Economic impact study. The Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC) attracted 54,400 out of town visitors that boosted Ottawa’s economy by approximately $101 million in 2012, according to an economic impact study conducted by Ipsos Reid. Commissioned by OCC, the study analyzed spending on the 57 OCC conventions and tradeshows held in 2012 that drew at least 25 percent of participants from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The $101 million in direct spending includes: $78 million in attendee spending, $16 million in exhibitor spending and $7 million in production spending
Some of the events, including international and national conferences, that contributed to this economic impact for 2012 include the NHL All- Star Weekend, the Evolution 2012 Conference, the IEEE – International Conference on Communications 2012 or the Pharmasave National Conference & Buying Show
The study found these conventions and tradeshows attracted more than 47,000 delegates and attendees from outside Ottawa and nearly 5,900 staff members that represented more than 1,500 non-local exhibitors. These events also generated tax revenues for the federal and provincial reserves estimated at more than $38 million. “This report reconfirms OCC as a major contributor to Ottawa’s economy and a key partner to local businesses,” said OCC President and CEO, Patrick Kelly. “From our beautiful downtown hub, exhibitors and guests enjoy easy access to hotels, shops and restaurants, eager to spend time and money in our spectacular city.”
