Destination Report
Ottawa’ s security advantage: why Canada ' s capital is becoming a global meeting point for defence and cyber
AS DEFENCE, CYBERSECURITY AND DIGITAL RESILIENCE MOVE UP THE GLOBAL AGENDA, OTTAWA IS POSITIONING ITSELF AS A PLACE WHERE GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CONVERGE
F or global associations,
policy groups and technology-led conferences, the question of where to meet is increasingly strategic. Delegates do not simply need a city with strong venues and good hotels. They need access to the people, institutions and ideas that define their sector. In defence, security, cybersecurity and digital resilience, that makes Ottawa a particularly compelling proposition.
As Canada’ s capital, Ottawa sits at the intersection of government, diplomacy, technology, research and industry. It is a G7 capital where federal decision-makers, national institutions, security stakeholders, international missions, academic expertise and private-sector innovators are concentrated in one highly connected city. For organisers working in sensitive, fast-moving sectors, that proximity matters. It makes it easier to build programmes with relevance, secure high-level participation and create legacy outcomes that continue beyond the meeting itself.
This is not simply a question of geography. Ottawa’ s defence and cybersecurity proposition is being strengthened by clear civic alignment and fresh momentum across the region. The city’ s growing profile in these fields is visible through major event wins, public and private investment, a maturing innovation ecosystem and a partnership model that brings Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, the Ottawa Board of Trade and sector leaders together around a shared ambition.
A key recent example is INCYBER Forum Canada 2026, which will take place 1-3 December 2026 at Rogers Centre Ottawa, with pre-events in Gatineau. The international and pan-
Left: Parliament-Hill Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Canadian conference is focused on cybersecurity, AI safety, digital trust and national digital resilience. It is expected to welcome approximately 4,000 delegates from Canada, North America and beyond, generating more than 5,000 room nights and an estimated CAD $ 5.4m in economic impact for the region.
The significance of the win goes far beyond delegate numbers. INCYBER Forum Canada brings together public and private sector leaders, international delegations, government, military, security, law enforcement, researchers, large enterprises, SMEs and cybersecurity professionals. In other words, it convenes exactly the kind of cross-sector audience that Ottawa is built to host.
“ Hosting INCYBER Forum Canada is a major international win for Ottawa and a powerful vote of confidence in our region’ s leadership in cybersecurity, trusted technology, and digital resilience,” says Stephanie Seguin, vicepresident, Business & Major Events at Ottawa Tourism. " With Canada’ s federal government, world-class research, and a globally connected tech community all here, Ottawa is the right place to convene the conversations and partnerships that will shape a safer digital future.”
Defence calendar & Innovation Week That confidence is also reflected in the city’ s defence calendar. CANSEC, Canada’ s leading defence, security and emerging technology event, continues to place Ottawa at the centre of national and international sector dialogue. Its 2026 edition took place at the Cohere Centre in Ottawa, bringing together exhibitors, government representatives, international delegations, media and thousands of scheduled B2B and B2G meetings. For international organisers, CANSEC demonstrates the strength and depth of the local market, as well as Ottawa’ s ability to host high-level security and defence communities at scale.
38 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 144