Rogers Centre Ottawa welcomed medical educators, physicians and trainees from around the world last week as it hosted the International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE), from 22–24 October 2026. The conference was the world’s largest gathering dedicated exclusively to advancing residency education, the postgraduate training that prepares doctors for specialist practice.
The annual event brought together more than 1,500 participants to exchange ideas, share research and explore approaches to training the next generation of physicians. This year’s theme, Thriving in Uncertainty: Residency Education in a World of Change, guided discussions about how medical education can respond to an evolving healthcare landscape.
Through plenary sessions, interactive workshops and opportunities for international collaboration, ICRE supports the professional development of medical educators, residents and healthcare leaders, with a focus on strengthening education and preparing doctors for the challenges of practice.
Catlin Pilon, Conference Specialist, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, said: “The International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) rotates annually between major cities in Canada, but Ottawa consistently attracts our strongest attendance. This year, we are welcoming participants from 30 countries and recording our highest attendance ever. With the Royal College headquartered in Ottawa, it is a wonderful opportunity to show our international community the city we call home.”
“Rogers Centre Ottawa gives us the combination of flexible space and exceptional service that we need. From planning and contracting through to on-site operations, the team has been a pleasure to work with. There is a real willingness to help and a consistently high standard of customer service.”
“The food has been outstanding, and having the chef join us at the opening reception added a lovely personal touch. Those details make a difference for both organizers and participants. It is always a treat to host the conference at home, particularly in a venue where we feel confident the team will exceed our expectations.”
Carly Grace, Vice President of Sales at Rogers Centre Ottawa, added: “We are thrilled that the international residency education community had such a successful event here at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. The conversations taking place here last week will help shape how future generations of doctors are trained, giving this gathering a significance that extends well beyond the conference itself.”
“Our team understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment where delegates can concentrate on learning, exchanging ideas and building relationships. This was evident throughout the week as we supported an event that is perfectly suited to the venue and city in terms of size, content and caliber of attendees.”
ICRE concluded a busy month for medical meetings at Rogers Center Ottawa, following the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, held at the venue from 15–17 October. Together, the events demonstrate the centre’s role as a meeting place for healthcare professionals, researchers and educators.
Located beside the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa, Rogers Center Ottawa combines flexible conference and meeting spaces with direct connections to The Westin Ottawa and CF Rideau Center. Its location puts delegates within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and the capital’s cultural attractions, creating opportunities to continue conversations beyond the formal program.
For further information about the conference, visit icre.royalcollege.ca/en
ABOUT THE ROGERS CENTRE OTTAWA
The Rogers Center Ottawa — Canada’s Meeting Place — is an internationally renowned convention center on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital. With bold, modern design, a naturally lit interior, and magnificent views, the Rogers Center Ottawa offers an unparalleled and environmentally responsible setting for conventions, conferences, meetings, and exhibits of any size. Since opening in 2011, the Center has hosted thousands of events, generating millions of dollars of economic impact for the city of Ottawa and the province of Ontario.
The Ottawa Convention Centre Corporation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit rogers-centreottawa.ca.
