That might work well for award ceremonies and press conferences, but may not be appropriate for other events such as training sessions or corporate town halls. For these meetings, a proprietary platform that requires participants to sign in with a password may be the better choice. Some local firms have developed software that’s targeted at hybrid event planners. Ottawa-based CollaborateVideo makes live video streaming software for large enterprise users and offers the option of only broadcasting an event on a company’s internal intranet, says company president Rick Valois. The firm also has a built-in email-based function for questions and feedback in its video player that prevents anonymous comments. It also gives users the ability to control what’s shown to other viewers. “Most of our clients want to vet what’s being posted,” he says.
COPYRIGHT CONSIDERATIONS Another factor planners should consider is whether they have permission from speakers to stream or record the event. Some speakers might not want the content of their presentation broadcast to the world. There may be some room for negotiation. For example, a speaker who doesn’t want a video of their address posted on the Internet may be OK with a one-time live broadcast. Other parts of your event may also be subject to copyright Facebook Live, for example, can detect music that’s protected by copyright. “If you stream any copyrighted music materials, Facebook will cut your stream off,” Ms. Hurley says. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
INSIDE THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S LEADING EVENT AND MEETING SPACES Find the ideal venue for your next event OTTAWA CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRE • CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE • CAMP FORTUNE CENTURION CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTER • EY CENTRE • EQUINELLE GOLF CLUB
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
PROFILE
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre FACTS & FIGURES
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.
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 43,000 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 11,000 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 37 THEATRE CAPACITY 1,200
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 ever leave their venue hungry. To sweeten the deal, there are no gratuity charges on any food or beverages.
RECEPTION CAPACITY 1,000 BANQUET CAPACITY 800 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE, COMPLIMENTARY, INCLUDING 550 UNDERGROUND DAILY RENTAL RATE
$250
FROM 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.
“
UNIQUE FEATURES
We’re constantly refreshing our menus and services to remain one of Ottawa’s most popular event venues.
”
PAMELA DINARDO, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, OTTAWA CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTRE
• Naturally-lit atrium; natural light in one ballroom and all meeting rooms • Exceptional food • Complimentary underground parking connected to the Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa and the Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East SALES CONTACT
Accomodations
Onsite services
Major Events
• 576 onsite units • Group rates available • Two 24-hour fitness centres
• In-house catering • Complimentary parking • Audio-visual and high speed WiFi
• Charity galas Phone: 613-288-3455 • Corporate conferences, Email: pdinardo@ottawacec.com tradeshows and ottawaconferenceandeventcentre.com/ education events • Weddings
16 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Pamela DiNardo
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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COVER STORY
PROFILE
Canadian Museum of Nature Affectionately known to many as ‘the castle’, the Canadian Museum of Nature has a great history and a great story to tell. With a fusion of historic and modern venues and gothic architecture, the hundred year old building offers both perfectly-preserved classical spaces as well as intriguing modern salons, all of which provide elegant, dramatic backdrops. Since its renovation, the museum has become one of the city’s most popular locations for both private and corporate events.
FACTS & FIGURES
For events large or small, daytime or evening, the museum offers a range of appealing venues including an outdoor plaza. Among the museum’s unique spaces is the signature two-storey Barrick Salon, featuring restored maple flooring. If your tastes are more modern, the fourth floor industrial-style gallery offers white walls in a loft-like atmosphere; it’s the ideal blank slate for events.
RECEPTION CAPACITY 500
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 20,000 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 7,700 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 8 THEATRE CAPACITY 220
BANQUET CAPACITY 240 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE; PAID DAILY RENTAL RATE
$800 – $3,300
At the heart of the museum is the Queens’ Lantern, a 64-foot high glass tower with a central, butterfly-style staircase. At the foot of the lantern is an intimate space perfect for small dinners, cocktail receptions or wedding ceremonies. Each space is uniquely welcoming and, as an added bonus, you can book exclusive evening cocktail receptions in the museum’s galleries.
“
UNIQUE FEATURES
• Museum building is a Gothic-style castle
A landmark attraction with a great story, the museum makes for unforgettable events!
”
• Glass lantern offers dramatic event space • Hold cocktail receptions in exhibition galleries
NATHALIE BOULET, HEAD OF SALES, FACILITY RENTALS AND EVENTS
Accomodations
Onsite services
Major events
• Close to dozens of hotels • Bed and breakfast locations nearby • Group rates available
• Audio-visual and WiFi • In-house catering • Nature Boutique for gifts / mementoes
• Corporate meeting • Wedding • Fundraising gala
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
SALES CONTACT Nathalie Boulet Phone: 613-566-4712 Email: events@mus-nature.ca www.nature.ca/en/about-us/ products-services/facility-rentals MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
PROFILE
Camp Fortune 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.
FACTS & FIGURES
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 as well as the most challenging course in Canada, along with a free fall airbag jump, plus skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
RECEPTION CAPACITY 500
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 8,400 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 3,630 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 4 THEATRE CAPACITY 320
RESTAURANT CAPACITY 450 BANQUET CAPACITY 300 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE, FREE, BUS PARKING AVAILABLE DAILY RENTAL RATE
$695
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.
“
UNIQUE FEATURES
• Relaxed, natural setting
Our experienced staff makes arranging a group event effortless for you.
”
ERIN BOUCHER, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER AT CAMP FORTUNE
Accomodations
Onsite services
Major events
• 3 major hotels within 15 minutes (Ramada, Hilton, Crowne Plaza) • Group rates available • Shuttle buses available
• Complimentary high speed WiFi • Catering • Recreation activities
• Networking gala • Wedding • Company barbeque
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• Scenic chairlift rides • Private playground with tree top adventure and ziplines SALES CONTACT Erin Boucher Phone: 819-827-1717 ext 2241 Email: eboucher@campfortune.com campfortune.com/en/ groups-banquets-facilities 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
Insta
300 Dunlop Road, Chelsea, Québec, J9B 2N3 CAMPFORTUNE.COM
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PROFILE
Centurion Conference and Event Center Recently renovated and more appealing than ever, the Centurion Conference and Event Center has been hosting exceptional events for nearly 20 years. All of the features that event planners and guests have enjoyed for years (including free parking, complimentary WiFi, and outstanding catering) are still available, along with other new amenities such as a stunning foyer with Swarovski chandeliers and new, state-of-the-art LED ballroom lighting which can be customized to suit any event with preferred colours. Centrally located, the Centurion Center is easily accessible from the Ottawa airport as well as from downtown, east, and west Ottawa.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Centurion Center offers clients access to their extensive network of trusted industry contacts for event services suppliers, including decorators, event managers, entertainers, corporate meeting planners, photographers, and more. As annual winners of Consumer Choice Awards for the past 14 years, the Centurion Center is popular for trade shows, corporate meetings, charity galas, wedding receptions, and more. The interior spaces are flexible enough to accommodate 10 – 800 guests and the menus are fully customizable thanks to an experienced executive chef who takes great pride in collaborating with clients and accommodating food sensitivities. The Centurion Center offers exceptional food and amazing service both onsite and offsite, regularly catering over 400 offsite events annually.
