Ottawa Board of Trade

Yesterday, Erin Benjamin, OBOT's Executive Vice President of Advocacy & Strategy, appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to speak about the vital role independent businesses play in Canada's live music ecosystem.   Independent venues are where artists get their start, where audiences discover new talent, and where creative risks are taken every day. These spaces are essential to a healthy cultural sector, but they need the right policy environment to continue investing in artists, experiences, and communities.   For too long, we've underestimated the impact that thoughtful policy can have on helping independent venues, artists, and communities thrive. By creating a more balanced ecosystem, we can ensure independent businesses continue to champion emerging artists, strengthen local economies, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our communities.   That's exactly why arts, culture, and entertainment are central to the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. A thriving downtown is built on experiences that bring people together, attract visitors, support local businesses, and make Ottawa a destination for talent, investment, and creativity. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eTBPr4RF

As Ottawa celebrates 200 years of history, growth, and community, we invite you to join us for an evening of connection, reflection, and looking ahead to the future of our business community. Join us on June 17 for the Ottawa Board of Trade's 169th Annual General Meeting. Members will receive key organizational updates, reflect on our advocacy and accomplishments, elect the incoming Board of Directors, and gain insight into the priorities and opportunities shaping the year ahead. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eaKvAtSy Following the AGM, join us at the iconic Rideau Club for our Annual Reception: Ottawa 200 – The Next Chapter. Set against the backdrop of Ottawa's bicentennial, this special gathering will bring together business and community leaders to celebrate our collective impact, strengthen connections, and explore what's next for our city and economy. Register here: https://lnkd.in/engNhbXm Sueling Ching Hugh Gorman Kimberly Stone Megan Wallace John Proctor, ICD.D, CD Julie Lupinacci Samara Belitzky Dan Doré Sacha Gera Kayla Isabelle Krista Kealey Melissa Reeves Riaz Sidi Stephen Willis

As CANSEC returned to Ottawa this week, our city once again demonstrated why it is Canada's Defence Innovation Hub. Home to more than 1,900 technology companies, 76,000+ tech workers, and a defence and security cluster that generates billions in economic activity annually, Ottawa is uniquely positioned at the intersection of national security, advanced research, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and next-generation communications technologies. With the federal government, leading research institutions, global defence firms, and innovative SMEs all located within the National Capital Region, Ottawa continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of defence innovation in Canada and around the world. Events like CANSEC do more than showcase cutting-edge technologies. They attract investment, strengthen international partnerships, support local businesses, and create opportunities for collaboration across industry, government, academia, and the military. The connections made here help drive long-term economic growth while reinforcing Ottawa's position as one of North America's leading centres for defence and security innovation. At the Ottawa Board of Trade, we're committed to advancing these important conversations. That's why we're proud to continue the dialogue at our Defence Forum 2026 on June 9 at the National Arts Centre during Ottawa Innovation Week. Join industry leaders, policymakers, military representatives, researchers, and innovators as we explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of defence in the National Capital Region. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ejwN8tVc

Only two weeks until The Human Advantage in an AI-Powered Workplace! As Canada’s capital and a global hub for knowledge-based industries, Ottawa is uniquely positioned to lead in the age of artificial intelligence. Our workforce is deeply rooted in sectors like technology, professional services, research, public service, and advanced innovation, making our region one of the most opportunity-rich environments for AI adoption. At the same time, the nature of our work means Ottawa businesses are also among those most impacted by the rapid evolution of AI-powered tools and technologies. Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Deloitte on June 16 at Bayview Yards for this timely conversation will explore how organizations can leverage AI to enhance work, while strengthening the human skills that remain essential to success: judgment, creativity, collaboration, and connection. The discussion will also look ahead to what it takes to build a bold, connected AI strategy that reimagines operations, workforce roles, and the technologies shaping tomorrow’s workplace. Whether your organization is just beginning its AI journey or refining its long-term approach, you'll leave with practical insights to help lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2bzwVSe #Deloitte #FutureofWork #HCTrends Carol Caughlin, Matt Chesser, Dan Doré, Stephen Harrington, Elnaz Kanani K., Fatima Kanji, Kate Morican

