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Economic Impact 2013-2014

Shaw Centre attracted over 40,500 out-of-town visitors during the 2013-2014 fiscal operating year, beginning April 1,  that boosted Ottawa’s economy by $77 million in 2013-2014, according to an economic impact study conducted by Shaw Centre.

The study analyzed spending on the 30 conventions and tradeshows held at the facility in 2013- 2014 that drew at least 25 percent of participants from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

The study found these conventions and tradeshows attracted 32,000 delegates and attendees from outside Ottawa, over 7,000 staff members that represented more than 1,800 non-local exhibitors. These events also generated tax revenues for the federal and provincial reserves estimated at more than $30 million.

“This report reconfirmed 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 radiate out to hotels, shops and restaurants, eager to spend time and money in our spectacular city.”

The newly re-built Shaw Centre opened in April 2011. Being a G8 capital, Ottawa needed a new convention centre that could accommodate large scale events. The centre is a ‘stay-at-home export’ as it attracts business to our nation’s capital that would otherwise go elsewhere. The aggressive marketing outreach in the global marketplace that has taken place over the past few years in partnership with local hotels and Ottawa Tourism has paid off. This is evidenced by the 1,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) that are supported solely by the convention business accommodated by Shaw Centre in the third year of operation and the $77 million estimated in economic impact to the city of Ottawa.

Economic Impact – Direct Spend Broken Down

The $77 million in direct spending includes:

• $54 million in attendee spending
• $19 million in exhibitor spending
• $4 million in production spending

Benefits of Shaw Centre – Tourism & Hospitality Sector

The 2013 – 2014 fiscal year in review

• 498 events;
• 281,331 attendees;
• 39 conventions including national and international conventions;
• 32,000 convention delegates and over 1,800 non-local exhibitors;
• The direct spending on convention centre events including out-of- town delegates, exhibitors and production is estimated at $77 million;
• This direct spending contributes approximately $63 million to Ottawa’s GDP; and
• Approximately 1,000 jobs are supported resulting in $44 million in labour income. This includes $28 million in labour income that stems from 724 jobs that are supported directly by events held at Ottawa Convention Centre.

Benefits of Shaw Centre – Transportation Sector

Both out-of-town and local event guests use Ottawa’s taxi, limousine, car rental and shuttle services. With its expanded operations, the Centre will continue to support the local transportation industry by:

• Generating an additional $500,000 annually in local Airport Improvement Fees;
• Generating $1.929 million annually in revenues for local taxi companies;
• Generating $161,000 annually in tips for local taxi drivers;
• Generating 43 Full time employees annually in the local taxi industry;
• Generating $1.78 million annually in revenues for local car rental companies;
• Generating $325,000 annually in revenues for local shuttle companies; and
• Generating $1.303 million annually in gasoline sales.

Benefits of a new Ottawa Convention Centre – Taxation Revenues

• Tax revenues estimated at $30 million for 2013 – 2014

Meetings and Convention Sectors Affected by Shaw Centre Business

Major industries affected:

• Accommodation Services
• Food and Beverage Services
• Retail Trade, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
• Information and Cultural Industries
• Ground Passenger Transportation
• Other Transportation and Warehousing
• Car Renting and Leasing
• Finance
• Insurance
• Real Estate and Renting & Leasing

Other benefits of meeting

•  Meetings promote investment, trade, communications and technology
•  Meetings bring education and professional development to the community
•  Meetings promote and support other business sectors
•  Meetings attract global expertise
•  Meetings build community profile
•  Meetings represent the high end of visitor spending

Our Annual Reports provide additional information on previous fiscal business years
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