Now more than ever, associations and corporations need to host events that provide true benefits to their attendees and organisations. Hosting your gathering in a city that thrives in your topic of focus – or a “sector hub” – can provide that value. Canada’s advanced manufacturing hubs have attracted international groups seeking to tap into the country’s expertise and resources via events. These may not be the “major” cities that come to mind when you think of Canada, but these lesser-known destinations have a lot to offer groups.
Waterloo: Automation and robotics
Waterloo has developed into Canada’s largest robotics and automation cluster and has attracted international recognition. The University of Waterloo – one of the top engineering schools in the world – continually produces some of the brightest minds in the field. The Accelerator Centre (AC) – ranked as a World Top Performing Accelerator by UBI Global for six years in a row – reminds readers of their website that the Waterloo Region has the second highest startup density on the planet. The AC has supported over 750 of these burgeoning businesses; this innovative energy is of great benefit to business events hosted in the city. 
Winnipeg: Engineering excellence
Winnipeg is an advanced manufacturing powerhouse. The city is one of the largest centres for transportation manufacturing in North America. It is home to leaders in the production of aircraft and space components, mining and agricultural equipment, and large vehicles. With research and development centres like the University of Manitoba’s Material Institute of Manitoba, Red River College’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre and Smart Factory, visiting organisations can add tours of state-of-the-art facilities to their agendas. Events can also leverage the intellectual capital of the National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC) Canadian Centre for Advanced and Digital Manufacturing. A joint venture between the University of Manitoba, the NRC and the Engineering Access Program, the Centre epitomises Canada’s culture of collaboration.
Ottawa – Defence developments
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has emerged as a hub for defence sector hardware and aerospace manufacturing. The city’s proximity to government institutions, research centres, and defence contractors has created a vibrant ecosystem for the sector, such as the highly-praised Area X.O – a 1,866-acre test facility that collaborates with global leaders in defence and security. Bayview Yards is an energetic hub that helps start-ups and scale-ups develop and thrive. It’s a great venue for international groups hoping to get up close and personal with their industry. The city is also home to an array of NRC institutes so no matter what subsector you’re working in, there are experts that you can access. 
Credit: Mike Peters
Meet with purpose
With knowledge capital in advanced manufacturing arenas ranging from additive manufacturing to aerospace, and from robotics to defence systems repairs, Canada provides the ideal place to host impactful and inspiring events. While these three cities certainly provide a superb backdrop for meaningful meetings, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montréal all also excel in the sector. Destination Canada’s Business Events team can provide personalised recommendations to help you find the perfect place to host your gathering. To get in touch, contact: Pamela Wilton, business development manager, Business Events, Destination Canada Email: wilton.pamela@destinationcanada.com Phone: +1 204-223-1922 Or visit their website to learn more: businesseventscanada.ca