RESTAURANT CAPACITY 40
“
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 14,000 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 10,500 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 7 THEATRE CAPACITY 800 RECEPTION CAPACITY 800
BANQUET CAPACITY 800 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE, FREE DAILY RENTAL RATE
$495 - $5000 UNIQUE FEATURES
We are proud to have established longstanding relationships with our many repeat clients.
”
SEAN MCGRATH, GENERAL MANAGER, THE CENTURION CONFERENCE AND EVENT CENTER
Accomodations
Onsite services
• Close to airport and • Select audio-visual major roads (Merivale, equipment, free Hunt Club, Prince of WiFi Wales) • In-house catering • Group rates available • Event management • Shuttle services available services
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• Complete on and off-site catering services (including delivery) • Fully accessible main floor ballroom • Custom LED ballroom lighting
Major events
SALES CONTACT
• Corporate: meetings, trade shows, conferences • Social events: fundraising galas, weddings, proms • Offsite catering for large events
Andrea Hunter Phone: 613-727-1044 Email: ahunter@centurioncenter.com www.centurioncenter.com Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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PROFILE
EY Centre While Ottawa’s EY Centre may be best known as the city’s largest event space, it’s also an ideal spot for smaller gatherings. Whether you want a selection of connected meeting rooms for 10 attendees or the full venue for 10,000 guests, the EY Centre has the facilities and amenities to help you stage a terrific event.
FACTS & FIGURES TOTAL MEETING SPACE 219,000 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 90,000 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 12
The EY Centre’s success since opening in 2012 is due to its ability to offer a range of flexible, distinctive event options; as a privately-owned facility, it also means swift, client-focused decision making. Stellar food is another big reason for the EY Centre’s popularity. Over the past two years, all catering has been moved in-house with an experienced executive chef who has the perfect mix of experience and creativity. He eagerly works with clients to develop unique, delicious food offerings to suit each event’s budget and atmosphere, with every aspect of the food service fully customizable.
THEATRE CAPACITY 4,500 RECEPTION CAPACITY 10,000 BANQUET CAPACITY 4,000 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE, PAID, BUS PARKING AVAILABLE DAILY RENTAL RATE STARTING AT
$500
Conveniently located beside the Ottawa International Airport, the EY Centre is also just 12 minutes from downtown. As a facility purpose-built for meetings and events, the EY Centre prides itself on its highly competitive rates and ability to deliver the easiest, most enjoyable experience for both clients and guests.
“
UNIQUE FEATURES
• Exceptional banquet service for 1000+ guests
One of our greatest strengths is that we are as passionate about the success of your event as you are.
”
NEILL BALES, GENERAL MANAGER, EY CENTRE
Accomodations
• 1,000 rooms within 10-minute drive • Group rates available • Shuttle service available
Onsite services
Major events
• Audio-visual • Catering • WiFi and technical services
• Consumer and trade shows • Corporate meetings and conventions • Galas and fundraisers
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
• Fully customizable space • Ottawa’s largest venue SALES CONTACT Jennifer Diggens Phone: 613.822.8800 x204 Email: jdiggens@eycentre.ca www.eycentre.ca MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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PROFILE
eQuinelle Golf Club Nestled on the edge of scenic Kemptville and just a stone’s throw from the historic Rideau River, eQuinelle offers a picturesque and truly memorable location for weddings, conferences and special events. In our stunning new 20,000 square foot clubhouse overlooking our beautifully-landscaped golf course, our fully-catered facilities provide a multitude of appealing food and beverage selections scaled to your needs and budget. With local inns and hotels just minutes away plus ample free parking at our doorstep, eQuinelle provides all the convenience, quality, service and amenities needed to make your event a complete success.
FACTS & FIGURES TOTAL MEETING SPACE 4,000 sq. ft. LARGEST MEETING ROOM 4,000 sq. ft. NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS 2 THEATRE CAPACITY N/A RECEPTION CAPACITY 260 RESTAURANT CAPACITY 200
As the Ottawa area’s most awardwinning golf course, including awards for exceptional customer service, eQuinelle offers a distinctive, elegant and memorable ‘town and country’ style setting for events of all kinds and sizes. Just 35 minutes south of downtown Ottawa, it’s perfect for groups of 20 – 200. Whether you are looking to host the most intimate of weddings, a private party, business meeting, trade show, conference or outstanding corporate golf tournament, eQuinelle will distinguish your event with the friendliest of service and meticulous attention to detail. Plan your next event with us today and discover true hospitality and service excellence.
“
BANQUET CAPACITY 200 AVAILABLE PARKING ONSITE, COMPLIMENTARY DAILY RENTAL RATE (STARTING FROM)
$300
UNIQUE FEATURES
• Outstanding customer service
People are drawn to eQuinelle because of its natural beauty and they return time and time again because of the outstanding service. JAMES PATERSON, EVENTS DIRECTOR AT EQUINELLE
Accomodations
Onsite services
• Boutique hotel within five minutes • Group rates available • Shuttle service available
• Complimentary high speed WiFi • Full catering • Many stunning settings for photography
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”
Major events
• Corporate golf tournaments • Weddings • Trade shows
• Stunning natural environment • Spacious veranda for cocktails or photos SALES CONTACT Melissa Burke Phone: 613-297-0915 x225 Email: mburke@tmsiottawa.com www.equinellegolf.ca
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
INCLUSIVITY
Tips for planning accessible meetings Event planners share strategies for making meetings and conferences inclusive
A
common clause in hotel contracts allows venues to switch reserved meeting rooms in order to maximize use of the venue’s space. But as Jeanna André-Murdie of The Howes Group warns, this can cause unanticipated problems if the venue is not aware that you have delegates with special needs. One of her client’s participants was in a wheelchair and the newly assigned room not only had stairs, but was accessible only “through a back kitchen by a service elevator, which is not dignified.” In the end, with a lot of conversation, the hotel agreed it was responsible for finding suitable alternate space at a convention centre close by. But it’s also the job of meeting planners and suppliers to educate themselves on the special needs of those with disabilities or impairments in order to make events more inclusive. Here are some real-life experiences and tips gathered from members of the MPI community.
