THE BEST CTHE BEST CONFERENCE CENTRES IN OTTAWAONFERENCE CENTRES IN OTTAWA
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The Best Conference Centres in Ottawa

When you need to have a large group of people together in one place, you can’t go wrong booking the best conference centre in Ottawa.

We selected several centres that could fill the bill for your conference or gathering needs. And if you have further concerns, you can read the FAQ section at the end of this listicle. 

Is a Conference Centre in Ottawa Costly?

Rental rates will usually depend on the size of the conference area, the number of attendees, if food and drinks are involved, and the date and season you’ll be renting. Additional amenities like audiovisual systems and hiring technicians to man them will add to the overall cost. 

Some conference centres or halls might also price according to the activity you’re planning to hold. For instance, the City of Ottawa’s website lists its halls and community centre rates according to size and program/activity type.

CONFERENCE/GATHERING ACTIVITYESTIMATED COST PER ROOM
Not-for-profitSmall $7.95 - $13.40 per hour

Medium $10.30 - $16.60 per hour

Large $13.40 - $20.80 per hour

Extra-Large $17.45 - $26 per hour

PrivateSmall $31.80 - $37.50 per hour

Medium $41.30 - $46.80 per hour

Large $53.60 - $58.55 per hour

Extra-Large $69.60 - $73 per hour

CommercialSmall $43.80 - $57.05 per hour

Medium $57.05 - $71.30 per hour

Large $74.10 - $89.05 per hour

Extra-Large $96.30 - $111.25 per hour

Special event (private, non-commercial, with liquor)Small $58.95 - $76.40 per hour

Medium $76.40 - $95.45 per hour

Large $99.30 - $119.25 per hour

Extra-Large $129.05 - $158.55 per hour

The table above reflects the most current rates including HST, with terms and conditions for different types of activities and hall sizes. Smaller spaces can accommodate up to 50 people only while extra-large ones can hold 200 and more.

For a privately-owned conference centre in Ottawa, additional amenities and the space itself might be a bit pricier so it’s best to get an estimate with them first.

The Best Conference Centre in Ottawa

Now that we’ve demystified some of the costs involved, let’s see which conference centre in Ottawa is the best fit for your needs.

Today’s listicle selection was based on the following factors:

Convenient amenities for easy facilitation of the event
Good location that’s preferably near public transport
Competitive rates for rentals, food, and services
Complementary services like parking, WiFi, snacks, and drinks.

1. Ottawa Conference and Event Centre

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre's Banner
TestInfo
SERVICESFunction space and amenities, food and beverage, on-site accommodations
ADDRESS200 Coventry Road. Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3 Canada
CONTACT NUMBER613-288-3450 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://ottawaconferenceandeventcentre.com/
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment

The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre understands that location is everything—that’s why it describes itself as “minutes away from everything that matters”. It’s in close proximity to the Parliament, train station, highway, airport, and museums.

This makes it a great option for those who conduct large conferences and even special private events with out-of-town attendees. It offers 37 different meeting spaces that can accommodate anywhere between ten to 1,200 people, with complimentary parking and WiFi thrown in.

But it’s not just corporate or staff meetings that can be booked here. Ottawa Conference and Event Centre also has an event planning service that covers weddings and trading shows, which can be held either at its two amphitheatres or its divisible ballrooms.

There’s a lot of positive feedback on how great its food and beverage menu is (covering everything from canapés to full plated dinners!). There’s a staggering array of choices that are surprisingly reasonably priced, which is great because outside food and drinks are prohibited.

There are 574 guestrooms to accommodate overnight guests, as well. We just wish there’s a pricing guide for all of the facilities, but there is a proposal page for this purpose.

