OBJ Datebook: Networking events to spring you into action

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April

Powerplay: Women in Business Night

What: Enjoy a networking event for women business leaders, a dinner and the Ottawa Senators facing off against the Buffalo Sabres. Listen in on a panel discussion with Claudette Knight, vice-president of leadership and inclusion at CIBC; Erin Crowe, COO and CFO at Canada Soccer; Julie Beun, managing director of communications and public relations at CAA; and Veronica Farmer, CMO at Wesley Clover International.
When: April 2, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa
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Tech Tuesday – Growing Resilience: Rethinking Food Security

What: Hear from Corey Ellis, CEO and founder of Growcer, about the future of local food.
When: April 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Marshes Golf Club, 320 Terry Fox Dr., Ottawa
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GOHBA Annual General Meeting

What: Hear from the Greater Ottawa Homebuilders’ Association about its achievements, milestones and future strategies and plans.
When: April 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Saint Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa
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AOC Maple Leaf EMSO Symposium

What: This two-day event will bring together business leaders and stakeholders in the defence industry to discuss the future of electromagnetic spectrum operations.
When: April 15-16
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa
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Fashion for Futures Ottawa

What: Enjoy a night of networking and sustainable fashion in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa.
When: April 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., Ottawa
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Canadian Franchise Association National Convention

What: This event brings together franchise leaders from across Canada, the U.S. and beyond for three days of networking and learning.
When: April 18-20
Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Future of Business Summit

What: Join the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for two days of insightful conversations on the future of business in Canada.
When: April 20-21
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast

What: Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a morning of networking and listen in on his fireside chat with Prabmeet Sarkaria, provincial minister of transportation and MPP for Brampton South.
When: April 21, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa
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Tech on Tap: Powered by RBCx

What: A networking event for employees of the Kanata North Tech Park and partners of the KNBA.
When: April 22, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Hub350, 350 Legget Dr., Ottawa
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The New VBM: Strengthening Canada’s Global Position Through Critical Minerals

What: Hear from Shaun Usmar, CEO of Vale Base Metals, and Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as they discuss the future of Canada’s critical minerals.
When: April 23, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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City Building Summit

What: An annual event presented by the Ottawa Board of Trade and OBJ that brings together city-builders to discuss what is on the horizon for Ottawa’s future.
When: April 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Business After 5: Heritage and Hospitality

What: This networking event will highlight how historic spaces can be reimagined into vibrant economic hubs.
When: April 30, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: allsaints event space, 330 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa
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May

NACO Summit

What: The National Angel Capital Organization Summit brings together delegates from across the innovation ecosystem, including founders, investors and innovation leaders.
When: May 5-7
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Spark Soirée

What: Join the Ottawa Network for Education for its annual event  bringing together community leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate and raise funds for the thousands of students who benefit every school day from ONFE’s programs.
When: May 6, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Gala RGA 2026

What: Join the Regroupement des Gens d’Affaires de la capital nationale for its annual gala celebrating the region’s business leaders.
When: May 7, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Chateau Cartier Hotel & Resort, 1170 chemin d’Aylmer, Gatineau
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The Canadian Tulip Festival

What: The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the symbol of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands after the Second World War. It remains one of Ottawa’s best-attended festivals.
When: May 8-18
Where: Commissioners Park, Ottawa
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HOWL – Women Breaking Ground

What: This community-driven event celebrates and empowers women across the housing industry. Hear from Sandra Bouchard, strategic joint staff in the Canadian Armed Forces; Diana Matheson, founder and chief growth officer of the Northern Super League; and Alyssa Stack, sales and marketing manager at Patten Homes.
When: May 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
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Mayor’s Breakfast

What: Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a morning of networking and listen in on his fireside chat with Jeffrey Maddox, president of Nokia Canada Inc.
When: May 14, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave., Ottawa
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BGC Morning Social

What: This event brings together business and community leaders for breakfast and networking in support of BGC Ottawa.
When: May 14, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse, 1770 Heatherington Rd., Ottawa
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Gold Plate Dinner

What: Enjoy an evening of food, drinks and networking in support of The University of Ottawa’s Heart Institute and The Hellenic Community of Ottawa’s cultural and language programs.
When: May 14, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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Evening in the Maritimes

What: Enjoy an evening of fine dining, entertainment and silent and live auctions in support of Able2 and people with disabilities in Ottawa.
When: May 14, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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Paint the Town Pink

What: This fundraising event supports the arts industry of Ottawa-Gatineau while offering live music, great food and a chance to connect with other Ottawa professionals.
When: May 21, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
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Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

What: In support of The Ottawa Hospital, join hundreds of other racers in 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon races to create a healthier tomorrow.
When: May 23-24
Where: Downtown Ottawa
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FEI Canada 2026 Ottawa Conference

What: Presented by the Financial Executives International Canada, this three-day event will bring together financial leaders to discuss building Canada’s economic future.
When: May 25-28
Where: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
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Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala

What: A fundraising event to support the health and cleanliness of the Ottawa River with networking opportunities, musical performances, fine cuisine and an auction.
When: May 27, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Lemieux Island, Ottawa
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CHEO’s Mental Health Gala

What: Enjoy a gourmet five-course dinner, wine, silent auction, guest speakers and entertainment while raising money for CHEO’s mental health programs
When: May 29, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Infinity Convention Centre, 2901 Gibford Dr., Ottawa
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June

Taste for Hope 2026

What: A culinary event to raise awareness of homelessness in the city and raise funds for the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.
When: June 3, 6 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Ottawa
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2026 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards

What: Spend the evening celebrating Canadian talent in the performing arts with music, performances and a red carpet.
When: June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
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Forty Under 40 Gala

What: Join OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade in celebrating 40 of the city’s most dynamic young leaders under the age of 40 who exemplify business excellence, professional achievement and a commitment to building a stronger community.
When: June 18, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy, 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
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Ottawa Jazz Festival

What: Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Ottawa’s jazz festival showcases the best of jazz with acts such as Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Willow, The Soul Rebels and Ibrahim Maalouf.
When: June 19-28
Where: Multiple locations around downtown Ottawa
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Energy Forum 2026

What: This event will hear from leaders in industry, government and the community on the systems, partnerships and policies needed to power Ottawa’s future.
When: June 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
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July

Ottawa Bluesfest

What: Ottawa’s most popular music festival is back and welcomes large acts such as Limp Bizkit, The Lumineers, Conan Gray, Cypress Hill, Gwen Stefani and Sheryl Crow.
When: July 9-19
Where: LeBreton Flats
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August

Spurs & Sparkles

What: In support of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, this event brings together business and community leaders for a night of food, drinks and equestrian sports.
When: Aug. 12
Where: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean
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Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament 2026

What: A day out on the greens and networking with the city’s business and community leaders.
When: Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: GreyHawk Golf Club, 4999 Boundary Rd., Ottawa
Find out more

September

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

What: An annual festival showcasing Canadian talent from musical artists to hot air balloon shows.
When: Sept. 2-6
Where: Parc de la Baie, 988 Saint-Louis St., Gatineau
Find out more

November

SaaS North

What: This two-day event brings together Canada’s SaaS and AI founders and investors to help emerging companies scale.
When: Nov. 4-5
Where: Rogers Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
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The Women’s Summit

What: Hear from some of Canada’s remarkable female leaders in a day of networking opportunities and panel discussions.
When: Nov. 20
Where: The Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr., Kanata
Find out more: TBD

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