TRAVERSE A DELEGATE’S ROUTE “We get individuals who are on a scooter and in a wheelchair (motorized and manual) to traverse the entire route a delegate would take in the course of the meeting,” says Chuck Schouwerwou of ConferSense Planners. This starts with the drop off experience outside the venue, the lobby/check in counters, the guestrooms, the meeting space, elevators and all washrooms, he says, adding that this is ideally done at the site selection phase so that any changes required can be written into the contract.
WASHROOMS Nicolaas Sont of Yes We Plan Event Management says that although restrooms can be labelled “accessible,” there are many details that can be overlooked. Push buttons for the doors are great, but they have to be in the open and not behind a pillar. Is the stall large enough for a wheelchair to be turned around? Are there handrails around the toilet for easy transfer? Check Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
under the counter to ensure there’s adequate space for someone in a wheelchair to access the sink. The mirror needs to be angled down, and the soap dispensers and hand dryers need to be lower.
ELEVATORS
AUDIO-VISUAL
“One conference I did in the past had so many people register as using a scooter or wheelchair that the regular elevators could in no way match the need,” says Mr. Schouwerwou. “We addressed this by cleaning and decorating the venue’s large freight elevators, adding signage to direct people to them, plus assigning volunteers to staff the elevators during conference hours.”
ROOM SETUP
For those with hearing impairments, consider offering closed captioning on dedicated monitors in the meeting room. To accommodate those with vision impairments, Alissa Hurley of FMAV suggests setting up larger screens and making sure there is very good lighting on stage and throughout the meeting space. Check that all the cable runs are safe and don’t obstruct the path of presenters and participants.
Those who read lips or use sign language need to be seated near the front. Mr. Sont cautions that at least five feet of space must be left between tables to allow access to every area of the room. Wheelchairs are getting bigger and wider, he says, so tables might need to be higher and cannot have lips underneath them.
Article written by Melanie Hudson of the National Association of Federal Retirees. Editing by Cynthia Beaudin of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This article was originally published by MPI Ottawa in Conventus magazine. Read the digital articles here: http://mpiottawa.ca/conventus.
ACCESSIBLE EVENTS CHECKLIST VENUE o Accessible parking / passenger drop-off area o Outdoor and indoor pathways free of barriers o Doors easy to open o Accessible washrooms o Good acoustics (minimal echo) INVITATIONS & PROMOTION o Due dates and contact information for accessibility requests included o Use a variety of communication methods o A minimum of 12-point fonts for printed materials
FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS o Food, drinks and utensils easy to reach for people using wheelchairs o Bendable straws and cups with handles available o Food buffet assistance available ROOM SET-UP o Clear, easy-to-read signs o Clear floor space o Cables and wiring secured o Reserved seating available Source: Planning Accessible Events, Government of Ontario MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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RETREATS
Team-building exercises that participants will actually enjoy Keys to building camaraderie among colleagues BY JACOB SEREBRIN
T
eam building activities and icebreakers can be a tricky part of meeting planning. Do it well, and they can help colleagues forge relationships and teach participants how to work together more productively. But to get there, organizers often have to overcome some resistance. “People are very skeptical when they come to a ‘team building activity,’” says Marc Merulla, the president of Team Building Montreal/Ottawa/ Quebec, a company that organizes activities in its three namesake cities. “I’ll hear people say, ‘I almost didn’t show up for work today when I heard we were doing team building (activities).’” The problem is that the thought of team building exercises often conjures up images of awkward, cheesy activities. “Initially when they hear team-building, they have these images of being blindfolded and falling off the edge of a table and being caught by their co-workers,” Mr. Merulla says. To pull off a successful team-building event, the first thing to do is figure out what you’re trying to get out of it. Are you trying to break the ice and introduce strangers to one another? Bring
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an established group closer together? Inject some creativity into a team before they get to work on a visioning or strategic planning initiative? “They should be thinking about what they want to accomplish, what the objectives are,” Mr. Merulla says. If a team-building activity is part of a larger event, he says it’s important to make sure the spirit of the activity is aligned with the overarching themes of the conference or meeting. Picking the right team-building activity also means thinking about who the participants are. “The ones that stand out for me are the ones that didn’t work, where it was just the wrong tactic to employ for the group,” says Peggy Nieghorn, the director of business development at Ottawa’s Intertask Conferences. “The ones that do work well, the organizer has a very clear objective of what they want to achieve and they’re also very familiar with the group that they’re going to be asking to do this. The demographic of the group and the size is going to be very important.” It’s also essential to make sure that participants are physically able to do the activity.
“People don’t want to be embarrassed in front of their colleagues,” Ms. Nieghorn says.
‘SERIOUS FUN’ For Mr. Merulla, team building is all about experiential learning. “I call it serious fun,” he says. “Companies will give me some learning objectives, like collaboration or managing change or strategic planning or whatever their main messages are, and I incorporate that into an activity.” Mr. Merulla’s favourite team-building activity is one he invented. Called “The Ramp,” it involves dividing the participants into 10 teams. They have to work together to build a ramp that a ball can roll down. Each team builds a single section, but the catch is that they’re not allowed to talk to each other. Teams are, however, allowed to communicate in a few specific ways. “Everybody’s responsible for the success of the company. If one team decides to go rogue, or do their own thing, or be creative or innovative without communicating that to the other teams, the ramp won’t work and there will be a gap in the middle,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how creative Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY IDEAS: SCAVENGER HUNT/RALLY
For events with a lot of out-of-town visitors, a scavenger hunt can also be a way to introduce people to the city. These events can combine competition and teamwork. There are a lot of scavenger hunt apps that can make organizing a scavenger hunt easy, but Mr. Merulla says organizers should make sure to keep it relevant. There’s no point in doing a generic scavenger hunt. Make it local and make it specific.
GO-KARTING
“Go-karting would be a great option for a younger crowd,” says Ms. Nieghorn. This kind of event is good to help people get to know each other or celebrate, but is not the type of activity to use to send a message beyond fun.
AXE-THROWING
A newer trend, this activity is pretty much just what it sounds like. “Go-karting, wall-climbing, paintball, all of those are physical, they kind of allow you to shake out the cobwebs and have some fun with colleagues,” Ms. Nieghorn says. But these events aren’t for everyone. “You don’t really want anyone to feel left out so you need a robust group to do those sorts of things.”
