Ottawa venue commits to less waste, more dogs

Managers at a Canadian convention centre have introduced a reusable lanyard programme, sustainable menus, and therapy dogs to help organisers deliver more thoughtful events.

Rogers Centre Ottawa recently showcased the ‘Lend-a-Lanyard’ initiative during the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) Annual Conference 2026, which attracted more than 600 attendees.

Delegates used lanyards supplied through the programme and returned them at the end of the event for reuse, helping reduce waste associated with single-use event materials.

“For CPS, caring for children includes caring for their future. Reusing lanyards through the Rogers Centre Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism’s ‘Lend-a-Lanyard’ program is a simple step toward more sustainable events,” said Canadian Paediatric Society conference and events strategy and operations senior manager, Wendy Eligh.

The programme forms part of a broader strategy by Rogers Centre Ottawa to support organisers in making more sustainable event choices.

A new sustainability menu with food and beverage options designed around responsible sourcing, operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact, has also been unveiled. Plant-based selections are highlighted throughout breakfast, lunch, dinner and reception menus, with estimated carbon savings included to help planners understand the environmental impact of their catering decisions.

According to the venue, replacing beef mains with plant-based alternatives for a dinner of 100 guests can reduce emissions by an estimated 600kg of CO2e, roughly equivalent to driving a typical petrol car more than 2,000 kilometres.

Rogers Centre Ottawa has also strengthened its food redistribution efforts. A partnership with La Tablée des Chefs allows the venue to donate surplus food to local community organisations.

A fluffy friend

Therapy dogs at Rogers Centre Ottawa Photo Credit: Rogers Centre Ottawa

Alongside its sustainability initiatives, the venue has also added Ottawa Therapy Dogs to its preferred supplier lost. 

The idea is to incorporate professionally trained therapy dog teams into events covering complex, emotional or sensitive topics.

“We know that clients are looking for ideas that are practical, visible and straightforward to put into action, while still making a genuine difference,” said Rogers Centre Ottawa vice-president of sales, Carly Grace. “Whether that is reusing lanyards, making more sustainable menu choices or introducing supportive wellbeing touches through partners like Ottawa Therapy Dogs, our goal is to help organisers deliver events that are thoughtful from every angle.”