dec-2017

24 25 SHAWCENTRE BVM: What is the backstory behind this unique building? Kressler: “ The old Congress Centre was, in square footage, a very small Centre for the nation’s Capital. It became evident that Ottawa was not gaining its fair share of convention business in Canada, and the federal, provincial, and municipal govern- ments felt it was prudent for the city to have a beautiful convention venue. So, the newCentre was funded by all three levels of government and opened in April of 2011, at a total price tag of $170 million. “The building was designed in a stacked fashion, to allow for an extremely large group of three or four thousand people to have the entire facility.Alternatively, it allows for simultaneous smaller association or corporate events of 500 to 800 people. We have seen nothing but success since we opened the doors, in all facets of our market, including our national association market that accounts for approximately 50 percent of our business. “We’re really looking at our national corporate market now, and that has seen tremendous growth. Lastly,we see sub- stantial opportunities in the International congress market,which we’ve grown from 0 percent to 20 percent of our business. It’s a longer booking cycle, but we do compete with Toronto,Montreal, and Vancouver in a Canadian capacity, and we’ve done well to position Ottawa as a global contender for international meetings. “Employees include 40 managers and just over 300 colleagues that support the Centre.We host approximately 500 events annually.This includes a mix of smaller meetings for 20 to 50 people, gradua- tions, holiday parties, galas, and weddings. Consumer shows round out our weekend business, and are open to the public.” BVM: What sort of technological ameni- ties do you provide? Briard: “When we opened the building, we partnered with Freeman AV and Free- man Expo for audio/visual, and show ser- vices.Through that partnership, the Centre is now a completely digital facility.We offer 24”digital signage displays outside each meeting room, and 52”displays in the lob- bies and throughout the different function areas for event schedules and locations. They are also used for sponsor advertising opportunities. “Large, digital way-finding monitors direct our guests to different areas of the building. Everymeeting room has a Cre- stron Touch Panel for adjusting lighting, sound,HVAC, and volume controls. Plus, they have a built-in phone capability, giving us immediate contact with our clients. Freeman also installed built-in screens with widescreen and HD laser projectors, accompanied by a sound system. It gives people flexibility without having to bring in their own production equipment.We offer WiFi throughout the facility and two WiFi lounges with online access, 24-7.” B VM: Congratulations on being LEED