More than 100 association leaders from across North America gathered at Rogers Centre Ottawa to kick off the ASAE Executive Leadership Forum with a Canada Day-inspired Welcome Reception, marking the beginning of several days of learning, collaboration, and networking in Canada's capital.
For many attendees, it was their first visit to Ottawa. As guests arrived, they were greeted in our main entrance by members of the Rogers Centre Ottawa team, Ottawa Tourism, and representatives from Ottawa’s hotel community, who waved Canadian flags and offered a warm Canadian welcome, setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Presented by ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, the Executive Leadership Forum brings together CEOs, executive directors, and senior association professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen their leadership skills, and explore the future of the association sector. We were honoured to host the Welcome Reception and help kick off this year’s forum.
The reception was a collaborative effort between Rogers Centre Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, and Ottawa’s hotel community, reflecting the strong partnerships that help make Ottawa a premier destination for meetings and conventions. It was an opportunity to showcase the hospitality, collaboration, and exceptional service delegates can expect when hosting events in our city.
As the evening unfolded, the setting sun filled the Trillium Ballroom with warm natural light, creating the perfect backdrop for the reception. Our Preferred Supplier, LouLou Lounge, transformed the space with a festive Canada Day picnic theme, giving guests a relaxed setting to connect before the forum officially began.
Guests enjoyed a menu prepared by our talented culinary team, complemented by a creative Canada Day-inspired lemonade stand featuring refreshing beverages and seasonal garnishes. Throughout the evening, our Preferred Supplier, Sax Appeal, serenaded guests as conversations flowed and new connections were made, while caricature artists added a memorable touch. Behind the scenes, Encore helped ensure the event ran seamlessly with audiovisual support, and our Preferred Supplier, iShootEvents, captured the energy and excitement of the evening.
“The food, music, décor and beautiful weather created an atmosphere that kept guests engaged throughout the evening,” said Carly Grace, Vice President of Sales at Rogers Centre Ottawa. “It was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our venue to a room full of U.S. association executives, many of whom were visiting Ottawa for the first time. We hope we left them with a lasting impression of both Rogers Centre Ottawa and our city.”
Events like these are only possible through collaboration. We extend our sincere thanks to Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa’s hotel community, Encore, and our Preferred Supplier Partners—LouLou Lounge, Sax Appeal, and iShootEvents—for helping create such a memorable evening. Their creativity, collaboration, and dedication helped showcase not only Rogers Centre Ottawa, but also the collaborative spirit that makes Ottawa such a welcoming destination for meetings and conventions.
We were honoured to welcome ASAE to Ottawa and thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to welcoming delegates back to Canada’s Meeting Place again soon.
