Ottawa is rapidly gaining momentum as a host destination for major IEEE and engineering conferences, driven by its unique combination of proximity to national decision-makers, world-class research institutions and a dynamic technology sector.
The city recently welcomed more than 1,500 delegates to the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and the North American Radio Science Meeting, one of the field’s most significant international gatherings. The successful bid—initiated as early as IEEE Convene 2019 and supported by destination funding—demonstrates Ottawa’s growing capability in securing and delivering globally recognised technical congresses.
Looking ahead, Ottawa will host the International District Energy Association Annual Conference and Tradeshow in 2026. Supported by Canada’s federal International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), the event was drawn to Ottawa for its expertise in energy technology and infrastructure, as well as the strategic advantages of meeting in a G7 capital with direct access to government leaders and regulators.
In recent years, Ottawa has also hosted major gatherings such as the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference (2024), the International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors (2024) and the IEEE Sections Congress (2023), further cementing its reputation as a preferred destination for technical associations.
“Choosing Ottawa gives technical societies direct access to Canada’s capital, national regulators and industry leaders, all within a compact, walkable downtown supported by an award-winning convention centre and trusted partners,” said Stephanie Seguin, Vice President, Business & Major Events at Ottawa Tourism. “Our community understands complex technical programmes and helps organisers connect with the right experts, testbeds and companies to inspire new collaborations.”
Ottawa’s strong technology economy adds significant weight to its conference offering. Home to more than 1,800 knowledge-based businesses, the city boasts one of the highest concentrations of tech talent among major North American markets. Global leaders such as Nokia, Ford, Ericsson, Ciena and IBM operate alongside Canadian innovators including Shopify, Kinaxis, Ross Video, Fullscript and Mitel, supported by Invest Ottawa, the city’s economic development agency.
“Ottawa’s collaborative community, entrepreneurial energy and innovation infrastructure create ideal conditions for world-class technical events to thrive,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa & Area XO. “Organisers benefit from an ecosystem that accelerates ideas, partnerships and impact.”
With its combination of political access, technological excellence, academic strength and a proven track record in hosting complex events, Ottawa continues to stand out as a world-class destination for IEEE and engineering congresses. Learn more at ottawatourism.ca.
