Where – EY Centre Ottawa
When – May 27th to May 28th 2026
Industry – Aerospace & Defence
CANSEC 2026 Ottawa | Preparation Guide
CANSEC is Canada’s premier defence and security trade show, attracting national and international defence, aerospace, and security professionals for two days of networking, collaboration, and innovation. Held annually at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, CANSEC brings together government officials, military leaders, industry executives, OEMs, suppliers, and key decision-makers shaping Canada’s defence and security landscape.
Attending CANSEC is a prime opportunity to showcase advanced technologies, build strategic partnerships, engage with customers, and stay on the cutting edge of defence and security trends. Whether you’re looking for a trade show booth rental in Ottawa, a custom trade show display, or a high-impact CANSEC LED video wall, Müller Expo provides turnkey solutions as experienced booth builders in Ottawa and defence trade show booth builders. This guide will walk you step-by-step through preparing for a successful presence at CANSEC—whether you’re an exhibitor, attendee, or sponsor.
1. Reserve Your Booth or Sponsorship Package Early
CANSEC attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from across Canada and the world. Booth and sponsorship packages are limited and highly competitive, so secure your space as early as possible.
Planning Tips:
- Confirm your exhibitor or sponsorship commitment as soon as registration opens.
- Decide on booth size, layout, and placement relative to your target traffic flow.
- Consider experienced CANSEC Ottawa trade show booth builders for booth design, graphics, AV, and logistics.
2. Book Your Hotel When Your Booth Is Confirmed
Ottawa accommodations fill quickly around CANSEC—especially downtown and near the EY Centre.
Why early hotel booking matters:
- Hotels with CANSEC room blocks offer preferred rates that disappear fast.
- Ottawa’s May weather and events season make rooms scarce.
- Booking early ensures shorter travel times between hotel and venue.
3. Plan Travel Logistics
CANSEC is hosted at the EY Centre, conveniently located near Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
Transport options:
- Air: Fly directly to Ottawa International Airport — the EY Centre is a short taxi, ride-share, or shuttle away.
- Train/Bus: VIA Rail and intercity buses arrive in downtown Ottawa; ground transport will be needed to reach the EY Centre.
- Driving: Paid parking is available at the EY Centre.
- Local transit / shuttles: Check hotel shuttle availability or use OC Transpo services.
- Plan your move-in and move-out schedule to align with show logistics and exhibitor service hours.
4. Know the Venue & Regulations
The EY Centre works with unionized service providers and has specific rules around booth build-out, electrical services, AV, rigging, and material handling.
Best practices:
- Work with experienced booth builders in Ottawa and defence trade show booth builders familiar with EY Centre and CANSEC requirements.
- Order electrical, AV, cleaning, and labour services through authorized partners.
- Understand booth build guidelines and safety rules to avoid last-minute issues.
5. Prepare for On-Site Engagement
CANSEC isn’t just about exhibiting—it’s about dialogue and relationships.
Networking planning:
- Schedule meetings with partners, prospects, and government representatives in advance.
- Prepare clear one-pagers, presentations, and product demos tailored to defence/security audiences.
- Bring plenty of business cards and digital contact options.
6. Local Logistics & Dining
Ottawa’s west end and downtown offer dining and meeting spaces ideal for hosted breakfasts, dinners, or informal gatherings.
Tips:
- Make reservations early—restaurants fill up during CANSEC.
- Explore popular districts like downtown Ottawa, Wellington West, and the ByWard Market for a range of options.
Recent Aerospace & Defence Trade Show Booth Projects
Sample Timeline & Action Plan
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 6+ months before | Confirm exhibitor or sponsorship package and choose booth builder |
| 4–5 months out | Book hotel rooms and reserve travel |
| 2–3 months out | Finalize booth design, graphics, AV, and LED video wall |
| 1–2 weeks out | Confirm logistics, meetings, and team briefings |
| Event days | Exhibit, network, and engage with attendees |
Why Early Planning Pays Off
Strategic preparation gives you the best booth placement, better hotel options, and stress-free logistics. It also allows your team time to prepare polished presentations, demos, and strategies to maximize your impact at CANSEC.
Final Checklist
- Choose a trusted CANSEC Ottawa trade show booth builder
- Submit your booth/sponsorship application early
- Book Ottawa hotel rooms when available
- Choose a trusted booth and logistics provider
- Plan travel and ground transport
- Reserve local dining & meeting venues
- Prepare meeting materials and schedules
- Confirm service orders (labour, AV, electrical, cleaning)
- Brief your team and finalize schedules
Other upcoming Aerospace & Defence Trade Shows
Summary
CANSEC at the EY Centre is a major opportunity to showcase your defence or security offerings and engage decision-makers from across Canada and beyond. From trade show booth rental Ottawa to fully custom trade show displays and CANSEC LED video walls, working with expert booth builders in Ottawa ensures a professional and high-impact presence. Advance planning, trusted partners, and a clear action plan will help you make the most of CANSEC 2026.
CANSEC Ottawa Trade Show Booth Builder
When looking for trade show booth designs we offer everything from small booths to 20×20, 20×30 , 20×40 , 30×30 and much later trade show booths. We are your one stop shop for custom trade show booths and double deck trade show displays.
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