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Join Ottawa's first Nightlife Commissioner, Mathieu Grondin, at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage alongside 150 policymakers, music officers and nightlife professionals for this exclusive two-day summit as part of Ottawa’s first-ever Capital Music Week (CxMW).

Co-presented by the City of Ottawa's Nightlife Office and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, this gathering provides a unique platform for local and national leaders to connect, share insights, and collaboratively shape the future of sustainable and vibrant nighttime economies, leveraging global expertise to drive innovation.

We are honoured to welcome Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) for the United Kingdom as a guest speaker this year.

The NTIA represents over 100 nightclubs and live music venues around the UK. As CEO of the NTIA, Mr. Kill is a national figurehead for the UK’s nighttime industries. He has relentlessly pushed for recognition and stability for the nighttime economy, challenging government policy and lobbying for long-term reform while simultaneously supporting businesses. Decades’ worth of experience within the independent, corporate and public sectors, with senior roles at Luminar Leisure, The Drinks Group and the University of East Anglia, has ensured Mr. Kill is well-positioned to mediate between stakeholders, authorities and communities, making him a powerful changemaker on both national and international scenes.

Looking for a memorable experience? Enjoy free lunchtime performances by artists from Ottawa, Mississauga, London, Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto at the Peter A. Herrndorf Place, just steps from the Fourth Stage for Ontario Music City Showcases.

Registration: 8 AM - 9 PM

Event Timing: 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage - 1 Elgin St., Ottawa

Why You’ll Want to Be There

Shape the future of nighttime economies alongside Canada's first Nightlife Commissioner.
Network with 150 national and international policymakers and industry leaders over 2 days.
Gain access to exclusive insights on innovative nightlife strategies.
Experience Ottawa's inaugural Capital Music Week (CxMW).
Enjoy live performances during Ontario Music City Showcases.
Participate in collaborative discussions at the National Arts Centre.

This event is supported by: The National Arts Centre, City of Ottawa, Ottawa Nightlife Office.

Conference Schedule

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

8:00 AM to 9AM - Registration

9:00 AM — Opening words

With

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor, City of Ottawa
Mathieu Grondin, Nightlife Commissioner, City of Ottawa
Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industry Association, U.K.

9:30 AM — Insights from the Canadian Live Music Association

CLMA leadership shares takeaways from their 2025 industry report Hear and Now. Learn top-line insights, analysis, and calls to action from the first-ever economic assessment of Canada’s live music industry.

With

Erin Benjamin, President & CEO, Canadian Live Music Association
Sergio Emilio Parra, Research and Program Manager, Canadian Live Music Association

10:00 AM — Nightlife Governance in the U.K.

What can Canada learn from established nightlife governance in the United Kingdom? Learn about their operational models, how decision making unfolds beyond silos, and the British approach to nightlife that is inclusive of political champions, administration, and advocacy.

With

Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industry Association, U.K. (United Kingdom)
Sam Mathys, Senior Policy Advisor, 24 Hour London (United Kingdom)

10:30 - 10:45 AM — TEA BREAK

10:45 AM — Nightlife: A regional roundtable

This panel takes stock of cultural and music spaces from coast to coast. Offering a critical look at the ecosystem and boots-on-the-ground perspectives, industry leaders across provinces evaluate the challenges, emerging trends, and innovative solutions for Canadian nightlife.

With

Zach Atkinson, Owner, The CAP (New Brunswick)
Ali Shafaee, Regional Vice President, Live Nation Canada (Ontario)
Jon Weisz, Executive Director of Les SMAQ, President of Indie Montréal (Quebec)
Maud Salvi, Executive & Artistic Director, Sled Island Music Festival (Alberta)

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM — LUNCH

Please note that lunch is not included in the CAD program and will be taken offsite. See our list of recommended restaurants below.

1:15 PM — Capital nights

The nightlife buzz is undeniable in Ottawa: from a bureaucratic renaissance to gathering spaces for every niche, it is emerging as a cultural hub for residents and visitors alike. Learn about future visions from the Capital’s most forward-thinking nightlife builders.

With

Melanie Brulée, Executive Director, Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
Anthony Cardozo, Event Coordinator, SAW Gallery
Mark Monahan, Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Ottawa Bluesfest
Deek (Dominique) Labelle, General Manager, Château Lafayette

2:00 PM — Shaping Toronto’s night economy

Discover how Toronto, Canada’s largest metropolis, is shaping its vibrant nightlife scene. Learn about the city’s innovative reforms aimed at enhancing and expanding the night economy, and get a sneak peek at exciting new projects on the horizon.

