Ottawa emerges as a global hub for tech conferences and events, gaining recognition for its innovative and future-ready ecosystem.
With the highest concentration of tech talent in North America and a thriving landscape of over 1,800 knowledge-based businesses, the Canadian capital is attracting a growing number of international industry gatherings.
The city’s dynamic and diverse tech scene, bolstered by its rich cultural and educational environment, makes Ottawa a prime destination for global business events and conferences.
In 2023, Ottawa successfully hosted several high-profile engineering and tech conferences, including the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers and the 28th IAVSD Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and on Tracks.
In total, a dozen tech-focused events were held across various sectors, with five of them being international. The momentum is set to continue in 2024, with four tech events already confirmed and six more likely to be announced soon.
A Thriving Tech Ecosystem
Ottawa’s appeal as a conference destination is driven by its vibrant and diverse technology scene. The city is home to more than 1,800 tech companies specializing in sectors such as software, artificial intelligence (AI), smart mobility, cybersecurity, and digital health.
Global giants like Nokia, Ford, Ericsson, Ciena, and IBM operate alongside homegrown success stories like Shopify, Kinaxis, Ross Video, Fullscript, and Mitel, as well as numerous startups and scaleups, including Rewind, Fellow, Noibu, Assent, Solink, and Mindbridge.
Invest Ottawa, a key player in the city’s tech ecosystem, collaborates closely with the community to deliver venture development, global expansion, and talent programs. Since 2013, Invest Ottawa has supported nearly 14,000 companies, contributing to the creation of more than 14,700 jobs and attracting $1.47 billion in domestic and foreign direct investment.
Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, Area X.O, and Bayview Yards, emphasized the city’s potential: “Ottawa’s burgeoning status as a tech hub is a direct result of our commitment to creating an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and growing businesses can flourish. The increasing number of tech-focused business events and conferences hosted here in Ottawa underscores our city’s diverse, collaborative community and our ability to attract and nurture top-tier talent and leading businesses.”
The Most Educated City in Canada
Ottawa’s strong educational infrastructure also supports its position as a premier conference destination. The city is home to several top-tier post-secondary institutions, accommodating over 168,000 students, many of whom specialize in STEM fields.
This has earned Ottawa the title of Canada’s most educated city, with 61% of its workforce holding post-secondary degrees. Such a highly skilled and educated talent pool makes Ottawa an attractive location for tech companies and events looking to tap into the best and brightest minds.
Lesley Pincombe, Vice President, Meetings & Major Events at Ottawa Tourism, highlights the city’s strategic advantages: “Our strategic location and excellent flight routes from North America and Europe provide easy access, further enhancing our appeal, as does the city’s safety, diversity, inclusivity, and high quality of life. As a G7 capital with significant event infrastructure, including a multi-award-winning congress centre, Ottawa is well-equipped to host large-scale international events. The city’s cultural richness, bilingualism, and vibrant tech and business ecosystem create a unique and welcoming environment for event attendees from across the globe.”
A Bright Future for Tech Conferences
Ottawa’s growing reputation as a global hub for tech conferences and events is set to rise even further. The CBRE 2023 North American Top Tech Talent Report named Ottawa the top city for tech talent concentration across 50 North American markets, with 13.3% of all jobs in the tech sector—more than double the 50-market average.
This unique combination of tech expertise, educational excellence, strategic location, and quality of life positions Ottawa as a leading destination for global tech and business events.
As more organizations seek dynamic locations to host their next major event, Ottawa stands out as a city that is ready to lead the way into the future of tech and innovation.
Photo credit: James Peltzer
