About Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is located in the southeast region of Ontario sharing a border with Quebec. The boundary between Ontario and Quebec is the Ottawa River. The seat and the business of government lie firmly in Ottawa on the south side of the Ottawa River. The National Capitol Region traverses over the Ottawa River into Quebec. The Ottawa-Gatineau region of the fourth largest metro region in Canada with a population of 1.5 million.
The word Ottawa is a derivative of the First Nation Algonquin dialect meaning “to trade.” Trading was the first commercial activity in Ottawa long before the arrival of the Europeans. The tribes within the First Nations recognized Ottawa as the major trading post and the Ottawa River as the favored route. With the arrival of the Europeans, mostly French traders and trappers, the trading expanded between the First Nations, other tribes, and the European settlers to the south in what is now the US.
Today, Ottawa remains rooted in its history as a major trade route. With the building of extensive locks and canals, commerce can travel from the Atlantic to the convergence of the Ottawa River and the St. Lawrence Seaway all the way to the Great Lakes.
Event Space Options in Ottawa
The Ottawa event spaces range from corporate-style, pre-packaged services, to specialty and creative spaces for one to exercise eclectic themes for memorable occasions. The pre-arranged services of the corporate-owned space, like catering and furnishings, will be bundled with preferred vendors.
- Event Planning
The services offered by a professional event planner should be specific to the occasion as one size will not fit all. The checklist of items for a corporate event will be very different than the checklist for a wedding reception. An event planner needs to have the organizational skills to plan and the connections with other vendors to service the event at competitive prices.
- Digital Media
The branding and the marketing of an event on a digital platform is the introduction and the first impression to the public. If the event is sponsored by a company or is part of a service or product rollout, then the branding of the event cannot conflict with that of the sponsor.
- Videography
Preserving the moments, the participation of the audience, or a presentation during an event is more than taking a video. Aside from the proper and up-to-date equipment, an experienced and well-rounded videographer will also provide post-production services.
Event Space Company Options in Ottawa
Because Ottawa is Canada’s capital with a diverse economic base outside of government departments, the contractors and vendors supporting the event planning industry are local to the capital region. These vendors will bring area knowledge to the pre-planning stages when the location is secured, and the budget is developed. When serving the capital region, these local companies are experienced in working with the public, corporate, and private clients.
- RSVP Events
RSVP Events is considered the go-to event planner in the capital region according to the Best in Ottawa. RSVP has the versatility and the expertise within its staff to plan corporate and private events. The services extend out to venue and theme management with connections to outside contractors for entertainment, AV, and security. If the event incorporates excursions and tours, or if the client needs assistance in developing and implementing the marketing plan, then the contract with RSVP can be expanded for these services.
- Devebyte
Located in Ottawa, Devebyte cultivates clients throughout Ontario, Quebec, and the US for internet marketing. Devebyte knows that internet marketing is more than website development. Touchpoints need to be identified and incorporated into the website along with SEO language to reach the searching public. Devebyte will interface with the social media platforms to identify, connect and maximize online traffic. The written content for the website and for the social media platforms are special for each to target distinct user groups.
- Ajax Creative
Ajax Creative partners with production and host companies to capture the moving images of an event. The message and the brand are not created by Ajax. They are illustrated and captured for consumption by the targets after the event. The specialty of Ajax is not live streaming. Rather, the fine-tuning, sound, framing, and editing in post-production create the final video for distribution.
Pros and Cons of Event Spaces in Ottawa
Below are some considerations divided into advantages and disadvantages. With any project, there will be pros and cons that need to be considered with the whole scope rather than each as separate and distinct. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, no one item should be taken as mutually exclusive from the others.
Advantages
- Local support of industry
Where there is a government seat, the clustering of universities, and the moniker of Silicon Valley North, the necessity for events becomes evident. The city’s support of the event industry, as well as the offerings by the host owners, are a testament to this support.
- Climate
The seasons in Ottawa are distinct. On average, there are 11 days in the summer when the temperature is over 85°F. On average, there are 17 days in the winter when the temperature is below 0°F. The summers and winters are predictable
- Lifestyles
The lifestyle in Ottawa is 3rd as to the highest quality and 19th worldwide. With the salaries commensurate with the government, high-tech, and education, quality of life comes with these sectors.
Disadvantages
- Earthquakes
Ottawa is in the Western Quebec Seismic Zone. Although mostly dormant, there have been earthquakes in the past decade averaging 4.8 on the Richter scale.
- Permit
In the early stages of event planning, it needs to be determined if the event will require a permit, and whether it falls into the category of a special event. If the event will host more than 100 attendees, if there will be commercial photography, and/or if the event is considered a fundraiser, then there is a very good chance the event will need a permit.
- Climate
This category must also be included in the disadvantage column. Although the residents of Ottawa do not view the climate as a disadvantage, those conducting business in the short term may not agree.
Famous Locations in Ottawa
- Parliament Hill and Buildings
There are three government buildings on the Ottawa River that house the Senate, the House of Commons, and Parliament. These buildings are of gothic-revival architecture with a European feel as one view these buildings from the river. The guided tours through these buildings are free giving an overview of Canada’s history and the workings of its government.
- Canadian War Museum
This museum is known for the personal stories captured and retold, and for its renowned architecture. The museum brings to life the role of Canadians in the wars that shaped the country and the world. The exhibits are permanent and represent the richness of Canada’s military history.
- Rideau Canal Cruise
This 1.5-hour cruise on the Rideau Canal travels from the Ottawa River to Dow’s Lake. Landmarks and historical sites will be viewed from the canal side, different from the street side. The tours are offered during different times of the day for a change to the views and photo ops.
