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Shaw Centre and Cantrav Announce Three-Year Partnership to Enhance Event Services

September 26, 2024, OTTAWA, ON – The Shaw Centre and Cantrav are excited to announce a three-year partnership, marking the first time the Shaw Centre has selected a preferred supplier for Destination Management services. Through this collaboration, Cantrav will provide customized support to Shaw Centre clients by coordinating services outside the Centre, including logistics, venue sourcing, activities & adventures, entertainment, event design, décor,  event production, ground transportation and more.

This partnership brings added value for clients by offering seamless event planning beyond the Shaw Centre, leveraging Cantrav’s extensive local expertise and established relationships in Ottawa.

“As Canada’s DMC ™ we are thrilled to embark on this journey with Canada’s Meeting Place” said James Fry, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Cantrav. “The Shaw Centre in Canada’s Capital presents an array of exceptional opportunities for our corporate clientele.  John-Michael Maharaj, our Manager of Destination Development for Ontario, represents Cantrav in Ottawa. With over 25 years of experience in the Ottawa region, JM is well-equipped to lead our Ottawa office and is eager to support the Shaw Centre across all facets of Destination Management services.”

Josh Verch, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Shaw Centre, added, “We are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance our clients’ event experience. This partnership with Cantrav allows us to offer a broader range of services and a higher level of convenience, particularly for out-of-town planners who may need guidance beyond the scope of the venue. We’re excited about the future possibilities this collaboration will unlock.”

With Cantrav’s deep local knowledge and industry experience, Shaw Centre’s clients can now access expert support to make their events in Ottawa more impactful and memorable. Cantrav will act as a one-stop solution for event logistics, easing the burden on planners and helping them create extraordinary events at the Shaw Centre and throughout Ottawa.

About the Shaw Centre 

Shaw Centre, previously known as the Ottawa Congress Centre, was founded in 1983. The Centre was redeveloped into a new, larger facility with project funding from the Province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, and the Government of Canada, opening its doors in April 2011 as the Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC). In October 2014, the OCC entered a 10-year partnership with Shaw Communications, rebranding the facility as the Shaw Centre. A world-class convention venue, Shaw Centre was named the 2020 “World’s Best Convention Centre” by the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). With a mission to create extraordinary events, Shaw Centre continues to attract international conferences, conventions, and events that generate economic impact and showcase Ottawa to the world.

For more information, visit shaw-centre.com.

About Cantrav 

Cantrav is Canada’s DMC ™ with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna, the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. Known for its extensive local knowledge, in-house event production, and comprehensive experience, Cantrav has been providing customized event solutions for a wide range of clients since 1982. Whether it’s corporate events, incentive programs, or conferences, Cantrav brings innovation and expertise to create exceptional experiences across Canada. To learn more about Cantrav’s latest work, visit cantrav.com

For More Information

James Fry
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Cantrav
250 818 3644
jfry@cantrav.com

Josh Verch
Director, Marketing and Partnerships
Shaw Centre
613-294-1528
jverch@shaw-centre.com