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Shaw Centre Springs Back

Shaw Centre Springs Back Blog Cover Photo

Published on May 2, 2022

It’s been a busy month at Canada’s Meeting Place – the Shaw Centre hosting, meetings, conventions, tradeshows, weddings and even a dance competition. The versatility of events that come through our doors is truly incredible, and we love to take on the challenge each event presents. It’s safe to say events have made a steady return to the Shaw Centre, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Below we’ll speak about the new and returning events that have graced our building.

tradeshow booth setups
National Women’s Show

 On April 9th and 10th, we welcomed The National Women’s show, which returned to the centre with over 200 exhibitors and upwards of 20,000 total attendees. This show is the ultimate girls’ day out that every group of friends needs to attend. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with goody bags filled with treats and whisked into our parliament foyer only to discover booths and booths of fantastic exhibitors in several categories such as food, health, travel, and beauty, to name a few. It trickled into Canada Hall, where the 90,000 square feet space was filled with shoppers and exhibitors alike.

Highlights from the event were the daily fashion shows occurring on the main stage featuring clothing by the talented students at Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design. Along with musical performances by Oh Canada Eh? A high-energy performance from songs by Canadian artists! As well as live performances on the center stage by local artist Malinda Aiello otherwise known as the girl with the blue guitar. Ottawa influencer and fashionista, Mary Ciancibello appeared on the main stage to speak about how to cleanse your wardrobe for spring along with the hottest trends!


Dining Setup Ottawa Meet Week
Ottawa Meet Week

 April 4th to 7th, meeting planners from across the country joined together to network, learn, and get back to the business of meetings and events! Eight events were held over four days, with three of those events occurring under our roof. We were incredibly proud to be a part of Ottawa Meet Week and to showcase our building and services to planners and industry professionals alike. Our first event was extra special as it was held on Global Meetings Industry Day (April 7th), the PCMA CE Lunch and Learn with keynote speaker Linda Nazareth spoke to trends she’s assessed from globalization to urbanization, dealing with demographic changes, and identifying these changes as opportunities.

The second event featured acclaimed author, consultant, and speaker Dave Delaney. His session, called the ROI of Nice – How the nicest leaders keep their employees and build strong cultures, shared three pillars to improve retention and grow strong cultures at fast-growing firms. Attendees left with actionable steps they can implement at the office to create happier and more effective teams.

two people on a very large chair

A rare sight of Executive Chef, Patrick Turcot and General Manger, Loretta Briard off their feet!

The final event of the evening and Ottawa Meet Week was the sold-out MPI Charity Gala Auction and Gala. The gala supported three local charities The ONFE School Breakfast Program, The Ottawa Food Bank, and Moisson Outaouais. Our trillium ballroom was beautifully decorated to a spring theme with vibrant colours and décor by Avant Garde Designs. Our culinary team created a fantastic food and beverage experience by presenting a three-course meal which consisted of beet carpaccio with lemon spring pea puree salad topped with raspberry vinaigrette. The second course was oregano mandarin grilled chicken breast with chimichurri roasted artichoke barley risotto and buttered rainbow carrots, and for the final course, apple rhubarb lavender crumble tort with salted caramel. It was indeed a spectacular evening and a grand finale to Ottawa Meet Week.


The 29th Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Course

 From April 21st to 23rd, we welcomed The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada’s Rural and Remote Medicine Conference, one of Canada’s highest attended rural medical conferences, with approximately 700 participants. It was open to allied healthcare professionals, medical students, and residents. Several courses were conducted over three days which offered rural doctors opportunities to gain and upgrade vital skills, exchange knowledge, develop their professional and social networks, and compare notes on the evolving field of rural medical practice. The final evening consisted of an awards dinner in our trillium ballroom that recognized rural contributions made by local health physicians.


Candance Regional Competition

Photo Credit: Candace Competition

Candance Regional Competition

We welcomed approximately 1,000 dancers to the centre who will compete in the biggest competition of their season! This week-long event will include a performing arts competition, title soloist competition, world-class convention classes, the dance-off, and an unforgettable red-carpet event featuring special guest performances and the final awards presentation! Not only will the competition be fierce, but dancers will have the opportunity to enhance their skills during classes specifically designed for all national levels.