Ottawa Tourism hosted the annual Think Ottawa Gala at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa last week. This prestigious, invitation-only event recognises local leaders who have played a pivotal role in attracting impactful events to the city, helping to position Ottawa as a premier global destination for business, academic, and association gatherings. The event was co-hosted by Ottawa Tourism, the Rogers Centre, and Invest Ottawa, and highlighted Ottawa’s exceptional achievements in the international association events space. Over the past year, Ottawa has strengthened its global reputation, hosting numerous high-profile conferences and events across key sectors, including technology, life sciences, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, expressed his delight at the city’s growing prominence, supported by these dedicated Leaders:  “Ottawa’s success as a destination for international events is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our local leaders, the city’s robust infrastructure, and our collaborative approach to tourism. Each event hosted here contributes to a legacy that extends beyond the meetings themselves, creating meaningful impacts for our community and the global audiences we serve.”

The gala recognised the outstanding contributions of leaders across various sectors, highlighting their efforts to attract diverse events that bring economic, cultural, and academic benefits to Ottawa.

“Invest Ottawa is incredibly grateful for the strong partnership we have built with Ottawa Tourism and the Rogers Centre Ottawa on Think Ottawa, as well as broader collaboration on so many shared goals for our economy and community,” says Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “This collaboration is needed more than ever to increase our lasting impacts and support our growth, innovation, and prosperity. Congratulations to all winners of the 2024 Think Ottawa Leader Awards. Together, we are bringing the world to our door and helping Ottawa take on the world because Ottawa is one of the greatest cities in the world.”

“The Rogers Centre Ottawa had the distinct privilege of hosting the Think Ottawa Gala last week, honouring industry leaders who have worked tirelessly to bring international events to our city,” remarked Nina Kressler, President and CEO at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of future collaborations with industry Leaders within our community and showcasing the Think Ottawa program to a larger audience.”

Winners of the 2024 Think Ottawa Leader Awards and the volunteers representing them:
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in International Events – Association for Computing Machinery International Conference on Multimedia 2023 – Abdulmotaleb El Saddik
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Sports – Ontario Winter Games 2023 – Alastair Baird
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Small Events – National Association of Career Colleges 2022 – Austin Moulton and Michael Sangster
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Sustainability – United Nations 4th session of the International Negotiation on a Future Treaty for Plastic Pollution 2024 – Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Pandemic Resiliency – International Society of Paediatric Oncology 2023 – Dr. Donna Johnston
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Science & Mathematics – International Statistical Institute World Congress 2023 – Eric Rancourt
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Multiple Event Support Leader –IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (2022), and IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Conference (2023) – IEEE Ottawa Section
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Community Partner – University of Ottawa Conventions and Reservations – Jennifer Stewart
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in National Events – CAEH Canadian Conference on Ending Homelessness 2024 – Kaite Burkholder Harris
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Indigenous Events – International Indigenous Tourism Conference 2024 – Marc Frogette
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Legacy – Trans Canada Trail Network World Trails Conference 2024 – Mathieu Roy
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Social Studies – Association Internationale Des Sociologues de Langue Francaise International Congress 2024 – Dr. Patrice Corriveau and Dr. Stephanie Gaudet
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Natural Resources – Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers North America Conference 2023 – Paul Barnes
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Information Communications and Technology – International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors 2024 – Dr. Pawel Hawrylak, Dr. Guy Austing, and Kassaundra Richards
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Signature Event – SAAS North
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Life Sciences – What Works Global Summit 2023 – Dr. Vivian Welch and Santina Lebrun
  • Think Ottawa Leader Award in Advanced Manufacturing – IAVSD 28th Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and Tracks 2023 – Dr. Wei Huang and Luke Steiginga

The Think Ottawa Gala celebrates achievements and serves as a platform to network and strengthen partnerships that enhance Ottawa’s appeal as a global meeting destination. This year’s gala reiterated Ottawa’s leadership in hosting sustainable and impactful international events.