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About Us

Breathtaking Views and Breakthrough Events

Awarded and Recognized Around the World

The Shaw Centre — Canada’s Meeting Place — is an internationally renowned convention centre located on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa. With bold, modern design, a naturally lit interior, and magnificent views, the Shaw Centre offers an unparalleled and environmentally-responsible setting for conventions, conferences, meetings and exhibits of any size.

The Shaw Centre overlooks the Rideau Canal at midday.
SHAW CENTRE NAMED WORLD’S BEST CONVENTION CENTRE

The Shaw Centre is honoured to announce that it has won the International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC) APEX award for “World’s Best Convention Centre”. The Shaw Centre joins a prestigious list of convention centres from around the world who have claimed this title.

The award is granted every two years in recognition of the highest rating on client surveys received by a convention centre. It is based on a comprehensive analysis of the centre’s performance based on customer satisfaction surveys. An independent “blind” evaluation process carried out by Ipsos, a recognized international market research company, ensures an objective analysis of the data which addresses a series of factors including centre facilities, project management capabilities, catering and technical capacity.

The award was presented at the recent AIPC annual conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Shaw Centre was chosen from a group of 18 convention centre finalists which included locations from around the world.

A man looks at his phone as he walks in the Shaw Centre.

LEED

The Shaw Centre is a strong advocate for environmental respect, conservation, and sustainable living and was awarded LEED Gold certified status in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system administered by the non-profit Canada Green Building Council.

A woman speaks on the phone in the Shaw Centre.

AIPC

The Shaw Centre is part of an exclusive group of convention centres worldwide to have achieved Gold Certification in Quality Standards from the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC).

At a Glance

The Shaw Centre’s multi-purpose event rental facilities include:

First level: eight meeting rooms, executive boardroom, coat room, kitchen studio
Second level: 15 meeting rooms, pre-function area of 19,806 square feet, dedicated show office, corporate business centre, coat room, and walkway links to the Westin hotel and the Rideau Centre shopping centre
Third level: large multipurpose hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 people theatre-style, 2,940 people banquet-style, or up to 400 10’x10′ booth displays
Fourth level: ballroom reserved for meetings, conferences, and weddings

The Shaw Centre was built to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and in January 2013 was awarded LEED Gold certification. In 2021, the Shaw Centre was awarded the International Association of Convention Centres, APEX Award for Best Convention Centre in the World.

Overlooking the Parliament and Chateau Laurier at sundown through the Shaw Centre windows.

History

The Shaw Centre is located at the site of the former Congress Centre, historically one of the most successful convention centres of its kind in Canada. Major redevelopment of the site in 2011 tripled the hosting capacity and greatly enhanced its appeal to planners of national and international conventions, meetings and trade shows. Since opening in 2011, Shaw Centre has hosted more than 4,447 events.

The Shaw Centre facade at sundown.

Governance

The Shaw Centre is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Crown in the Province of Ontario, governed by the Ottawa Convention Centre Corporation Act. Our mandate is to operate, maintain and manage an international-class convention centre facility in a manner that promotes and develops tourism and industry in Ottawa and Ontario.

A man and woman clink their wine glasses.

Serving Clients

A fundamental key to success when creating extraordinary events is to put customers first. To that end, Shaw Centre staff, partners and suppliers work hard to make sure that each clients’ vision is realized. The Shaw Centre is governed by a board of directors, managed by an expert team of professionals, and operationally driven by inspired colleagues and selected suppliers whose main goal is to create events that provide an unforgettable experience.

Annual Reports

As an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Crown in the Province of Ontario, the Shaw Centre produces an Annual Report available to the Crown and community.

Open Governance

Shaw Centre is fully aligned with the Government of Ontario’s commitment to Open Government

Responsibility

At the Shaw Centre, our environmental and community giving responsibilities are fundamental to everything we do.

Community

By continuously measuring our impact, the Shaw Centre financially benefits the employers, employees, industries, communities and municipal budgets.

Accessibility

Shaw Centre is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities.

Operational Guide

A complete overview of the policies and procedures for hosting an event at the Shaw Centre.

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