Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa strengthen bid-winning partnership to bring major international events to Canada’s Capital

2 days ago
3 min read

Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa are highlighting their growing partnership to attract and secure high-value international conferences and events for Ottawa, supported by the Think Ottawa program and key national resources, including Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF).

Powered by the combined strengths of Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa and Rogers Centre Ottawa, Think Ottawa is on a mission to boost leadership, support the local economy and build a lasting legacy by bringing the world’s meetings and events to Ottawa. Through the program, local leaders and sector champions can pursue bids with tailored support that includes bid development, venue and accommodation coordination, stakeholder introductions, marketing support and connections to funding opportunities.

With Ottawa’s strengths across aerospace, defence and security, and a growing cybersecurity and applied AI ecosystem, Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa are building a future pipeline of business events aligned with these sectors. This includes conferences that benefit from proximity to federal institutions, security stakeholders and international missions, alongside access to Ottawa’s technology community and innovation assets.

“Ottawa succeeds when local leaders step forward and champion their city on the national and international stage,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

“Think Ottawa gives organisers a clearer pathway to the people, places and sector expertise that make a bid more competitive, and an event more impactful. With Canada’s federal government, world-class research and a globally connected tech community all present here, Ottawa is the right place to convene the conversations and partnerships that will shape the future. This work delivers meaningful economic benefits while showcasing our strengths to international delegations, innovators, investors and decision-makers.”

“At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, we see firsthand how events spark collaboration, innovation and bring an economic impact to the city,” said Lesley Pincombe, President and CEO of the Rogers Centre Ottawa. “Our partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa through the Think Ottawa program brings the full strength of our city’s expertise and ambition to every international bid. Together, we are creating a seamless experience for local leaders, highlighting Ottawa’s capabilities on the global stage and leaving a lasting, positive legacy for our community.”

“Business events are powerful economic engines and in Ottawa, collaboration is our competitive advantage”, said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. When global leaders gather here, they connect directly with our 96,000-strong tech workforce, innovative research institutions, and thriving industries. Through collaboration with Ottawa Tourism and Rogers Centre Ottawa, we amplify this impact, converting conversations into capital, talent attraction and long-term economic opportunity for Canada’s Capital. The return is exponential.”

Using national resources to strengthen bids

Ottawa’s partnership approach is strengthened by Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund. ICAF is a national program funded by the Government of Canada that supports eligible Canadian destinations in bids to host major international business events. The fund is designed to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness and incentivize decision-makers to choose Canadian destinations for global conventions and conferences.

INCYBER Forum Canada will take place December 1 to 3, 2026, at Rogers Centre Ottawa. The premier international and pan-Canadian conference focused on cybersecurity and AI safety is expected to welcome approximately 4,000 delegates, generate more than 5,000 total room nights and deliver an estimated $5.4 million in economic impact for the Ottawa region.

The successful bid reflected a coordinated effort across the destination, with Ottawa Tourism working alongside Invest Ottawa, Rogers Centre Ottawa and local hotels to secure the business. National bid resources, including ICAF, helped strengthen Ottawa’s competitiveness in the international marketplace and will also support delivery and impact for the event’s 2026 edition.

“Ottawa’s selection to host INCYBER Forum Canada 2026 reflects Canada’s growing global leadership in cybersecurity and trusted technology. Through the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), Destination Canada and our partners are bringing world-class events like this to our country – events that drive economic impact while strengthening innovation, talent and international collaboration in sectors that matter most to our future,” says Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. “Business events are powerful nation-building platforms. When we convene global leaders here at home, we don’t just generate economic value – we accelerate ideas, partnerships and progress that position Canada as a trusted voice on the world stage.”

Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa collaborate in an ongoing way to help organisers build bids that are both competitive and distinctive, including:

Sector and leadership access, connecting organisers with Ottawa-based experts, researchers, innovators and industry leaders who can strengthen program content, raise profile and create standout host city experiences.
Bid strategy and coordination, aligning venues, hotels, stakeholder support and citywide logistics into a clear and credible proposition for international associations and event owners.
Funding and national levers, supporting bids through a mix of destination support and connections to national tools, including Destination Canada’s ICAF, which is designed to support bids and help secure major international conventions for Canada.
Legacy and economic impact planning, helping organisers design outcomes that extend beyond the event itself, including talent pipelines, research collaboration, investment attraction, community impact and repeat visitation.