Impressive technology and products on display at Ottawa Festivals Pitchfest + Expo

More than 45 Exhibitors will be showcasing products and services for conference, festival and event planners this Friday Ottawa Festivals’ inaugural expo for conference, festival and event planners will take place this Friday, November 20 in Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. The event will feature more than 45 exhibitors showcasing technology, products and services that include virtual reality displays, volunteer management apps, talent agencies, comfort stations, staging and food vendors. “We wanted to represent a broad range of products and services – and to showcase as many local companies as possible,” said Lee Dunbar, director of communications and community development at Ottawa Festivals. “The exhibitors taking part in Pitchfest + Expo include just about everything that is required to run an event, and there are some really interesting displays and demonstrations that people may not expect.” “We are very excited that there will be a lot of interesting technologies on display,” said Joe Holubowich, who is managing Pitchfest + Expo at Ottawa Festivals. “What some people probably aren’t expecting to see is the local technology companies who will be present.” Among the list of local tech companies are SimWave, Shopify and InItLive. SimWave Consulting, a Kanata company, will be showcasing its digital technologies that include a virtual reality booth. “We are showing a teaser of what our booth is capable of by way of a virtual reality calibration room followed by a slow motion virtual reality scene of Vimy Ridge in no man's land ending with a playful demo utilizing the Leap Motion hand motion controller,” said Matt Thomas, project manager at SimWave. “Alongside our virtual reality booth we will have a small demo using Google Cardboard where the user can experience virtual reality by using their smartphone and will also have interactive projections on display.” PitchFest participants will be among the first to see the new Ottawa 2017 kiosk. This immersive multi-media experience showcases Ottawa from a unique perspective as we prepare to host the world for the 150th anniversary of Confederation in Canada. “Ottawa 2017 will galvanize national pride, boost tourism and generate a massive economic impact for the Capital,” said Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau. “We’re excited about joining forces with Ottawa businesses, festivals and events to make this once-in-a-lifetime, yearlong celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, an unforgettable experience with lasting benefits.” To stay informed on the latest plans visit ottawa2017.ca. “It will be a full day of networking, inspiring presentations and interactive discussions and a little fun here and there as well,” added Dunbar. Eccentric Adam will be demonstrating his puppetry with a life sized teenage tyrannosaurus rex and one of Ottawa’s hottest emerging indie bands, Monday I Retire, will close out the day. About Pitchfest + Expo This first-of-its-kind event is uniquely tailored to create effective partnerships and successful events while generating new business opportunities in Canada’s Capital Region. Pitchfest + Expo is designed to inspire synergies between businesses and festival and event producers including arts and culture organizations, not-for-profits and other associations in support of Mayor Watson’s vision for an extraordinary 2017. More Information: www.ottawafestivals.ca/expo2015/expo2015-program. About Ottawa Festivals Ottawa Festivals is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to providing support, presenting a united voice, and creating an effective networking environment for festivals, special events, and fairs to operate more effectively and contribute to the socio-economic prosperity of Canada’s Capital Region. More Information: www.ottawafestivals.ca.