ESCAPE ROOMS
These aren’t just fun, they can also help teams build communication skills, Ms. Nieghorn says.
FILM A COMMERCIAL
Give participants the equipment to film a commercial for the company. “Then it can be something that’s posted on a company website. It shows engagement with employees,” Ms. Nieghorn says. “That kind of thing can say, ‘This is a dynamic company.”
or innovative your little team is, if it doesn’t align with the vision of the rest of the company, it could cause some problems.” Scavenger hunts and rallies are also a go-to for Mr. Merulla. However, he says it’s important to keep activities relevant. He says he recently did a type of scavenger hunt, called a high-tech rally, for the CBC. Participants were divided up into teams of five and given an iPad with a map of Ottawa on it. The idea was that they’d go to the destinations on the map and click on a “waypoint” in the iPad’s screen that would give them a question about something they were seeing that was related to the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The idea was to make it both a team building and learning experience. While the activity was a competitive one – teams received points for correctly answering questions – there were also organization-wide goals, such as “unlocking” a charitable donation if all the teams collectively surpassed a certain number of points. That way, he says, everyone was working towards the same goal, even as they raced to get there. “Team-building can just be a shared experience … You’re accustomed to sitting next to these people in an office, so just experiencing whitewater rafting, or zip-lining, or doing a tour, all of those can be a shared experience that the group can talk about later,” says Ms. Nieghorn. Mr. Merulla says he usually gets called in when things are going well at a company. “Team-building isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about giving people the opportunity to identify and practice elements that they need to bring to the team,” he says. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
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 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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Best Western Plus Ottawa Downtown Suites
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OTTAWA’SBIGGEST
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If you’re looking for a place to stage your next meeting, choose the Albert at Bay. Our state-of-the-art meeting facilities accommodate up to 300 delegates, with boardrooms and boardroom suites for executive get togethers. And once their work here is done, your guests get to relax and recharge in Ottawa’s biggest hotel suites, located right in the heart of downtown.
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3 blocks from Parliament Hill
albertatbay.com | 1-800-267-6644
EVENTS + FESTIVALS
Your guide to the celebrations of culture, food, music & sports in
OTTAWA & GATINEAU
MUSEUM OF HISTORY
MUSIC + FESTIVALS Italian Week
The biggest free street party in Canada is a festival of music, art and life.
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 2-4 613-261-1707 www.westfest.ca
Preston Street
June 8-18 www.italianweekottawa.org
City of Om
The new art festival
A yoga festival featuring a full day of outdoor (and indoor) classes, plus live music, local artisans and food vendors.
A celebration of handmade, original art and the people who create it.
Lansdowne
June 3 www.cityofom.com
Ottawa Veg Fest RA Centre
Samples from some Ottawa vegetarian restaurants and a marketplace of up to 100 vendors promoting and selling healthy products and services.
June 3-4 800-838-5915 www.vegfest.ca
Ottawa Fringe Festival
Franco Ontarian Festival
Meet, shop, watch, play, compete and have fun with dogs.
The biggest francophone celebration in Canada’s capital region, with concerts, street art and entertainment celebrating Franco Ontarian culture.
RA Centre
WESTfest Laroche Park
Ottawa Dog Festival
Central Park, Glebe neighbourhood
June 10-11 www.newartfestival.ca
June 10-11 www.ottawadogfestival.ca
Craftfest
Major’s Hill Park
June 15-17 613-321-0102 www.ffo.ca
Zibi development on Albert Island Shopping experience celebrating 150 years of craft in Canada, highlighting local talent at a historic site.
June 11-26 www.craft-fest.ca
Ottawa Explosion Weekend
GlowFair
Bank Street between Slater and Gilmour 10 blocks of musical performance stages, street installations and street performers.
June 16-17 613-232-6255 www.glowfairfestival.ca
Various locations
Independent music festival featuring bands from Ottawa and beyond.
FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival
June 14-18 www.ottawaexplosion.com
See some of Italy’s most beautiful cars.
Preston Street
Jun 16-18 www.fcaottawa.com
Mountain Man Music Festival Calabogie Peaks Resort
Folk, rock, blues, country and more.
June 16-18 800-669-4861 www.mountainmanfestival.com
Various locations
A celebration of the arts and an opportunity for local, national and international artists to showcase original work.
June 8-18 613-232-6162 www.ottawafringe.com
28 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
Vincent Massey Park
Music, family programming and more in honour of National Aboriginal Day.
June 20-25 www.ottawasummersolstice.ca Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
SPECIAL FOR CANADA’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY Inspiration Village
Sky Lounge
Special exhibits and performing arts events showcasing Canada’s provinces and territories in converted shipping containers.
A culinary flight of fancy takes you 150 feet in the air to discover Ottawa’s fine dining with a spectacular view of Canada’s capital.
May 20-Sept. 4 www.ottawa2017.ca/events/signatureevents/inspiration-village
July 7-22 613-232-2017 www.ottawa2017.ca
Red Bull Global Rallycross
La Machine
Wheel-to-wheel battle over dirt, gravel, and the series’ signature 70-foot jump.
Downtown Ottawa is taken over by a larger-thanlife robotic spider and fire-breathing dragon.
June 17-18 www.ottawa2017.ca
July 27-30 www.ottawa2017.ca
Kontinuum
Magnificence of Chaudière Falls
Underground experience with a futuristic and immersive multimedia production in one of Ottawa’s future light-rail transit stations.
Accompanied by a rich soundscape, the experience will evoke the culture of Indigenous people and in particular highlight the Algonquin heritage of the region.
York Street, just east of Sussex Drive
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival Mooney’s Bay Park
Non-stop boat racing, free concerts, a children’s activity area and food, drinks and vendors.
June 22-25 613-238-7711 www.dragonboat.net
Canada Dance Festival
National Arts Centre and other venues Contemporary Canadian dance in unique spaces and non-traditional venues.
July 2-16 www.canadadance.ca
Music and Beyond
Lyon light-rail station
June 23-Sept. 10 (tentative dates – monitor for updates) www.ottawa2017.ca
Ottawa City Hall
Downtown Ottawa streets
Chaudière Falls
Sept. 24-Nov. 5 (tentative dates – monitor for updates) www.ottawa2017.ca
Downtown churches and concert halls
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado, including avant-garde, big band and swing.
A classical music festival that presents over 85 concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups and small ensembles.