With

Alok Sharma, Manager, Visitor Economy Office, City of Toronto

2:30 PM — Montréal, ville ouverte

Montréal has unveiled an ambitious, $5.5 million nightlife policy to implement a variety of projects, develop a 24-hour licensing model, as well as soundproof cultural venues across the city. Learn how this plan will be implemented at the borough level.

With

Ericka Alnéus, Membre du comité exécutif, Ville de Montréal
Francyne Gervais, Directrice, Vie nocturne et stratégie hivernale, Ville de Montréal

3:15 PM — West coast vibes

Hear about the recent policy developments and cultural happenings in Vancouver. Featuring the city’s first director of business and economy, a longtime cultural ambassador, and BIA leadership, this panel showcases its entertainment, hospitality, and nightlife strategies.

With

Siobian Smith, Director, Business and Economy, City of Vancouver
Jane Talbot, Downtown President & CEO, Downtown Van

4:00 PM — Closing words

With

Debbie Stewart, Director, Strategic Initiatives, City of Ottawa

5:00 - 7:00 PM — Mayor Sutcliffe’s Music Mixer Event
Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for a celebration of Ottawa’s vibrant music scene at the official Capital Music Week proclamation event.
Location: Fairmont Château Laurier, Terrasse - 1 Rideau St., Ottawa.

DAY 2: THURSDAY, MAY 22

9:30 AM — Opening Words
9:35: AM — Nothing ‘mid’ about these cities

Four Ontarian perspectives on how to make a big impact on community, culture, and live music scenes. Hear from their municipal leaders on how they punch above their weight, support local artists and initiatives, and develop policy that works.

With

Cory Crossman, Director, London Music Office, Tourism London
Moira Demorest, Music Officer, City of Kingston
Devon Hogue, Business Development, Creative Industries, City of Hamilton
Corey Poole, Music Development Coordinator, City of Mississauga

10:15 AM — Reimagining rural futures with Ella Overkleeft

In this keynote, explore how non-urban creative spaces in Europe are becoming catalysts for regeneration — places to reconnect with nature, community, and restore both land and livelihood. Discover how these cultural hubs are reshaping rural landscapes from the ground up.

With

Ella Overkleeft, Founder, Rural Radicals (Netherlands)

10:45 AM — A rural roundtable

Learn about local practices and possible outcomes for non-urban creative spaces. From the farm to federal crown lands, rural areas have transformational potential to become vibrant, sustainable hubs that strengthen communities and help regenerate local economies.

With

Geneviève Marquis, National Capital Commission
Trina Mather-Simard, CEO, Indigenous Experiences, Mādahòkì Farm
Ella Overkleeft, Founder, Rural Radicals
Matthew Vandenberg, Farm Manager & Event Host, Rideau Pines Farm

11:45 AM - 13:15 PM — LUNCH

Please note that lunch is not included in the CAD program and will be taken offsite. See our list of recommended restaurants below.

1:15 PM — Maximizing waterways with VibeLab’s Thomas Scheele

Urban waterways are an untapped spatial resource — making up 9% of Ottawa’s urban surface. With insights from Fluctuations, a comparative study of cultural practices on water, discover ideas to leverage waterways and activate riverscapes to become more vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally connected.

With

Thomas Scheele, Senior Project Manager, VibeLab (Germany)

1:45 PM — Placemaking for the night

How can placemaking — the act of creating quality public spaces — activate nightlife and cultural programming? This expert panel spans Québec and Ontario, offering fresh approaches to consulting, management, and vision on developing gathering spaces and venues.

With

Marc Garniss, Co-Founder, KPP Concerts, Broom Factory, Spring Reverb Festival and Executive Director, Kingston Canadian Film Festival
Jérôme Glad, Executive Director, Belleville Placemaking
Steve Moran, Conseiller municipal de Hull-Wright, Gatineau
Jacquelyn West, Senior Advisor, Canadian Urban Institute & Quartier des Spectacles International

2:30 PM — Good nights out for all

A former community health nurse who co-founded Good Night Out Vancouver shares best practices for improving prevention and response capacities to sexual violence. Learn about the latest research and tools to keep your staff and patrons safe in the nightlife, hospitality, arts, and live music sectors.

