CANADA - The Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC), which is set to open in April 2011, has launched a financial assistance programme in order to attract public convention which focus on “important issues that affect Canadians and the National Capital Region”.
Unlike other incentive initiatives, the grant programme’s criteria is based on content and not solely on value to the tourism industry.
Grant recipients will be organisations or individuals who hope to undertake a public convention 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.
The programme will provide cash and in-kind cost reductions totalling up to CA$10,000 (US$9,800) in value to eligible conventions, which can be applied to direct costs associated with producing the event including marketing, travel, accommodations, and speaker services.
“The programme will promote linkages with our local academic institutions, including the University of Ottawa, and Carleton University, and organisations focused on stimulating the local economy,” says OCC President, Patrick Kelly.
