Gleneagles in Scotland was the beautiful venue setting again (28-30 June) for what is now, a fifth annual weekend hosted by Ottawa Tourism for selected conference and travel professionals. CN managing editor Paul Colston joined the 2024 activities at the end of June which included an absorbing career story told by Canada’s Olympic 100m backstroke gold medalist from 1992, Mark Tewksbury. He held the audience of global conference organisers spellbound with his very personal tale of innovation, endurance and marginal gains, and opened up on his struggle with his own sexuality and how learning to be open about that had been a key ingredient in his ultimate success.
The Ottawa delegation also included gifted local Métis folk musician, Amanda Rheume who added a Canadian twist to the traditional Scottish Ceilidh on the final night.
Before that, the participants had bonded over golf on the famous Perthshire course; an Indian cookery masterclass and spa treatments.
Our editor took home the prize for top score in the combined shooting and archery competitions, so watch your backs! He was less successful in the golf buggy blindfold challenge but conveniently blames his sighted co-pilot.
This unique stake on personal bonding and networking using the backdrop of such a magnificent setting is unique strategy pioneered for a few years now by Team Ottawa, who told CN that the strategy has paid off handsomely with events taken to the city as a result of life-long friendships forged in the bunkers, gardens and meeting rooms of Gleneagles.
Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, put the case for Ottawa as an international events host destination during the welcome dinner. He said: “Ottawa is a reflection of the country’s heart and soul through its national museums and institutions, but also through its pubs and bistros and its theatres and festivals. As we get together for our Scottish meet-up just before Canada Day, we hope that the inspiration will resonate in both places. Ottawa is #HereToInspire!”
And Lesley Pincombe, vice-president meetings and major events at Ottawa Tourism, told CN: “We have invested in this market for over 10 years, just after the Shaw Centre opened in 2011. We found people needed to get to know Ottawa better and this event cuts across many client segments. It works because it is about building friendships while giving a little more information about Ottawa. The special sauce involved with the event has helped us forge many great relationships.”
Nina Kressler, president and CEO of the Shaw Centre noted the success and popularity of the weekend event was down to it not being a ‘hard sell’. “Several of the invited guests have gone on to become our ambassadors at other events so the relationships are broad,” she added, noting that one previous attendee had brought several events to Ottawa as a result of the weekend.
Pincombe added that meetings business was rebounding strongly in Ottawa and attendances were “spectacular”.
“The Shaw Centre has had its busiest year ever, never mind since 2019,” Kressler said.
New venues are also underway in Ottawa, including a new mid-size arena and Live Nations are opening a venue for 2,000 near the Shaw Centre.
In terms of strong target sectors for meetings in Ottawa, Pincombe pointed to life sciences, engineering, technology, cyber security, and autonomous vehicles in particular.
Kressler pointed out that the associations business was performing the strongest of all the MICE sub sectors, with exhibitions remaining strong. B2C was somewhat softer, she noted.
Pincombe also highlighted Ottawa’s sustainable credentials and its venues certifications in this field. One percent of rental goes to the Indigenous Tourism Fund in the region and clients can also tap into that community and heritage to add local flavour to their events.
