Ottawa accelerates IEEE and engineering conference momentum, driven by G7 capital advantages and a deep tech ecosystem

Organisers choose Canada’s capital for proximity to decision makers, regulators and world class technology

Ottawa is reporting strong progress in the IEEE and wider engineering sector, with multiple competitive bid wins and a growing pipeline of technical congresses. Organisers consistently highlight Ottawa’s position as Canada’s capital, access to national policy makers and the strength of its technology industry as key reasons to choose the city.

A major highlight for this year was the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and the North American Radio Science Meeting, which took place in July, attended by more than 1,500 delegates. Engagement to secure the event began as early as IEEE Convene in 2019, and it was supported by destination funding.

Looking further ahead, the International District Energy Association Annual Conference and Tradeshow will come to Ottawa in 2026. The bid secured federal ICAF (International Convention Attraction Fund) support and the organisers selected Ottawa specifically for its strengths in energy technology and infrastructure, as well as the benefits of meeting in a G7 capital close to decision makers.

Recent years have also seen Ottawa host major engineering meetings including the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference in 2024, the International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors in 2024 and IEEE Sections Congress in 2023.

“Choosing Ottawa gives technical societies direct access to Canada’s capital, national regulators and industry leaders, all within a compact downtown supported by an award-winning convention centre and trusted partners,” said Stephanie Seguin, Vice President, Business & Major Events, Ottawa Tourism. “Our community understands complex technical programmes. We help organisers connect with the right experts, testbeds and companies, so delegates leave with new knowledge and real-world collaborations.”

Ottawa’s conference proposition is reinforced by a vibrant technology economy. The city is home to more than 1,800 knowledge-based businesses and has been recognised for one of the highest concentrations of tech talent among major North American markets. Global leaders such as Nokia, Ford, Ericsson, Ciena and IBM operate alongside home-grown success stories including Shopify, Kinaxis, Ross Video, Fullscript and Mitel, with strong support from Invest Ottawa for growth, expansion and talent.

Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa & Area XO added, “Ottawa’s collaborative community, entrepreneurial energy and innovation infrastructure create the conditions for world class technical events to thrive. When organisers come to Ottawa, they tap into an ecosystem that accelerates ideas, partnerships and impact.”

Selected IEEE and engineering highlights

• International District Energy Association Annual Conference and Tradeshow, 2026

• IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and the North American Radio Science Meeting 2025

• IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, 2024

• International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors, 2024

• IEEE Sections Congress, 2023

Why Ottawa for engineering and IEEE events

• A G7 capital with a compact, walkable core and strong air access from North America and Europe

• Proximity to national government, standards bodies and regulators that accelerates policy and partnership outcomes

• A deep technology economy with global names across software, communications technology, cybersecurity, digital health and smart mobility

• A highly educated workforce and outstanding higher education institutions that power research, innovation and talent

• A proven track record of securing and hosting complex technical congresses with coordinated citywide support

Learn more at https://ottawatourism.ca