June 22-July 2 613-241-2633 / 888-226-4495 www.ottawajazzfestival.com
July 4-17 613-241-0777 www.musicandbeyond.ca
Escapade Music Festival
RBC Bluesfest
Rising and established electronic dance music. Headliners include Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Zeds Dead and more.
One of the largest international music events in the world, with more than 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages.
June 24-25 www.escapademf.com
July 6-16 613-247-1188 / 866-258-3748 www.ottawabluesfest.ca
Confederation Park and other locations
Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre
Canada Day
Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau Canada’s 150th birthday in the capital as the region resonates with pageantry and celebration
July 1 819-997-0055 / 866-811-0055 www.canadaday.gc.ca
LeBreton Flats
PHOTO ©JORDI BOVER
H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest Mooney’s Bay Park
North America’s largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, including a wide variety of entertainment events.
July 15 www.hopehelps.com
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
29
Canada Scene
National Arts Centre Celebration featuring artists in music, theatre, dance, visual and media arts, film, literature, comedy, circus and culinary arts.
June 15-July 23 613-947-7000 / 866- 850-2787 www.canadascene.ca
RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies
Fortissimo: Beating Retreat Ceremony
The world’s largest chamber music festival presents concerts in Ottawa churches.
Annual military and musical event features massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard.
July 22-Aug. 4 613-234-6306 www.chamberfest.com
July 20-22 613-992-4793 www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/ ceremonial-guard/performances.page
An evening of Celtic excellence.
Ottawa Busker Festival
June 23-25 www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/musicalride-events
August 3 www.sospb.com
Sparks Street
Changing of the Guard
Cirque du Soleil: VOLTA Zibi Acrobatics presented in a visually striking world paired with melodic and engaging music.
Aug. 3-7 613-230-0984 www.sparkslive.com
Aug. 3-27 877-924-7783 www.cirquedusoleil.com
Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival
Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light
An opportunity for Indigenous peoples to tell their own stories and showcase their rich and vibrant culture in Canada’s capital region.
Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala National Arts Centre
Performances, video portraits and personal tributes by guest stars.
June 29 613-947-7000 / 866-850-2787 www.nac-cna.ca
ByTowne Cinema
JUNO House: R·Evolutions
Art in Strathcona Park
Navan Fair Navan
Rural celebration including animals, tractor display, demolition derby, music, food and more.
Aug. 10-13 613-835-2766 www.navanfair.com
Professional Shakespeare company A Company of Fools presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream in outdoor performances.
Aug. 19 613-860-7800 www.micaontario.com
July 3-Aug. 19 (except Sundays) 613-863-7529 www.fools.ca
NAC Gala
Live classical and fusion music and dance, Bollywood, yoga, henna, cricket, face painting, cooking demos, exotic cuisine and a traditional Indian wedding.
k.d. lang takes the stage, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Ingénue.
Aug. 11-13 613-983-2812 www.festivalofindiaottawa.org
July 4-29 www.gatineau2017.ca
30 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
Aug. 5-19 (Wednesdays and Saturdays) 819-771-3389 www.feux.qc.ca
Aug. 9-13 www.asinabkafestival.org
Established artists and artisans, and undiscovered talents, sell their work directly to the public.
Until Aug. 31 www.canadacouncil.ca/about/ajagemo/junohouse-r-evolutions
June 3-4 613-580-9674 www.ottawa.ca/doorsopen
Canadian fireworks designers create displays inspired by our country.
Various locations
Various Ottawa parks
As Far as Eyes Can See
Building owners unlock the doors to architecturally and historically significant buildings. Free admission.
Canadian Museum of History
Unorthodox entertainment by street performers from around the world.
Torchlight Shakespeare Festival
A free exhibition showcasing the story of Canadian music inspiration, from creation to recognition at the JUNO Awards.
Various locations
Major’s Hill Park
Strathcona Park
Exhibition space, 150 Elgin St.
Doors Open Ottawa
Performances by more than 40 country music artists.
Annual B in the Park
June 25-Aug. 26 613-239-5000 / 800-465-1867 www.parl.gc.ca/vis
Until June 26 (Sundays and Mondays) 613-789-3456 www.bytowne.ca
Casino du Lac-Leamy
Features a performance by the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride and flag-lowering ceremony, among other activities and police displays.
Come early (9:45 am) to learn about the symbolism, history and proceedings of this free ceremony.
A 26-week film series that celebrates the best in Canadian cinema on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. Free admission.
Festival Country du Grand Gatineau July 28-Aug. 6 www.countrygatineau.com
Parliament Hill
Cinema Canada 150
Dominion-Chalmers United Church
Parliament Hill
Musical Ride Centre
ARTS + CULTURE
Ottawa Chamberfest
La Fonderie, Gatineau
An exhibition of giant works of art and sculptures.
Northern Lights: Sound and Light Show Parliament Hill
A free bilingual evening show of sound and light exploring Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes.
July 11-Sept. 16 www.soundandlightshow.ca
National Arts Centre
Sept. 16 613-947-7000/ 866-850-2787 www.nac-cna.ca
Remembrance Day Ceremony National War Memorial & Beechwood Cemetery
A ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who have served in Canada’s military.
Nov. 11 613-591-3335 / 613-741-9530 www.legion.ca / www.beechwoodottawa.ca
Festival of India Ottawa City Hall
Carp Garlic Festival Carp, Ontario
Cooking demonstrations, lectures and garlic food concessions at the largest producer-based garlic festival in eastern Ontario.
Aug. 12-13 613-786-1010 www.carpfarmersmarket.com
Capital Fair
Rideau Carleton Raceway Eastern Ontario’s largest midway, a demolition derby, a backyard zoo, stunt dogs, chainsaw carving, a daily magic show and hypnotist and more. Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Aug. 18-27 613-741-3247 www.capitalfair.ca
Ottawa Lumière Festival New Edinburgh Park
An evening festival with performers, large lantern statues created by artists, and members of the public who have made their own lanterns.
Aug. 19 613-745-2742 www.lumiereottawa.ca
Capital Pride Festival Various locations
Celebration of the strength, equality, dignity and selfdetermination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer community.
Aug. 21-27 613-252-7174 www.ottawacapitalpride.ca
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival Gatineau, Québec
Hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky above several shows.
Aug. 31-Sept. 4 819-243-2330 / 800-668-8383 www.balloongatineau.com
CityFolk
Lansdowne Park The festival highlights Canada’s rich traditions with music, dance, storytelling and crafts.
Sept. 14-17 613-230-8234 www.cityfolkfestival.ca
Richmond Fair Richmond, Ontario
A rural fair put on by the Richmond Agricultural Society.
