Ottawa set to host AFOA Canada National Conference 2023

Ottawa is set to host more than 1,000 delegates from AFOA Canada (formerly known as Aboriginal Financial Officers Association) for its national conference that runs February 14-16, 2023.

AFOA Canada was founded in 1999 as a not-for-profit to help Indigenous people better manage their communities through a focus on enhancing management, finance, and governance practices and skills. The association’s main premise is to create a better life for Canada’s Indigenous people and a better future for the next generation. The national conference is a way for the association to bring members and experts together to learn and build lasting relationships.

Ottawa Tourism said that AFOA Canada recognized a number of key benefits by hosting their 2023 event in Ottawa, which included “the city’s focus on communities, its position as Canada’s capital, and a repositioning and renewed focus from 2023 on Indigenous Tourism.”

The 2023 event is being held at the city’s iconic Shaw Centre with Westin Ottawa serving as the host hotel. 

“I am delighted to be holding our flagship 2023 event in Ottawa,” said Terry Goodtrack, president and CEO of AFOA Canada. “The team [has] 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.”

Julie Clement, Manager, Business Events, Ottawa Tourism added: “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 recognizing 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.”