Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa are developing their partnership to secure high-value international conferences and events for the Canadian capital, supported by the Think Ottawa programme and key national resources, including Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF).
Through the programme, 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.
Ottawa is marketing its strengths across aerospace, defence and security, and a growing cybersecurity and applied AI ecosystem and building a future pipeline of business events aligned with these sectors.
“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 first-hand how events spark collaboration, innovation and bring an economic impact to the city,” said Lesley Pincombe, president and CEO of the venue. “Our partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa through the Think Ottawa programme brings the full strength of our city’s expertise and ambition to every international bid. Together, we are creating a seamless experience.”
Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa added: “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.”
Ottawa’s partnership approach is strengthened by Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF)– a national programme that supports eligible Canadian destinations in bids to host major international business events.
INCYBER Forum Canada which takes place 1-3 December, 2026, at Rogers Centre Ottawa, is expected to welcome 4,000 delegates, generate more than 5,000 total room nights and deliver an estimated CAD$5.4m in economic impact for the Ottawa region. That 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. ICAF will also support delivery and impact for the event.