Sept. 14-17 613-838-3420 www.richmondfair.ca
Polo in the Park Wesley Clover Parks
Polo matches, dog agility and horseback riding demonstrations, children’s area and a wine and beer garden.
Sept. 16 www.polointheparkottawa.com
Ottawa International Animation Festival Various locations
North America’s largest animation festival showcases the finest new productions from around the world.
Sept. 20-24 613-232-8769 www.animationfestival.ca Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MUSEUMS + GALLERIES From Hand to Hand
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum Exhibition featuring photos of the hands of veterans who have served Canada from the Second World War to Afghanistan.
Until July 30 613-839-0007 www.diefenbunker.ca
The Fenians – Unintended Fathers of Confederation Canadian War Museum
The Fenians hoped to conquer Canada and trade it for Irish independence from Britain. Instead, Britain’s North American colonies united against them, contributing to Confederation.
Until Sept. 4 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.warmuseum.ca
PhotoLab 2: Women Speaking Art National Gallery of Canada
Explore the power of language through 14 video and photographic works by women artists.
Until Sept. 10 613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 www.gallery.ca
Photography in Canada: 1960–2000 National Gallery of Canada
Mining the Miners
Canada – Day 1
A Bank of Canada Museum exhibition about a booming economy of sky-high prices and staggering profits, broken dreams and some very unorthodox banking.
Exhibit on the diverse experiences of newcomers on their first day in Canada, from Confederation to the present.
Canadian Museum of History
Until Dec. 31 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca
The Canadian Jewish Experience 30 Metcalfe St.
The exhibition tells how Jewish Canadians played a key role in all facets of life in Canada.
Four decades of photography formulated around themes such as conceptual, documentary, urban landscape and portrait.
Until Dec. 31 www.cje2017.com
Until Sept. 17 613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 www.gallery.ca
Horse power! The Paul-Bienvenu Carriage Collection
Hockey
Canadian Museum of History
Populace
On the grounds of the Canadian Museum of Nature An outdoor, ceramic art installation recognizing the people who lived in Ottawa at the time of Confederation.
June 17-Sept. 4 www.populace2017.com
DIEF: Portrait of a Prime Minister
Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum
Exhibition of 18 horsedrawn sleighs and carriages, handcrafted between 1770 and 1950.
A dramatic and dynamic journey through the life and times of one of Canada’s most progressive leaders – John Diefenbaker.
Until Jan. 7, 2018 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca
Until Oct. 9 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca
Bytown Museum: A Century of Community Bytown Museum
Special exhibition looking at how and why Canadians commemorate war.
Special exhibit featuring eclectic works and images from museum’s primary collections, as well as a selection of artefacts that helped shape the history of Ottawa and Canada.
Until Nov. 12 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.warmuseum.ca
Until Feb. 19, 2018 613-234-4570 www.bytownmuseum.com
Canadian War Museum
June 1-Jan. 7, 2018 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca
Canadian Museum of History
Exhibit devoted to Canada’s historic love of the sport of hockey, and its impact on Canadian identity.
Vimy ‒ 100 Years
Canadian Museum of History
Sept. 14-23 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) 613-839-0007 www.diefenbunker.ca
Canadian Biennial 2017 National Gallery of Canada
A comprehensive selection of works acquired by the Gallery’s departments of Contemporary Art, Indigenous Art and Photography.
Oct. 20-March 18, 2018 613-990-1985 / 800-319-2787 www.gallery.ca
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
31
FOOD + DRINK Gatineau BeerFest
Canadian Museum of History Artisans, local produce, beer and food matches.
June 8-10 www.festibiere.ca/en/summer
Dessertfest
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne North America’s largest dessert festival with samples of chocolate, candy, ice cream and cupcakes.
June 9-11 www.dessertfestival.com
Orléans Craft Beer Festival Peter D. Clark Place
Craft breweries, local food artisans and music in the east end of the city.
June 9-11 www.orleansfestivals.ca
Ottawa Ribfest Sparks Street
Sample BBQ chicken and ribs.
June 14-18, 2017 613-230-0984 www.sparkslive.com
Ottawa Beer Fest
Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Showcasing 40 craft breweries, brewmaster seminars, a Craft Beer 5K Run/Walk and other beer-infused activities.
June 16-18 www.ottawabeerfest.com
Bytowne Oyster Festival 504 Kent St.
Carp Fair
Ottawa Champions
Celebration of agriculture in Ottawa’s countryside.
Baseball team in the Can-Am League.
Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club
Sept. 21-24 613-839-2172 www.carpfair.ca
May 18-Sept. 4 (check schedule) www.ottawachampions.com/en
The best golfers of the LPGA Tour compete in Canada’s national championship tournament.
NOKIA Sunday Bikedays
Aug. 21-27 www.cpwomensopen.com/details-2017.php
Village of Carp, Ontario
Ottawa International Writers Festival, fall edition Various locations
A celebration of the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world.
Oct. 19-24 613-562-1243 www.writersfestival.org
Twelve food trucks offer savoury and sweet delights.
Aug. 12 www.facebook.com/WestEndFoodTruckRally
Beau’s Oktoberfest Vankleek Hill, Ontario
Bavarian-inspired food, Beau’s Oktoberfest beer, live music and events.
Sept. 22-23 866-585-2337 www.beaus.ca/oktoberfest
32 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
A run that attracts military and civilian runners, walkers and spectators from around the world.
Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
May 27-28 613-234-2221 / 866-786-6882 www.runottawa.ca
Feb. 2-19, 2018 (weekends) 844-878-8333 www.winterlude.gc.ca
Ottawa RedBlacks
TD Place at Lansdowne Professional soccer team in the United Soccer League.
Until Oct. 8 (check schedule) www.ottawafuryfc.com
Free yoga sessions
May 3 to Sept. 27 (Wednesdays, weather permitting) www.facebook.com/ParliamentHill-Yoga -994051937310508/
Lansdowne Park
Performances, live music and activities culminating in the Canadian Football League championship game.
Nov. 21-26 www.greycupfestival105.ca
2017 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings
TD Place at Lansdowne
(Canadian Olympic curling trials)
Canadian Football League games.
Canadian Tire Centre
June 23-Oct. 27 (check schedule) www.ottawaredblacks.com
The best men’s and women’s curling teams from across the country compete to represent Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Canadian Whitewater CanoeKayak Championships
Dec. 2-10 www.curling.ca
The best whitewater paddlers in the country compete alongside up-and-coming athletes for the title of national champion.