Pros

  • Great location
  • On-site accommodations
  • Event planning services 
  • Extensive food and beverage menu

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide a price guide
  • Outside food and beverage aren’t allowed
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

The staff were really accommodating and helpful

“The hotel and conference center was good. The staff were really accommodating and helpful. I was there for 4 full days and the food was really good. The elevators were slow and crowded. I would return to this hotel.” – Stacey Ginter

The staff are very courteous and the food is very good

“Great venue for the purpose of our meeting. The staff are very courteous and the food is very good. I am very happy our meeting run smoothly.” – Louise Crichton

2. Shaw Centre

Shaw Centre's Banner
TestInfo
SERVICESMeeting rooms, ballroom, multipurpose hall, and usable spaces for Ottawa conventions, conferences, meetings and exhibits – large and small
ADDRESS55 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9J2
CONTACT NUMBER613-563-1984| [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://www.shaw-centre.com/
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment

Calling itself “Canada’s Meeting Place”, Shaw Centre opened in 2011 and has since been the venue for over 3,450 local and international events. Because of its location in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it affords attendees both great views and recreational activities while in town.

Its building is Gold-certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for meeting the Canada Green Building Council’s standards. The International Association of Convention Centres also once considered Shaw Centre its top three convention centres in the world.

Corporate meetings can be held in any of its 28 meeting rooms and over 17,800 square metres of usable space. And for larger gatherings and special occasions like weddings, there’s a 1,768 square metre ballroom with a gorgeous view of the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill.

Clients who want to avoid the hassles of organizing an event can use its planner service. Shaw Centre’s team can coordinate weddings, give audiovisual support, and offer an extensive (yet affordable) food and drinks menu for events and meetings.

The downside is that there’s no base pricing information for the services and facilities rentals. But information on fees and other details can be requested through email, phone, or contact form (as it doesn’t indicate its business hours on the website).

Pros

  • LEED Gold-certified building
  • Affordable and diverse menu offerings
  • 2014 AIPC Top Three Convention Centres awardee 
  • Event planner services

Cons

  • No pricing guide provided for services
  • Doesn’t indicate its business hours
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Beautiful view and great location

“A sophisticated urban convention center accommodating large groups. Beautiful view and great location. Very well organized for business events.” – Louise Smolska

Spacious for big conferences

“Very clean, eco-friendly, good ambience, staff are well organized, spacious for big conferences.” – Joy Chelashaw

3. Infinity Convention Centre

Infinity Convention Centre's Banner
TestInfo
SERVICESEvents space, events planning, wedding packages, food and beverage, prom packages, off-site catering, accommodations, audiovisual tech
ADDRESS2901 Gibford Drive Ottawa, ON K1V 2L9
CONTACT NUMBER613-696-1580 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://infinityconventioncentre.com
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday 8.30 AM - 5 PM

Saturdays 10 AM - 6 PM

Closed on Sundays

The Infinity Convention Centre is a customizable venue with 23-foot high ceilings that’s ideal for both conference meetings and romantic weddings. It can hold 1,200 people easily in its 15,000 square foot space.

It also offers an event planning service that can handle everything from pre-planning to preparation and execution. Clients can choose packages for weddings, conferences, and other special events.

There’s no pricing guide for these packages but potential clients can fill out a proposal form to get all the details.

Those who simply want to enjoy Infinity Convention Centre’s wide range of food and beverage choices but don’t need to rent its facilities can opt for its off-site catering service. The menus can be customized according to dietary needs and preferences and can be adjusted for 50 to 500 guests.

The food and beverage menu is pretty impressive with offerings for weddings and prom packages, corporate breakfasts, brunches, and coffee breaks, and a bar package and beverage list. The price lists for these are quite reasonable, too.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced food and beverage options
  • Event planning service
  • Can accommodate 1,200 guests
  • Close to several hotels

Cons

  • The office is closed on Sundays
  • Doesn’t provide a price guide on services
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Staff was friendly and helpful

“Business meeting for 50 people went very well. The staff was friendly and helpful, genuinely interested in making sure we had everything we needed. Lunch of deluxe sandwiches and soup was very good.” – JKM007

Hall was big enough to accommodate many people

“We were there to celebrate Ganesh Festival, and everything was perfect. The location is great considering accessibility, Washrooms were clean and well maintained. Hall was big enough to accommodate many people. All chandelier makes it more beautiful. Rooms are available for different use. The parking spacing between cars was tight but altogether great experience.” – Shital Kolekar

