With summer fading into the distance as the fall (and winter) months close in, many businesses are looking to schedule conferences, workshops and events and there is no better time to bring delegates to Ottawa and wow them with perks they won’t be able to enjoy anywhere else.
Ottawa, a city whose name begins with “Oh!” and ends with “Ah!” is more than just Canada’s capital. Boasting the Parliament buildings, award-winning restaurants, acclaimed cultural institutions, gorgeous scenery and ample spaces for professional events, the city offers delegates the opportunity to work (and play) in unique venues and enjoy some much-deserved VIP treatment.
Here’s a look at what you can treat your delegates to at your next event:
Take advantage of stunning and memorable off-site venues
When planning your next event, remember that you can take your meetings, conventions, and networking events out of the boardroom and into a renowned national museum or trendy brewery. With remote work becoming more ingrained, customers and clients are used to working from anywhere and will jump at the opportunity to brainstorm, collaborate, and connect in a lively and inspiring venue.
Consider hosting an event in a cultural institution this fall. Ottawa is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Canadian War Museum. You can also host delegates at the beloved National Arts Centre.
Venues such as these are ideal for grand receptions, galas, and events of all sizes, but they aren’t the only option. Businesses can also host memorable and intimate events in local museums, smaller galleries, performing arts venues, and theatres.
If a gallery or museum isn’t the perfect choice for an off-site meeting or event, the city is full of acclaimed restaurants, celebrated breweries and renowned colleges and universities. Other off-the-beaten-path venues also include Mādahòkì Farm and Nordik-Spa Nature (the largest spa in North America).
Exclusive access to city gems
When the meeting or convention wraps up, delegates will want to grab a bite to eat, take in a show or enjoy a tour of the city. Fortunately for businesses hosting events in Ottawa, their guests can take advantage of Ottawa’s Flash Your Badge initiative.
The program allows delegates to use their conference badge to access exclusive discounts at participating restaurants, attractions and tours. Better yet, the badge will also provide the same special access for a guest of their choosing. Some participating institutions and organizations include all seven national museums, the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Royal Canadian Mint, C’est Bon Cooking, the Fitz Ottawa Bike Tour, the Good Food Tour, Haunted Walks Inc. (perfect for the spooky season!) and more. Contact Ottawa Tourism’s Client Services Specialists for more information.
A safe and inclusive experience
Ottawa is a city where everyone is welcome. The clean and safe city boasts a walkable downtown core that puts visitors at ease as they explore a world-class municipality that typically welcomes 5 million overnight visitors a year from 179 countries across the globe. While happy to welcome people from all over the world, the city is also proud to host visitors from the international 2SLGBTQ+ community.
You can give back
With big events come big orders of food, and not all of it gets eaten. Fortunately for businesses, Ottawa Tourism recently partnered with La Tablée des Chefs to launch a food recovery initiative that allows surplus food to be donated to local organizations. The program doesn’t just ensure that nothing goes to waste, it also helps alleviate food insecurity in the city.
If giving back is important to you, note that La Tablée des Chefs will work closely with partnering venues to ensure excess food goes to those who need it.
Learn more at the official website of Ottawa Tourism