NHL outdoor game
The Pumphouse
Lansdowne Park
Aug. 5-6 www.canoekayak.ca/event/whitewaternational-championships-3
The Ottawa Senators play the Montréal Canadiens in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the very first National Hockey League game, which took place in the nation’s capital in 1917.
World Vintage Rugby Carnival
Dec. 16 www.nhl.com
Parliament Hill
Join Lululemon on Wednesdays at noon for a free yoga session on the lawn in front of Parliament. Bring your own mat and water.
Sept. 17 www.armyrun.ca
105th Grey Cup Festival
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events.
Ottawa Fury
Christ Church Bells Corners
May 21-Sept. 3 (Sundays only, except May 28) 613-239-5000 / 800-465-1867 www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/biking
Various locations
Ribbers, live music, craft beer gardens and more.
West-End Food Truck Rally
Canada Army Run
Almost 50,000 participants compete in the country’s most popular multi-day running event.
Ottawa City Hall
Aug. 3-7 613-851-5752 www.capitalribfest.ca
Sunday cycling along car-free parkways in Ottawa and Gatineau Park.
Downtown Ottawa
SPORTS + ATHLETICS
Capital Ribfest
Various locations
Winterlude
Oysters and live music.
June 25 www.whalesboneoysterfest.ca
2017 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park
Twin Elm Rugby Park
More than 1,000 rugby players over the age of 35 from all over the world play in a vintage-style tournament.
Aug. 19-27 www.vslrugby.com
Bell Capital Cup Various locations
The world’s premier tournament for young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada.
Dec. 27-31 613-599-0241 www.bellcapitalcup.ca Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
CANADA’S SHOWCASE MEETING PLACE
Destination Canada
Shaw Centre is positioned in the top three convention centres in the world for customer service. It’s also located in the heart of an international capital: Ottawa, right next to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. Join the growing list of world-class events who meet here. Contact us for a bid on your next convention.
* Shaw Centre tied for second place in the 2014 AIPC World’s Best Convention Centres awards.
SHAW-CENTRE.COM *WND = Would not
* Includes access to Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East and the Hampton Inn Ottawa by Hilton disclose.
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/Students’ Association
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
613-727-4723 x6442 N/A
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 Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon St., Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9
613-237-3600
613-237-9114
marriott.com/yowdm
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
National Arts Centre - Meetings and Events
53 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5W
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
Travelodge Ottawa Hotel & Conference Centre
1376 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L5
613-722-7600
613-722-2226
travelodgeottawa.com
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
N/A
infinityconventioncentre.com
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
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
34 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
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 service?
Free parking?
Key executive Sales contact Ranked by total meeting space.
219,000
12 90,000
N/A 50
5,000 5,000
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
700 250
$100-$10,000
Y N
Marie-Sylvie Pruneau Jennifer Stewart
70,000
13 8,640
900 1,000
N/A 480
$122-$1,795
Y Y
Chantal Laporte
Kay Boland
55,000
12 26,668
2,800 4,500
1,750 1,750
$285-$1,350
Y N
L. M. Makrakis
André Pelland
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
44,000
27 16,587
1,800 1,500
200 1,370
$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
WND
40,144
20 11,760
N/A 1,256
120 1,200
Starting at $75
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
26,000
17 10,000
1,100 1,000
150 900
WND
Y N
Zubair Siddiqi
Marilyn Power
25,000
200 4,800
300 500
120 500
WND
Y N
Lise Bourgeois
Joseé Lacourse
23,000
5 17,000
300 300
N/A 300
$126-$1,050
N Y
Mark Guy
Lisa Kmiel
22,000
18 5,188
450 500
125 370
WND
Y N
Patrice S. Basille
Mark Nisbett
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 J Borges
Lisa Levia
20,000
8 7,700
220 500
60 240
$800-$3,300
WND N
Nathalie Boulet
Diane Mongrain
20,000
8 5,600
500 350
110 400
$235-$1,700
WND Y
Jean-Pierre Benjamin WND
17,795
7 6,458
500 500
N/A N/A
WND
N Y
Caroline Obeid
Sarah Conn
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
Laura Dufour
15,564
5 10,000
954 199
N/A
WND
N Y
Allan Sansom
Christine Etherington
15,500
4 15,500
1,500 1,200
WND 1,150
WND
Y Y
Zare Kesyan
WND
15,040
12 4,028
450 500
140 350
$375-$2,000
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
Lore Lima
11,068
8 2,400
150 500
N/A 138
$450-$3,000
N N
Kerry-Leigh Burchill
Lauren DeBruyn
10,078
5 3,465
250 250
60 200
$150-$700
Y Y
Maggie Fairfield
Rafael Ballester
10,000
4 6,000
600 600
400 350
WND
Y Y
Earl Stanley
Susan Faith-Lecoupe
10,000
8 2,800
250 600
N/A 500
$300-$650
Y Y
Glenna Camposarcone Laura Kelly
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
N/A
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
35
LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2017 Venue
Address
Phone
Fax
Web
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
Allsaints
10 Blackburn Ave., Ottawa, ON K1N 8A3
613-230-3050
N/A
allsaintsottawa.ca/facilities-rental
Canadian Tire Centre/Ottawa Senators Hockey Club - 1000 Palladium Dr., Kanata, ON K2V 1A5 Meetings & Banquets
613-599-0100
613-599-0105
canadiantirecentre.com
TCC Canada
613-566-7000
613-566-7003
tcccanada.com
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre 35 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC J8X 4E9 Gatineau-Ottawa
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 x223 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
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
Innovative Professional Offices
200-440 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6
613-232-1110
613-782-2228
innovativeprofessionaloffices.com
Best Western Plus Ottawa Downtown 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
613-327-4611
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 1876 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 5B8 Conference Centre
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
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market
325 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1
613-667-4500
N/A
andaszottawa.com
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
The Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Rd., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
613-216-4229
N/A
thebayviewyards.com
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
The Metcalfe Hotel
123 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5L9
613-231-6555
613-231-7555
themetcalfehotel.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
La Shoppe at Zibi
3 Eddy St., Gatineau, QC J8X 0B5
613-224-0134
N/A
zibi.ca/events
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
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West Nepean
2055 Robertson Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 5Y9
613-690-0100
N/A
holidayinnexpressottawawest.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
The Marshes Golf Club
320 Terry Fox Dr., Ottawa, ON K2K 3A2
613-271-3376
613-271-3372
marshesgolfclub.com
36 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
800-251 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
Mtg space (sq. ft.)