4. St. Anthony’s Banquet and Conference Hall

TestInfo
SERVICESBanquet and conference hall, catering, meeting rooms, venue for weddings, meetings, receptions, retreats and other events
ADDRESS523 St Anthony St. Ottawa, ON K1R 6Z9, Canada
CONTACT NUMBER[email protected] | +1 613-233-1083
WEBSITEhttp://www.stanthonysbanquethall.ca/
OPERATING HOURSMondays and Fridays 8.30 AM - 5 PM

Tuesday to Thursday 9 AM - 5 PM

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Since 1952, St. Anthony’s Banquet and Conference Hall has been the venue for weddings, conferences, baptisms, and other gatherings large and small. It has six rooms of different sizes for a variety of private group functions.

Its history and legacy make St. Anthony’s Banquet and Conference Hall a fixture in the events venue landscape. It has its own award-winning soccer club and has been at the forefront of several community initiatives.

There’s a main hall that can accommodate up to 500 people and comes with a large stage and access to the patio and a Bridal Suite. A second hall can hold 80 to 150 people, while the lobby is ideal for more intimate gatherings for 80 or fewer attendees.

There’s a service for food and beverages for conferences, events requiring sit-down service, buffet-style, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. 

Potential clients will need to send an email for details as there aren’t menu options or even image galleries to show food choices because the website itself could use some serious updating.

Pros

  • Food and beverage services available
  • Six function halls are available
  • Free parking on-site and additional parking across the street

Cons

  • Not ideal for larger gatherings
  • Website info and navigation needs upgrading
  • No food menu options provided
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Food has always been on point and the facilities look great

“St. Anthony’s Banquet and Conference Hall always impresses. Food has always been on point and the facilities look great. They also have the latest and greatest audio/ video and video conferencing equipment available for any event. I highly recommend this banquet hall. Plenty of free parking in back.” – Antonio Romeo

Unbelievably good

“Everything there, food and services, are unbelievably good!’ – Salvatore Rovito

5. Centurion Conference and Event Center

Centurion Conference and Event Center's Banner
TestInfo
SERVICESMulti-functional meeting and banquet facilities, food and beverage, catering, parking and electric vehicle charging, audiovisual and technology
ADDRESS170 Colonnade Rd. South Ottawa, ON K2E 7J5
CONTACT NUMBER613-727-1044 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://centurioncenter.com/
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Centurion Conference and Event Center has become a popular trade show venue with its 14,000 square feet of newly renovated space. It’s also highly accessible to the Ottawa International Airport and various hotels and restaurants. 

Clients can choose from nine meeting rooms, an elegant ballroom, and a foyer for their events. There are dedicated phone lines, free WiFi and high-speed internet access, free parking and electric vehicle charging, and other complimentary amenities (except for audiovisual gear).

It offers reasonably-priced corporate menus ranging from themed breaks to hot lunches, too. There are also social events and wedding menu packages with customizable course options and wine and beverage lists.

Centurion Conference and Event Center has a staff of professional event coordinators who can do pre-planning, preparation, and execution of any gathering or conference. This service, along with available facilities and other amenities, doesn’t have any pricing information on the website so getting in touch with the center is a must.

Pros

  • Accessible to the airport, hotels, and restaurants
  • Reasonably priced corporate and wedding menus
  • Can accommodate up to 800 attendees
  • Event coordination offered

Cons

  • Audiovisual equipment is charged separately
  • The office is open on weekdays only
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Super food, good location, lots of parking

“Great place to reserve for an event, party, etc. Super food, good location, lots of parking included.” – Cheryl Wood

Gorgeous venue, delicious food

“We just held an event here and they were amazing! Gorgeous venue, delicious food-the best I’ve had at any event I’ve attended, and the service and staff were amazing to deal with.” – Heather Young

FAQs About Conference Centres in Ottawa


We hope that this becomes a handy resource for you to find the best conference centre in Ottawa for your next gathering.

Got a conference centre to recommend? We’re all ears, so send us a message about it!

And if you have other special events or meetings on the horizon, we’re happy to share some published posts as a guide: