When Conrad Dickinson realized how challenging the early years of one’s career could be, he set out to change all of that by creating the Ottawa Business Club (OBC).

Last Monday, the 27 year old marked the one-year anniversary of his networking and professional development group, celebrating a growing community where young go-getters can come together not just to swap business cards (or QR codes), but to share ideas and build relationships. They’ve also gained knowledge, insights and practical tips from invited guest speakers covering such topics as real estate, finance, the future of media, health care and optimizing content for search engines.

The OBC milestone event took place at TD Place, at the outdoor Otto’s Club, under the bright stadium lights. It featured a panel discussion with Brock Murray, co-founder and COO of digital marketing agency seoplus+; Emily Jamieson, vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement for CHEO Foundation, which is leading the biggest fundraising campaign ever to transform pediatric care for the region; and veteran sports broadcaster Brent Wallace, now the co-host with former Senators player Jason York of the award-winning podcast Coming in Hot. It focuses on the Ottawa Senators and other hockey and NHL topics.

“I learned so much from each one of them,” said Dickinson, a Dalhousie University commerce grad had who reached out to the three big names — despite not previously knowing them — to ask if they would participate. They all said yes.

The Ottawa Business Club celebrated its one-year anniversary on Monday, September 8, 2025, by hosting its networking and professional development event at TD Place at Lansdowne. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

Brock Murray, co-founder and COO of seoplus+, was one of the featured guests at the Ottawa Business Club’s one-year anniversary event, held at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

Emily Jamieson, vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement for CHEO Foundation, was one of the featured guests at the Ottawa Business Club’s one-year anniversary event, held at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

From left, Brock Murray (seoplus+), Emily Jamieson (CHEO Foundation) and Brent Wallace (Coming in Hot podcast) shared their insights, experiences and perspectives at the Ottawa Business Club’s one-year anniversary event, held at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

The idea for the OBC was inspired in part by Dickinson’s involvement with local running clubs, where training for half marathons showed him the power of community. “Because I’ve always been business-oriented, I started wondering why there weren’t more networking clubs specifically for young professionals,” said Dickinson, who currently handles business development and marketing for PRIME Benefits Group, an employee benefits and pension consulting firm.

“When you’re first starting your career, you don’t know everyone and everything, but that’s really what helped motivate me to start this,” said Dickinson. “The Ottawa Business Club is meant to connect and inspire the next generation of business leaders”.

Once Dickinson came up with his idea, it didn’t take long until he got the ball rolling. “I was pretty much texting everyone I knew to come out, promising them it would be a good time,” he said of his first ticketed event, which drew about 30 of his friends to the former Browns Crafthouse in the Glebe.

In an era when it’s easier than ever to stay connected through social media and virtual technology, there’s something powerful about having those face-to-face conversations, said Dickinson. “It’s life-changing. If you build a true connection, it really can change the trajectory of your future.”

Young professionals gathered at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025 for the Ottawa Business Club’s special one-year anniversary of the networking and professional development event. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

From left, account manager Bobby Neema and senior account manager Derek Cosgrove from seoplus+ with the company’s co-founder and COO, Brock Murray, who was one of the featured guests at the Ottawa Business Club’s one-year anniversary of the networking and professional development group, held at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

Young professionals gathered at TD Place at Lansdowne on Monday, September 8, 2025 for the Ottawa Business Club’s special one-year anniversary of the the networking and professional development group. Photo by Erica Giustiniani Photo by Erica Giustiniani

What differentiates the OBC from other networking events, such as Beyond Networking and RÄNDĀ VO͞O, is that it really focuses on young people still finding their professional footing, he said. “It’s for people who are starting their careers and don’t know everybody in the city yet.”

On Monday, Dickinson was acquainted with about half of the 54 attendees, which he views as a positive sign that the group is beginning to reach a broader audience.

Dickinson said he’s proud of the role the Ottawa Business Club has played in bringing together young professionals. The group has gathered a handful of times over the past year, with its next meeting scheduled for closer to the holidays. The club has also contributed to his growth as a young leader, helping him establish his own professional reputation beyond his family name.

“It’s really gotten me out of my shell and out of my comfort zone,” said Dickinson.  “It’s helped me meet new people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Dickinson now has a small volunteer committee consisting of his events and logistics manager, Erin Ritchie, and real estate agents Talia Zaidi and Billy Donovan, and Nik Dilawri.

He remains grateful to his friend Michael Kouts, business development representative for DashQ, for keeping him motivated. “There have been days when I’ve said, ‘Should I keep doing this? I have a lot going on in my life’, and he’s always pushing me to continue.”

From left, Billy Donovan, Ottawa Business Club president and founder Conrad Dickinson, Erin Ritchie and Talia Zaidi together organize the networking and professional development event, which celebrated its one-year anniversary on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at TD Place. Photo by Erica Giustiniani

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, RBC, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law.

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