OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 17, 2024 The vibrant city of Ottawa is gearing up for a spectacular showcase of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity with the much-anticipated Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo 2024. Scheduled to take place on April 27 and 28, from 9:30 AM to 7 PM at the Horticulture Building in Lansdowne Park, the event is a haven for those looking to explore and celebrate the best in literature, culinary delights, and unique crafts.
Lansdowne Park sits at the heart of Canada’s capital, an accessible hub for visitors and exhibitors from across the city and North America. It has become a focal point for fostering connections among lovers of literature and crafts while building a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to positive change.
Five years after its inception, the Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo has evolved into a dynamic platform for community building and helping others. Founded in 2019 as a not-for-profit initiative, the Expo is committed to raising awareness about critical issues, including homelessness, human rights, and literacy. Exhibitors are not just presenting their creations; they are contributing to a larger conversation about the societal challenges we face. The Expo transcends the traditional boundaries of a trade fair: It has become a place where creators, thinkers, and change-makers converge to form connections that extend beyond the event itself.
For exhibitors across North America, the benefits of participating in such an event go far beyond the immediate sales generated during the Expo. The networking opportunities are invaluable as participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, authors, publishers, restaurant owners, gourmet food vendors, and artisans. All-in-all, the Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo opens doors to new partnerships and shared initiatives. In an era when the power of collaboration is more meaningful than ever, the Expo serves as a catalyst for forging connections that can have lasting impacts on the participants and the causes they champion.
If you are interested in being an exhibitor, it’s not too late to make an application. Get in early because the event has grown in popularity over time, so with an increasing list of categories and excited attendees, you may have to join a waiting list. If you are considering becoming an exhibitor, know that the benefits are multifaceted. The Expo offers a table-kiosque package, complete with a table, two chairs, wifi, electricity, site insurance, and more. What sets this package apart is the opportunity to access the main stage for presentations. This feature empowers exhibitors to not only showcase their products, but also their stories, ideas, and the ethos behind their creations.
The Professional Development Booklet provided to exhibitors is a unique tool designed to empower them further. It offers insights and strategies to boost sales before and during the Expo. This comprehensive support system ensures that exhibitors maximize their participation, leveraging the event as more than a one-time sales opportunity, but rather as a platform for brand elevation and recognition.
The fifth anniversary of the Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo promises to be a grand celebration, with renowned chefs, award-winning authors, and social activists serving as masters of ceremony.
Food enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Expo features a cornucopia of international cuisine. Local restaurants and gourmet food vendors will present a delectable array of dishes, with a special focus on Canadian delights. The festivities kick off with a maple sugar shack, celebrating the arrival of spring with Canadian favourites like pancakes, tourtiere, and pouding chômeur—all accompanied by the sweet nectar of maple syrup.
Musical performances will also grace the stage, providing a melodic backdrop to the diverse and thought-provoking discussions taking place throughout the event.
In an exciting addition to the Expo, the Horticulture Building will host the Ottawa Singles Weekend, featuring a diverse range of events catering to various age groups, multicultural diversity, and separate LGBTQ gatherings. The inclusion of swing and salsa dancing, back by popular demand, adds a lively and entertaining element to the festivities.
As the Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo 2024 marks its fifth year, it beckons participants and attendees to be part of something more. It is bigger than a networking and sales event; it is a celebration of culture, a platform for change, and a nexus of creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re an exhibitor, attendee, or commercial partner, the Expo has much to offer in addition to a showcase of books, food, and crafts—it provides an opportunity to contribute to a larger narrative of social impact, diversity, and positive change.
As April 27 and 28 approach, visit OttawaBookExpo.ca to secure your tickets and immerse yourself in this unique celebration at the heart of Canada’s capital.
SOURCE Ottawa International Food, Crafts & Book Expo
Featured image: DepositPhotos © IurriMotov
