The new Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC) launched the “idea BUILDERS” OCC Conference Grant Program” on 13th October. Designed to provide financial assistance for public conferences that focus on important issues that affect Canadians and the National Capital Region it differs from other incentive initiatives in two significant ways:
• It is the first of its kind for a purpose built meeting facility
• The criteria for being awarded the grant is based on content and not solely on value to the tourism industry
The program provides a stage where people come together to learn and grow by sharing their knowledge, views and practices. The OCC aims to financially support multi-disciplinary public conferences, and enable the advancement of social, health, and economic policy development through events taking place in Canada’s new iconic convention centre, set to open in April 2011.
Grant recipients will be organizations or individuals who hope to undertake a public conference in Ottawa at the OCC between April 2011 and March 2012. Relevant areas for consideration could include: peace and security, innovation, technology, economic development and competitiveness, human rights, environment or public policy, among others.
The program will provide cash and in-kind cost reductions totalling up to $10,000 in value to eligible conferences which can be applied to direct costs associated with producing the event, including marketing, travel, accommodations, and speaker services.
“As Canada’s Meeting Place, OCC is determined to help initiatives that bring people together to exchange their views and knowledge on issues that affect Canadians,” said Patrick Kelly, OCC President. “The idea BUILDERS™ OCC Conference Grant Program will promote linkages with our local academic institutions, including the University of Ottawa, and Carleton University, and organizations focused on stimulating the local economy.”
The OCC, an agency of the Government of Ontario, will open in April 2011. The redevelopment project is on time and within budget. The new LEED certified 200,000 sq.ft. Convention Centre will rise on its existing location, in the heart of the Capital, and its multi-purpose level will accommodate up to 6,000 delegates theatre-style, banquets of 4,500 and over 300 10’x10′ display booths.
Did you know….?
• Ottawa is 313 miles NW of Boston
• Has 11,000 hotel rooms
• Hosts a the largest Tulip Festival in the world each May boasting millions of tulips – the Dutch Royal family gifted Ottawa one hundred thousand tulip bulbs in recognition of the role Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands during WW2 and for hosting them during this period.
