OMIC Launches Women in Music Career Accelerator Program to Strengthen Ottawa’s Music Workforce

New initiative to be unveiled March 24 at Hard Rock Ottawa in partnership with Women in Music Ottawa Chapter and Ontario Creates

Ottawa, ON — March 24, 2026 – The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), in collaboration with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and Women in Music Canada Ottawa, will officially launch the first cohort of the Women in Music Career Accelerator Program at an in-person event on March 24, 2026 at the Hard Rock Cafe Stage (4837 Albion Rd., Gloucester) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (please note this is a 19+ event; valid ID is required). This new initiative, funded in part by Ontario Creates and the City of Ottawa, is designed to strengthen Ottawa’s music ecosystem by creating professional pathways for women and gender-diverse music industry professionals.

The 10-month accelerator pilot program (March–December 2026) brings together a curated cohort of emerging and established industry leaders through structured knowledge exchange, professional development sessions, and strategic networking opportunities across Ottawa’s music sector.

Participants and their Peer Guides will engage in monthly meetings, industry workshops, and key milestone events throughout the year, including ongoing programs and events such as Chorus of Courage, Axé Worldfest’s Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference (April 30–May 2, 2026), and Capital Music Week (October 2–10, 2026). 

Designed as a pilot initiative, the program responds to a critical need in Ottawa’s music economy: strengthening career infrastructure and retaining skilled professionals in the city. By connecting emerging talent with established leaders across management, publicity, production, technical fields, and live events, the accelerator helps build sustainable careers while fostering long-term collaboration across the sector. 

“Building a thriving music ecosystem requires intentional investment in people,” said Melanie Brulée, Executive Director of OMIC. “This accelerator brings together some of Canada’s most dynamic professionals to share knowledge, expand networks, and create real career opportunities here in Ottawa. When we invest in workforce development, we strengthen the entire cultural and economic fabric of our city.” 

The initiative is grounded in a collaborative, circular leadership model that prioritizes shared learning, equity, and community-driven growth. Participants and industry peers will engage as knowledge partners, reflecting a mentorship approach rooted in reciprocity rather than hierarchy.

Through this model, the program will help participants: 

• Strengthen business and career strategies 

• Expand professional networks and industry visibility 

• Gain hands-on experience within Ottawa’s music ecosystem 

• Develop sustainable leadership practices within the music sector 

“Women and gender-diverse professionals continue to face systemic barriers in the music industry,” said Sarah Porter, Chapter Lead of Women in Music Canada Ottawa. “This program creates a space where emerging leaders can build meaningful relationships, access industry insight, and develop the confidence and tools needed to grow their careers.”

The launch event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa will bring together artists, music professionals, and industry partners for an evening celebrating collaboration and the future of Ottawa’s music workforce. The event will feature an open mic highlighting women and gender-diverse performers from the local community.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa recognizes the impact of women in our local music community and the opportunity that exists for more women to engage with the industry. Annually, Hard Rock International supports International Women’s Day globally, and this year, they are shining a spotlight on the talent, leadership, and creativity of women shaping the music industry, including those in Ottawa’s cultural landscape.

“Supporting the Women in Music Career Accelerator program through sponsorship and awareness aligns perfectly with Hard Rock’s local and global priorities.” Said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. “This initiative is designed to strengthen opportunities for women and gender diverse professionals in Ottawa’s music sector by opening doors, building confidence and creating meaningful career pathways. We are proud to join OMIC in this inaugural year and look forward to collaborating on our love for music and inclusivity.”

The evening will also mark the unveiling of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa’s annual Women in Leadership program. Each year, this initiative pairs senior leadership mentors with mentees within the organization. For six months, they meet regularly for mentorship, personal development and leadership training. Together, these programs reflect a shared commitment to strengthening leadership pathways and creating greater equity across Ottawa’s cultural and business sectors.

Ottawa’s Women in Music Career Accelerator Launch 

March 24, 2026 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Rd., Gloucester 

Mixer & Open Mic: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (open to the public) 

About the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) 

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is a bilingual, member-based non-profit that serves as Ottawa’s music office, connecting and advancing the city’s music industry. OMIC is a network of artists, music professionals, venues, and businesses that serves as a voice for the sector while building connections among music, industry and the broader business community.

OMIC works with municipal, provincial, national, and international partners to align efforts across the music ecosystem and support a vibrant and sustainable music industry in Ottawa. Through programming, advocacy, and partnerships, OMIC helps embed music into the fabric of the city and strengthen its economic, cultural, and community impact. www.ottawamic.com 

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a world-class entertainment destination in Canada’s capital, blending the iconic Hard Rock experience with the rich history of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Originally opened in 1962 as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths mile harness racing oval, the site has been a staple in Ottawa’s gaming and entertainment community for over six decades. 

Now fully transformed into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, the $350 million resort features a 150-room hotel, including 22 suites, an expanded gaming floor with up to 1,500 slot machines and 40 live-action table games, and high-limit gaming. Guests can enjoy six unique dining options, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, alongside three bars, the Rock Shop®, and Hard Rock Live, a 23,000 square foot, 1,900-seat performance venue hosting world-class concerts and events. Authentic music memorabilia, with a special focus on Canadian music legends, is showcased throughout the property.

As a proud member of the Ottawa community, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa employs over 1000 team members and continues a long-standing tradition of community investment through partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable initiatives. Since February 2000, the City of Ottawa 

has received over $115 million in payments from the casino, contributing significantly to local programs and services.

Operated by Hard Rock International and governed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). With the OLG partnership, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa demonstrates a daily commitment to responsible gambling with full implementation of OLG’s PlaySmart program and is recognized through the RG Check accreditation program.

For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit casino.hardrock.com/ottawa