Number of Largest mtg Theatre mtg rooms room (sq. ft.) capacity
Reception Restaurant Banquet capacity capacity capacity
LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2017
Daily rental rate
In-house catering service?
Free parking?
Key executive Sales contact Ranked by total meeting space.
9,700
10 2,720
275 300
85 230
$375-$2,000
Y N
Yolaine Charette
Maria Papadakos
9,614
10 2,650
140 200
70 150
WND
Y N
Hume Rogers
Sherri Macki
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 N/A
Starting at $50/hr
Y Y
Leanne Moussa
Jennifer Jennekens
9,020
6 7,350
450 500
350 WND
$450-$1,200
Y N
WND
Karen Speers
8,175
14 1,200
100 40
40 40
$180
Y N
Kelly Freeman
Sean Cochrane
8,000
10 2,700
150 160
45 120
$250-$1,200
Y N
Jason Trottier
Denise Breau
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 Quiroette
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 WND
$300-$1,500
Y N
WND
Nancy Bradshaw
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
6,300
8 1,200
30 35
N/A N/A
$200-$595
Y N
Alana McMurtry
Alison Weir
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
Kathrine Cyr
5,480
5 2,000
150 230
230 230
WND
Y Y
Martin Patterson
5,000
5 5,000
264 500
N/A 225
$300-$2,200
Y Y
Joanne Soulard
Lauren DeBruyn
5,000
6 3,400
350 400
72 200
$200-$2,000
Y N
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
Steven Jones
Melanie Cascagnette
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
Amelia Zaglul
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
Peter Wilson
Alana Haining
4,056
6 1,600
80 120
160 65
$200-$600
Y Y
Pierre Bergeron
Brigitte Emond
3,850
1 3,850
250 300
N/A N/A
$400-$1,100
Y N
Richard Quigley
Heather Hammond
3,673
3 2,016
140 150
N/A 100
$425-$1250
Y N
Amie Hussick
Whitney Coccimiglio
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-$1,200
Y N
Rafael Ballester
Kimberly Wilson
3,000
4 1,277
130 140
70 100
$200-$750
Y N
Kim Jones
Patrick Quirouette
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
Inese Arkulinska
3,000
1 3,000
270 190
150 190
$600-$1,500
N Y
Rodney Wilts
Scott Simpson
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
Jenna MacLeod
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
$610
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
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
37
LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2017 Venue
Address
Phone
Fax
Web
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
TCC BizLounge
140 O’Connor St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0R5
613-566-7000
613-566-7003
tcccanada.com/locations /byward-market-centre
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 Downtown
800 & 900-251 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6 613-566-7000
613-566-7003
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
TCC ByWard Market
200-122 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P6
613-566-7000
613-566-7003
tcccanada.com/locations/ centralbizlounge
TCC Kanata
304-555 Legget Dr., Tower A, Ottawa, ON K2K 2X3
613-566-7011
613-287-0451
tcccanada.com/locations/ blackwood-centre
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
TCC St. Laurent
800-1730 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON K1G 5L1
613-566-7060
613-248-1118
tcccanada.com/locations/ st-laurent
TCC Bells Corners
200-15 Fitzgerald Rd., Ottawa, ON K2H 9G1
613-788-3700
613-688-1196
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
Travelodge Ottawa East
1486 Innes Rd. , Ottawa, ON K1B 3V5
613-745-1133
613-745-7380
ottawatravelodge.com
Didn’t see your list? RECEPTION & CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Don’t miss out this year!
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.
Bookings now available
3750 North Bowesville Road at Riverside and Uplands, Ottawa, K1V 1B8 www.tudorhall.ca 613.739.4287
VIEW ONLINE AT bit.ly/2BOL2016
38 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
MORE INFO AT bit.ly/Reserve_A_List
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
LARGEST MEETING & CONVENTION SPACES 2017 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 service?
Free parking?
Key executiveRanked by total Sales contact meeting space.
1,782
5 1200
100 100
80 80
WND
Y Y
Mina Alvarez Barkham Johanne d’Aoust
1,670
3 792
30 350
35 60
$500
Y N
Cindy McLong
Dean Lake
1,610
3 670
80 80
100 40
$345-$625
Y N
Jenna MacLeod
Oscar Rodriguez
1,500
N/A N/A
N/A 150
150 WND
WND
N Y
Nicholas Bott
WND
1,500
3 750
60 75
100 WND
WND
Y Y
Nancy Bailey
Rita Berthiaume
1,500
2 200
100 60
N/A N/A
$180-$450
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
1,440
2 610
60 45
30 N/A
$250-$350
Y N
Fayez Thawer
Dmitriy Mosiychuk
1,400
2 1200
72 100
N/A 70
WND
Y Y
Erin Loney
WND
1,350
5 500
45 20
N/A N/A
$180-$540
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
1,200
1 1200
110 120
120 104
$420-$560
Y Y
Jade Andary
WND
1,200
2 900
48 48
N/A N/A
$250-$395
Y Y
Anu Sohal
Lee Knowles
1,100
2 200
N/A 10
N/A N/A
$180-$300
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
1,025
5 442
N/A 400
N/A N/A
$180-$360
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
936
1 936
50 35
50 50
$250
Y N
Colin Morrison
Frazer Berry
860
3 625
50 70
120 150
$150-$2,500
Y Y
George Chaiban
Divine Mwimba
700
4 250
100 100
N/A N/A
$180-$450
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
625
4 442
N/A 40
N/A N/A
$180-$360
Y N
Ashley Lawrence
Brittany Waitman
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
483
1 483
30 24
75 24
$200-$350
N/A Y
Jocelyn Brunet
Tarek Khefifi
Ottawa-Gatineau’s guide to meeting planning
MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017
39
ONE OF NORTH AMERICA’S TOP RANKING HILTON HOTELS
THE HILTON LAC-LEAMY THE ULTIMATE FIVE-STAR HOTEL IN GREATER GATINEAU-OTTAWA
• 349 guest rooms including 37 suites
• Four restaurants, bars and nightclub
• 51,000 square feet of multipurpose convention and exhibit space
• Spa, fitness centre, outdoor and indoor pools
• Multifunctional theatre
• Minutes from downtown Ottawa
• Casino Lac-Leamy inter-connected - Open 24 hours
• Complimentary WiFi and outdoor parking
To receive information on our special Hilton Honors signature bonus program, please contact our sales department.
819-790-6444 | 1-866-488-7888 | sales@casino.qc.ca | casinolacleamy.ca