A
renewed focus on indigenous tourism helped Ottawa
secure a conference dedicated to helping indigenous people better manage and
govern their communities and organisations.
AFOA Canada
(formerly known as Aboriginal Financial Officers Association) will take place
in Ottawa in February 2023 following its postponement from 2022.
The conference will highlight how creating a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people and
a better future for the next generation lies in improving the management
skills of those responsible for the stewardship of Indigenous resources.
The
2023 event will see more than 1,000 delegates visit Ottawa for 1,600 room
nights, peaking at 500 room nights of the core conference days.
AFOA Canada president and CEO, Terry Goodtrack said: “I am delighted to be
holding our flagship 2023 event in Ottawa. The team have worked hard to ensure
the perfect programme for our attendees, whilst closely supporting the
association, our board and team throughout the planning process, which included
postponing the event from 2022 and providing financial recommendations and
support where needed.
"As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place for us
to return to face-to-face events and I look forward to welcoming our members
next February.”
Ottawa Tourism business event manager, Julie Clement said: “This
win for Ottawa Tourism once again demonstrates the success of our desire to
first build relationships with people; securing business comes at a later
date.
“We
first met Terry at a networking event and started to create a friendship that
developed over time. Our attitude is not about pressure but recognising the
fact that the city sells itself, we just have to open the doors and give people
the opportunity to get to know what is on offer."
The
2023 AOFA Canada National Conference will take place in the Shaw Centre, with the
Westin Ottawa serving as the host hotel and with the involvement of the Novotel
Ottawa and Les Suites Hotel Ottawa.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
