Ottawa Tourism strengthens UK ties through trade mission spotlighting Ottawa’s leadership in cybersecurity, defence and business events

Ottawa Tourism has concluded a successful trade mission to London, reinforcing Ottawa’s position as a strategic destination for international business events, investment and collaboration across cybersecurity, defence and advanced technology sectors.

A key moment in the mission was “Unlocking Unlimited Opportunities in Ottawa,” a reception held at Canada House in London with partners Invest Ottawa and the Rogers Centre Ottawa, bringing together leaders from the technology, cybersecurity and defence sectors for an evening of insight, networking and collaboration. The event focused on opportunities for UK companies exploring international destinations for conferences, new partnerships and North American expansion, particularly across cybersecurity, defence, dual-use technologies, telecom, AI and enterprise software. 

The mission underlined Ottawa’s distinct competitive advantage as Canada’s capital and a globally connected innovation hub, where industry, research institutions and government work in close collaboration. Home to a strong cluster of cybersecurity companies, world-class talent and deep engineering and R&D capability, Ottawa is uniquely positioned to help protect digital infrastructure, accelerate secure technologies and convene the global conversations shaping the future of security and innovation.

As the city’s destination marketing and management organisation, Ottawa Tourism plays an important role in attracting major meetings, conferences and sector events that bring global expertise to the region. Working alongside organisations including Invest Ottawa and the Rogers Centre Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism helps create opportunities that support local innovation while delivering greater value for clients, partners and the broader community.

The mission also provided an opportunity to spotlight Rogers Centre Ottawa, the city’s flagship convention centre and a major asset in Ottawa’s business events offer. Located in downtown Ottawa, the Centre provides highly flexible meeting space and is positioned as a leading venue for conventions, conferences, meetings and exhibitions, helping the city compete for major national and international events. 

Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, said: “Our UK mission was an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with organisations that see the value of Ottawa as both a conference destination and a centre of innovation. Ottawa offers something few cities can match: close connections between business, government, academia and research, all within a highly collaborative ecosystem. For organisations working across cybersecurity, defence and emerging technologies, that creates real opportunities to connect, grow and lead.”

Lesley Pincombe, President & CEO of Rogers Centre Ottawa, said: “Ottawa offers conference organisers a powerful combination of venue, destination and sector expertise. Rogers Centre Ottawa gives planners the flexibility and scale to host world-class conventions and meetings, while the city itself offers direct access to leaders in government, research and industry. That combination creates a compelling proposition for international events looking to deliver both strong attendance and meaningful connection.”

In addition to the Canada House reception on 14 April 2026, Ottawa Tourism also hosted a bespoke conference buyer-focused evening event on 15 April at Fulham Football Club, creating a more targeted opportunity to engage directly with planners and further showcase Ottawa’s credentials as a destination for meetings and conventions.

The London mission highlighted why Ottawa continues to attract internationally significant events and business activity. Among the examples featured were INCYBER Forum Canada 2026, which selected Ottawa for the strength and connectivity of its technology and defence ecosystem, and SEA, the UK-based defence engineering company that expanded its North American presence with a new research, development and manufacturing facility in Ottawa. 

For UK organisations and event organisers, Ottawa offers direct access to decision-makers and regulators in a G7 capital, a deep concentration of tech talent, and strengths spanning cybersecurity, defence, aerospace, AI and communications technology. Supported by venues such as Rogers Centre Ottawa and a collaborative city-wide ecosystem, these advantages continue to strengthen Ottawa’s appeal as a destination where conferences can connect delegates with real expertise, influential networks and lasting opportunity. 

photographer - Alex Gregoire-Denicourt