1 NATIONAL STAGE

As Canada ’ s Capital , Ottawa puts conventions on a national stage close to decision-makers , the international diplomatic community , and media . If gaining their attention can help move an organization forward , Ottawa is the best place to get noticed .

2 WORLD CLASS CONVENTION CENTRE

Ottawa is home to one of the world ’ s elite convention centres . The beautiful Shaw Centre , located in the heart of downtown next to the Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was recently named one of the top 3 convention centres in the world in AIPC ’ s World ’ s Best Convention Centre rankings .

3 SMART CITY

Ottawa is Canada ’ s smartest city , filled with scientists , engineers and entrepreneurs active in health and life sciences , cleantech , defense and security , telecommunications , gaming and ecommerce . Conventions that meet here often call on these innovators and subject matter experts as speakers and panelists .

4 ACCESSIBLE

Ottawa is easy to get to and get around . It ’ s located within a 2-hour flight of over 200 million North Americans , and its award-winning international airport is just 15 minutes from its highly compact and walkable downtown .

5 SUPERB HOTELS

Ottawa ’ s hotel community includes big international brands and locally-owned boutique hotels , all accomplished and adept at group hosting and many offering meeting facilities and services . There are over 6000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Shaw Centre with a number of new rooms planned in the next three years .

6 EXCEPTIONAL OFF-SITE VENUES

Ottawa is home to the country ’ s most grand public spaces — including national museums and art galleries — that serve as unique off-site venues for convention galas , receptions and special events .

7 DELEGATE FRIENDLY

Ottawa is one of Canada ’ s most popular visitor destinations , offering a wealth of iconic sites , cultural treasures , scenic beauty and urban delights . The more attractive a destination , the more delegates conventions attract — and those held here often set attendance records .