Commissioned by OCC, the study analyzed spending on the 57 OCC conventions and tradeshows held in 2012 that drew at least 25 percent of participants from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The $101 million in direct spending includes:
• $78 million in attendee spending
• $16 million in exhibitor spending
• $7 million in production spending
Some of the events, including international and national conferences, that contributed to this economic impact for 2012 include:
• NHL All- Star Weekend
• Evolution 2012 Conference
• IEEE – International Conference on Communications 2012
• Liberal Party of Canada
• Associations of Municipalities of Ontario
• Pharmasave National Conference & Buying Show
The study found these conventions and tradeshows attracted more than 47,000 delegates and attendees from outside Ottawa and nearly 5,900 staff members that represented more than 1,500 non-local exhibitors. These events also generated tax revenues for the federal and provincial reserves estimated at more than $38 million.
“This report reconfirms OCC as a major contributor to Ottawa’s economy and a key partner to local businesses,” said OCC President and CEO, Patrick Kelly. “From our beautiful downtown hub, exhibitors and guests enjoy easy access to hotels, shops and restaurants, eager to spend time and money in our spectacular city.”
The heightened economic activity will continue this week as OCC hosts Rendez-vous Canada, a tourism showcase drawing 1,500 international industry leaders to the Nation’s Capital. This event is expected to bring in more than $3 million to the Ottawa economy in direct spending—and to further reinforce the claim that the new OCC is Canada’s Meeting Place.
OCC Awarded International Distinctions for Performance and Environmental Sustainability
Following its opening year, Ottawa Convention Centre also earned two international distinctions in management performance and sustainable building development and operations.
OCC received the International Association of Congress Centres Quality Standards Gold Certification—a distinction shared by just 21 convention centres worldwide. This award reflects superior achievement in ten key performance areas, such as customer service, health and safety, employee relations, community relations and environmental responsibility.
OCC also earned LEED Gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council. This internationally recognized designation reflects exceptional benchmarks for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Environmental sustainability is a significant marketing feature in the meetings and conventions industry, and a powerful attribute of modern, progressive conventions centres worldwide.
“These distinctions demonstrate the exceptional quality of both the building and the people working within it,” said OCC Chair, Jim Durrell. “We’re very proud of both the AIPC and the LEED recognition. It was always our goal in planning for the new OCC that we would stand out in a world market, particularly with our location in the nation’s capital. We appreciate the concerted efforts of our dedicated colleagues out front and behind the scenes.”
With a busy slate of spring and summer events that includes Rendez-vous Canada as well as a Wizard’s Tower tournament, a conference for photon fanciers and a global gathering for bird conservationists, to name just a few, the OCC will continue to work towards the next successful year as Canada’s Meeting Place.
About the Ottawa Convention Centre
A bold, modern structure that boasts a naturally bright interior and magnificent view, the Ottawa Convention Centre offers an environmentally responsible setting and unparalleled support for organizations planning conventions, conferences, meetings and exhibitions, large and small. Its sweeping window façade overlooks the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and Parliament Hill. OCC provides 192,000 square feet (17,837 square metres) of usable space, including a multipurpose hall that can seat 4,600 guests for a banquet, or 6,260 guests in a theatre setting.
For more information, please visit www.ottawaconventioncentre.com.
Ottawa Convention Centre is an Agency of the Government of Ontario.
