The Ottawa Board of Trade is proud to welcome Rogers Centre Ottawa as a new Pillar Partner – an iconic venue located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Overlooking the scenic Rideau Canal, the Rogers Centre Ottawa – Canada’s Meeting Place – combines bold architecture, natural light, and sustainability to create an extraordinary setting for conventions, conferences, and events of every scale. Guided by a vision of connection and collaboration, the Centre shares OBOT’s mission to champion economic growth, community engagement, and a vibrant future for Ottawa.
Read on for an interview with Lesley Pincombe, Rogers Centre Ottawa’s President & CEO.
What inspired you or your business to become an Ottawa Board of Trade Pillar Partner?
The Rogers Centre Ottawa became a Pillar Partner with the Ottawa Board of Trade because we both share a commitment to driving economic growth and fostering community engagement. By partnering, we can amplify opportunities for local businesses, enhance Ottawa’s profile as a vibrant hub for commerce and innovation, and create collaborative initiatives that benefit the entire region.
How has your OBOT membership contributed to your business’ growth?
Our membership with the Ottawa Board of Trade has provided us with opportunities to strategically align with like-minded businesses, fostering meaningful partnerships that drive mutual growth. It has also given us an additional platform to showcase our services, strengthen our presence within the local business community, and actively contribute to Ottawa’s thriving economic ecosystem.
Can you share a specific example of how OBOT’s networking or advocacy efforts have benefited you or your organization?
OBOT’s networking events are a highlight for our team and something we always look forward to. They provide an environment that sparks meaningful conversations and connections. Each event consistently brings together an impressive cross-section of Ottawa’s business community, creating opportunities for our team to build existing relationships and explore new ones. And even more rewarding is when we get to host the events at the Rogers Centre Ottawa!
What unique value do you believe the Ottawa Board of Trade brings to Ottawa’s business community?
The Ottawa Board of Trade brings unique value to Ottawa’s business community by serving as a powerful connector and advocate for local businesses. It creates a collaborative environment where organizations of all sizes can engage, share ideas, and form strategic partnerships. Beyond networking, OBOT amplifies the voice of business through advocacy and thought leadership, ensuring that Ottawa remains a competitive and thriving economic hub. This influence, connectivity, and community-building are what make OBOT a valuable resource for businesses like ours.
How do you or your company engage with OBOT events, committees, or initiatives?
The Rogers Centre Ottawa is always looking for opportunities to help advance our city’s momentum. We would welcome the opportunity to join the Downtown Policy Council to ensure we are at the table, contributing meaningful value and a downtown business perspective.
In your view, how does being part of OBOT help shape Ottawa as a place to live, work, and do business?
Being part of OBOT is an essential component in shaping Ottawa as a place to live, work, and do business. Through this membership, businesses unite under a single, powerful voice to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen our local economy and enhance quality of life. It fosters collaboration across industries, encourages innovation, and ensures that Ottawa remains competitive on both a national and global scale. By coming together as one, we can deliver a clear, united message that drives progress and positions our city for long-term success.
What advice would you give to other business leaders considering OBOT membership?
The best advice would be to join the OBOT community. Membership opens the door to countless benefits, from promoting your business through networking events to gaining visibility among Ottawa’s most influential leaders. More importantly, it ensures your voice is heard on key issues impacting the business landscape, giving you a seat at the table where decisions are made. OBOT provides the tools, connections, and advocacy needed to help your business thrive while contributing to the growth and success of Ottawa as a whole.
What excites you most about operating a business in Ottawa in particular?
What excites me the most about being in Ottawa is the opportunity to position the city as a premier destination for business events. Ottawa has a unique blend of innovation, culture, and access to government, which makes it an ideal location. At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, we take pride in bringing people from across Canada and beyond into the heart of the capital, creating experiences that showcase everything Ottawa has to offer. These events not only strengthen our local economy but also foster connections that elevate Ottawa’s profile on a national and global stage.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Ottawa?
NCC River House, Lansdowne, Skating on the Canal, and the endless bike paths!
Are there any particular city-building or development projects in Ottawa that interest you, and why?
Any new infrastructure projects that enhance Ottawa’s competitiveness and provide additional experiences for delegates and attendees are valuable to our overall positioning as a world-class meetings destination.
What would you like the future of Ottawa in the coming years to look like?
I would like to see Ottawa continue to evolve as a vibrant, confident capital city – one that is economically resilient, culturally rich, and unmistakably welcoming. In the coming years, that means a stronger, more animated downtown, continued investment in infrastructure and transit, and a city that better connects its natural assets, neighbourhoods, and institutions.
Partnering for a Thriving Capital
Partnering with Rogers Centre Ottawa represents more than collaboration – it embodies the shared values that drive the Ottawa Board of Trade’s mission. Together, we are strengthening Ottawa’s position as a dynamic, interconnected city that attracts innovation, investment, and talent. The Rogers Centre Ottawa’s leadership in hospitality and event excellence directly supports OBOT’s vision for a prosperous, globally competitive capital – one that brings people together to build a stronger community for all.
To learn more about Rogers Centre Ottawa, visit https://rogers-centre.ca/.
