JOIN US AT:
COMMUNICATING THE ARTS
OTTAWA-GATINEAU
13–16  OCTOBER 2026

Communicating the Arts is crossing the Atlantic to Canada’s Capital Region, ready to convene 200 cultural leaders at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum for three days of bold ideas, backstage access and dynamic conversation.

The theme “Building Trust, Bridging Worlds” (in French: <<Construire la Confiance, Rouvrir le Dialogue>>) explores how museums, theatres, festivals, and cultural institutions can act as spaces of connection, nurturing empathy, resilience, and mutual understanding. It asks how we can strengthen relationships across generations and communities, and how creativity can help us reconnect in times of disruption or change.

Over four days of keynotes, panels, and workshops, cultural leaders and creative changemakers will examine four key subtopics shaping the future of culture:
1️⃣ Values & Mission – Redefining purpose and responding to social change.
2️⃣ Measuring Impact – Demonstrating cultural value through data and dialogue.
3️⃣ Digital Transformation – Using technology and AI to enhance creativity and participation.
4️⃣ Crisis Management – Leading with trust and resilience through uncertainty.

🎟️ Tickets are now available!
Join us in Ottawa–Gatineau, October 13–16, 2026, and be part of shaping a future where the arts continue to connect, inspire, and build trust across worlds.

Speakers

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Program Highlights

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Meet the Speakers

Lisa Walli

Chief Experience Officer (CXO) & Vice-President – Public Affairs, Advancement and Digital at the Canadian Museum of History

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Becky Jefcoate

Practitioner Research Associate at the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge, U.K.)

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Bonnie M. Goodman

Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Music Center (Los Angeles, U.S.A)

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Elina Anttila

Director General of the National Museum of Finland (Helsinki, Finland)

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Fiona Valverde

Vice President of Revenue Generation at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (Halifax, Canada)

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Joe Luckett

Marketing Director for Art Farm at Serenbe (Palmetto, U.S.A.)

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Mathilde Gaultier

Sales Manager at Arenametrix (Montreal, Canada)

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Nicolas S. Roy

CEO, Founder, and Executive Creative Director of Dpt. (Montreal, Canada)

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Pascal Hufschmid

Executive Director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (Geneva, Switzerland)

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Ülle Puustusmaa

Senior Consultant, Strategic and Service Design Lead at Viscosa Cultural Factory (Hiiumaa, Estonia)

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Robyn Jeffrey

Director of Digital Transformation, Engagement and Brand at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum (Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada)

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Stephanie McKay

Communications Manager at Remai Modern (Saskatoon, Canada)

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3 DAY PASS

HOTEL PARTNER

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON OTTAWA-GATINEAU

We’re pleased to announce Four Points by Sheraton Ottawa-Gatineau as the official conference hotel for Communicating the Arts. Perfectly located across the street from our official host venue, the Canadian Museum of History, the hotel offers unmatched convenience for delegates, just steps from conference sessions, receptions and networking events.

Reserve room

To secure the special conference rate, delegates can book using the the following link: https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1765910857231&key=GRP&app=resvlink or by clicking on the RESERVE ROOM button above.
You can also enter the group code CN6 directly on marriott.com under “Group code.” This code unlocks the discounted delegate rate and is subject to limited availability, so we recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee the savings.
Limited availability
Conference delegates can access a significantly reduced rate at Four Points by Sheraton Gatineau–Ottawa, saving around $50 CAD per night compared with the standard public rate. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.
- Immediate proximity to the venue – no transport required
- Modern, comfortable rooms designed for both rest and productivity
- On-site restaurant and bar for informal meetings and relaxed evenings
- Fitness centre
- Easy access to downtown Ottawa, cultural attractions and dining

Reserve room

2026 Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board consists of distinguished experts across various fields, whose collective expertise in communication, fundraising, media, science, and technology is indispensable to the conference's success.

Lisa Walli

Chief Experience Officer (CXO) & Vice-President – Public Affairs, Advancement and Digital, Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum
Marijke Smallegange

Head of Digital Marketing, Communication & Commerce, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Elles Kamphuis

Head Press Office, Rijksmuseum
John Giurini

Assistant Director for Public Affairs, Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Robert Stein

Chief Information Officer, National Gallery of Art, USA
Anne Eschapasse

President and Chief Executive, Officer Musée McCord Stewart Museum, Canada
Alexandre Potvin

Creative Strategist, MM International Arts Management
Hugo Mintz

Head of Communications & Digital, Edinburgh International Festival