Meeting in the Capital 2017

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

15

— 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

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

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

17

— 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

18 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017

• 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

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

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

20 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017

• 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

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

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

21

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

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

22 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017

”

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

23

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

24 MEETING IN THE CAPITAL 2017

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

25

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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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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

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819-790-6444 | 1-866-488-7888 | sales@casino.qc.ca | casinolacleamy.ca