With

Stacey Forrester, Education Director, Good Night Out Vancouver

3:00 PM — Tourism after dark

Looking holistically and beyond hotel rooms, this panel of stakeholders discuss strategies for new revenues and partnerships, reimagining the ‘off season,’ and maximizing amenities that attract guests and locals alike. Where does tourism fit into nightlife development and what role does the industry play in the community?

With

Kelleagh Alexander, Director of Experience Development, Ottawa Tourism
Sarah Jarvis, Director of Community Engagement, Destination Toronto
Beth McMahon, President, Hotel Association of Canada
Kevin Eshkawkogan, President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario

3:45 PM — Closing words

11:00 PM - 4:00 AM — Capital Music Awards Afterparty

The CMA celebration continues into the late late night! Join fellow creatives, industry professionals and fans to honour the nominees and winners at the official afterparty.

Location: Lowertown Brewery (lower level) and SkyLounge (top floor), 73 York St.

Recommended restaurants around the NAC:

$$$ 1 Elgin restaurant (onsite)
$$$ Riviera Ottawa (62 Sparks St.)
$$$ Beckta (150 Elgin St.)
$$$ Cocotte Bistro (123 Metcalfe St.)
$$ Browns Social House (160 Elgin St.)
$$ Nando’s (90 Elgin St.)
$$ D’Arcy McGees (44 Sparks St.)
$ Fattoush Lady (90 Elgin St.)
$ Rideau Centre Food Court (50 Rideau St.)
$ Lou Fast Food (Kent St. & Slater St. food truck)

Official CAD Programming Schedule PDF

Guest Speakers

Canada After Dark Summit - Tickets (English)

DESCRIPTION

Rejoignez Mathieu Grondin, le premier commissaire de la vie nocturne d’Ottawa, à la Quatrième Salle du Centre national des Arts d’Ottawa, aux côtés de 150 membres de gouvernements, responsables de la musique et professionnels de la vie nocturne pour ce sommet exclusif de deux jours dans le cadre de la toute première Semaine musicale de la capitale (CxMW) d'Ottawa.

Co-présenté par le Bureau de la vie nocturne de la Ville d'Ottawa et la Coalition de l'industrie musicale d'Ottawa, ce rassemblement offre une plateforme unique aux leaders internationaux pour se connecter, partager des idées et façonner ensemble l'avenir des retombées économiques nocturnes durables et dynamiques, en tirant parti de l'expertise mondiale pour stimuler l'innovation.

Nous sommes honorés d'accueillir Michael Kill, PDG de la Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) pour le Royaume-Uni, comme conférencier invité cette année.

La NTIA représente plus de 100 discothèques et salles de concert à travers le Royaume-Uni. En tant que PDG de la NTIA, M. Kill est une figure emblématique des industries nocturnes britanniques. Il a œuvré sans relâche pour la reconnaissance et la stabilité de l'économie nocturne, remettant en question les politiques gouvernementales et militant pour des réformes à long terme, tout en soutenant les entreprises. Fort de plusieurs décennies d'expérience dans les secteurs indépendant, privé et public, avec des postes à responsabilité chez Luminar Leisure, The Drinks Group et l'Université d'East Anglia, M. Kill est idéalement placé pour servir de médiateur entre les parties prenantes, les autorités et les communautés, faisant de lui un puissant acteur du changement sur la scène nationale et internationale.

Vous recherchez une expérience mémorable? Pendant ces deux jours, assistez à des représentations-midis d'artistes d'Ottawa, Mississauga, London, Hamilton, Kingston et Toronto à la Place Peter A. Herrndorf, à quelques pas de la Quatrième Salle, pour les vitrines des villes musicales de l'Ontario.

Inscription : 8h à 9h

Horaire de l'événement : DE 9 HEURES À 17 HEURES

Lieu: Centre national des Arts, Quatrième Salle - 1 rue Elgin

Pourquoi vous voudrez y être :

Façonnez l'avenir des économies nocturnes aux côtés du premier commissaire à la vie nocturne au Canada.
Réseautez avec 150 décideurs politiques et leaders de l'industrie d’ici et d’ailleurs sur deux jours
Accédez à des informations exclusives sur les stratégies innovantes de la vie nocturne.
Vivez l'expérience de la première Semaine de la musique de la capitale (CxMW) d'Ottawa.
Profitez de performances en direct lors des vitrines des Villes de musique de l'Ontario.
Participez à des discussions collaboratives au Centre national des Arts.

Cet événement est parrainé par : Le Centre national des Arts, la Ville d’Ottawa et le Bureau de vie nocturne d’Ottawa