Join us at the official public launch of Ottawa’s downtown ACE District, a dynamic destination dedicated to Arts, Culture, and Entertainment! This milestone complimentary event will formally introduce the ACE District as a unique collaboration between the City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa, the Ottawa Art Gallery | Galerie d'art d'Ottawa, cultural institutions and organizations, artists, BIAs, and the local business community, reflecting the strength of Ottawa’s creative ecosystem as an important catalyst for downtown renewal. The celebration will also mark the official opening of the Asphalt Art Initiative and Arts Corridor, and introduce Immersive International, a global creative design and innovation studio delivering an exciting Ottawa 200 experience later this summer. Celebrate a bold vision for a more vibrant, connected, and creative downtown Ottawa - register here: https://lnkd.in/e42UGcW4 Alexandra Badzak, Julie Mulligan, Erin Benjamin, Cindy VanBuskirk

Time is running out to join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal at the Mayor’s Breakfast featuring OC Transpo’s new General Manager, Rick Leary. With more than 25 years of experience leading transit systems across North America, Rick has overseen large, integrated bus, light rail, and subway networks, with responsibility for operations, maintenance, safety, and long-term asset management. His leadership has focused on service reliability, customer experience, and aligning day-to-day operations with long-term investment priorities. Don’t miss this important conversation on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of transit in Ottawa. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e7RSjZwF

The Ottawa Board of Trade was proud to serve as the official Local Community Partner of the 2026 FEI Canada National Conference. Hosted at the historic Fairmont Château Laurier in downtown Ottawa, Sueling Ching, our President & CEO welcomed finance leaders from across Canada to the nation’s capital. At a time of rapid economic change, technological transformation, and evolving workforce pressures, opportunities to bring leaders together for meaningful dialogue and collaboration have never been more important. Ottawa is more than Canada’s capital city. It is a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector leadership where businesses, institutions, and community builders come together to shape a stronger economic future. Conferences like FEI Canada create space to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and explore the opportunities ahead. Thank you to Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada), its Board, chapters, conference committee, sponsors, and partners for bringing this important national gathering to Ottawa and for fostering conversations that will help shape the future of Canadian business and finance.

As Ottawa’s economy continues to grow, the need to modernize how we generate, deliver, and manage energy has never been more urgent. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Energy Forum, the 2026 event will once again bring together leaders from industry, government, and the community for a focused morning of insight and discussion. At a time when energy is becoming an increasingly important conversation across Ottawa, the Energy Forum 2026 offers a timely space to explore both challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. We’re excited to announce new speakers joining the lineup, including: Francis Bradley, ICD.D, IAS.A, Electricity Canada Bryan N. Detchou, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Laurie Heuff, Hydro Ottawa Nichole Hoover-Bienasz, City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa Korey Kauffeldt, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Ken Little, Scout Clean Energy Michelle Taggart, Tamarack Homes | Tartan Homes Jamie Pinkney, P.Eng, Ciena Hear from our expert panelists as they explore Ottawa’s energy future, the financing and delivery of the energy transition, and the city’s long-term potential. Together, these conversations will tackle rising demand, grid resilience, investment pressures, and the partnerships needed to support sustainable growth. Join us for a morning of meaningful dialogue and connection as we look ahead to unlocking new economic and strategic opportunities for Ottawa’s next decade. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g8kHiNqi

The Ottawa Board of Trade exists to help Ottawa businesses thrive. We empower our members with the connections, visibility, and support that turn ideas into opportunities and relationships into growth across our business community. As a member, you get tailored resources through a members-only weekly newsletter, preferred pricing on event tickets, access to exclusive networking opportunities, the ability to advertise across OBOT channels, and a direct voice in shaping Ottawa’s future. Join today and help drive innovation, collaboration, and economic impact in our city. Together, we are building stronger businesses and a stronger Ottawa. Learn more about the benefits of membership here: https://lnkd.in/gacVrDMW

Set sail with Ottawa’s business community on July 8 for an unforgettable evening along the Ottawa River as we mark 200 years of the city's growth, innovation, and economic leadership. Against the backdrop of Parliament Hill and Ottawa’s skyline, connect with the executives, entrepreneurs, and community builders shaping the future of the National Capital Region. Enjoy meaningful conversations, light bites, refreshments, and unparalleled views as we celebrate the partnerships and bold ideas driving Ottawa forward. Whether you are looking to grow your network, spark new opportunities, or simply experience the spirit of our city from the water, this signature summer event is not to be missed! Register here: https://lnkd.in/erEHCZxp