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Projected Sellout Date For Tables Of Ten: November 30
Projected Sellout Date For Parties Of Four Or Less: December 9
New Year's Eve In Ottawa: Frequently Asked Questions
Important Note: You may have seen information about this event on other websites. Some of these sites may have outdated or inaccurate information. Everything you see here is official information. Where there is a difference between information here and information you found elsewhere, this website is always correct. Please note that Crowne Plaza staff are neither trained nor obligated to provide details about this event, but they will organize for you a special discount on a room for December 31 if you are attending New Year's Eve In Ottawa
Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
Call the organizer Keenan Wellar at 613-235-9550 x 223 (voice mail) or for a faster response send an email at your convenience.
Where is the Crowne Plaza Ottawa? How can I get there?
Some people may remember this hotel as the Skyline (former name). It is at the west end of the Place de Ville office and shopping complex. It faces Lyon Street (address 111 Lyon Street North) but underground parking is accessed from the sides of the building at Queen Street or Albert Street.
Lyon is a one-way street heading south, so you can use it to get to Queen by turning left if you are coming from the north (Wellington). If you are coming from the south take Kent and turn left onto Albert. Click here for a Google map that will provide you with precise directions from your location.
Coming and going by taxi is easy at the Crowne Plaza. Taxis come and go from the front doors of the main lobby frequently. There is also great bus service (Albert Street and nearby Slater are on the Transitway, and the #18 services Queen Street).
Where is the ballroom?
The ballroom is at street level, it is LL on the elevator. When you get off the elevator turn left. If you come in from the Lyon Street doors, head towards the elevators and turn right. It is difficult to miss.
Is there a bar?
Yes, there is a cash bar inside the ballroom. You will need to purchase bar tickets from a cashier, and it is cash only. There is an ATM at the small store just on the other side of the elevators and it is open late. Last year in addition to glasses of beer, wine, and mixed drinks we were able to have bottled wine available. We will ask for that again this year.
Will I get free champagne at midnight?
No, because there is no such thing as free champagne, and we want you to keep more money in your pocket to buy what you want, instead of increasing your ticket price for cheap bubbly that you might not even want to drink.
Can I get a deal on a hotel room?
Yes, there is a block of rooms associated with our party that have been set aside for $99. DO NOT CALL THE 1-800 RESERVATION LINE if you are inquiring about a discounted room. Call 1-613-237-3600 during business hours for the best service.
I don't want to buy tickets online!
Our online purchasing system is managed by a quality professional registration and credit card processing service with the latest encryption technology security and a comprehensive privacy policy to protect your information.
The online ticketing does an excellent job of providing you with an immediate receipt, and it generates accurate records for the organizers minimizing the possibility of a mistake. Keenan can also take your credit card payment over the phone instead of having you input the information yourself.
If you prefer to pay by cheque or cash, please contact Keenan at 613-235-9550 x 223 to make the arrangements (you may need to leave a voice mail). Cheques and cash will only be accepted until November 30 as the pace of ticket sales (if any remain) in December is so fast that there is not enough time to allow cheques to clear and guarantee seating availability.
What is the dress code?
Expect a fair bit of variety. Women tend to wear dresses and gowns, in a variety of styles from formal to more casual. There will be some men in tuxedos or suits, but usually the jacket is off after dinner and pretty soon the tie, because the dance floor gets pretty active. Women in heels might want to consider stuffing some flats in the purse for dancing, you will thank yourself for this about 1:00 AM.
What kind of music does Sticks 'n' Stones play?
This is a full rock band with electric guitars, keyboard, and drums. They are versatile and experienced (they've opened for several major acts) and can play hundreds of different songs. Their focus is danceable rock tunes. They can do a bluesy groove or a bit of country twang as well. They are all about the dancing and crowd interaction - they give energy to the crowd and they love getting it back. During band breaks and for an hour or so towards the end of the evening we'll be playing pre-recorded dance music, so we hope that there will be something for everyone!
Could I end up sitting with strangers during dinner?
We're all friends at New Year's Eve In Ottawa. But yes, unless you are purchasing a table of ten (10% discount by the way) you will likely be sitting with other people. If during dinner you figure out they are related to that guy that once ripped you off on a used car, keep in mind that once dinner is over everyone will move about between the dance floor, the bar, and just hanging out, and as the night goes on it is easy to find another place to sit.
How can I make sure my husband and I are sitting with my sister and her boyfriend?
The easiest way is to simply purchase four tickets as one order (on the same credit card). If that is a problem, there is the option of putting tickets on the same order using multiple cards (see below). You must use one of these two methods in order to guarantee that you are sitting together.
I want to organize to sit with a group of friends and family, but I don't want to put their tickets on my credit card.
This can be done through the online registration. You will need to gather all of their contact and credit card information to do it, or have them go through the process with you in person or on the phone. Simply start the ticket purchasing process, and after you have entered your own information, click on the button that says Save & Add New Registrant. Then enter the information for the next purchaser. When you are done entering all the registrants (people who are paying for tickets), click Save & Continue.
What can I expect at the buffet?
The final details are still being worked out, but this will be a four course meal with rib steak as the main course (alternatives are available to vegans and vegetarians, please notify the organizer as to your preferences). In the past we have offered a buffet, but the feedback from last year (the first year of our ballroom expansion) was that people would rather spend more time conversing at their table than waiting in line at the buffet. Fair enough!
How can I convince my friends/spouse/colleagues to come with me?
Objections usually come down to money or social concerns. For this kind of a meal with a live band in this type of setting, it doesn't get any more affordable, and even more, the proceeds go to a great local charity. As for social concerns, usually that has to do with a fear that it will be a "snobby" place. It won't be, it's a fun-loving crowd.
Sometimes there is a concern from singles that they don't want to be "hit on" all night. It's really not that kind of event, although more than a few romantic relationships have certainly been established at our party (and a few engagement proposals too!). A further objection could be from singles who are looking to not be single by the time they leave. If you are a single and looking, we suggest that you bring a group of friends with you for guaranteed good times. And no, nobody is staring out you because you did not bring a spouse. It's because you dropped gravy on your white shoes.
Is this a good party from someone coming from out of town?
We think so, and there is often a good contingent of visitors from afar. Last year a big group came all the way from Mexico and had a blast. It's a great location for tourists, as you can easily walk to Parliament Hill and other attractions if you stay at the hotel. It's also easy to get to the party if you are staying elsewhere. The bus station is very close and the airport is easily accessed as well, via nearby Bronson Avenue which becomes the Airport Parkway. If you are coming on the 417, just get off at Kent. Send us an email if you'd like some help organizing your visit or making a large group ticket purchase.
Is LiveWorkPlay a legit charity? I've never heard of it. Will there be long speeches?
It's a blossoming local charity that was started in 1995 with five bucks and a dream of a better world for people with intellectual disabilities. We have a popular public service announcement that airs frequently on A-Channel, click here to check it out on the web and click here to find out more about the organization. You won't hear much more than a sentence or two about it on New Year's Eve, but if you want to know more, you can ask staff and board members from LiveWorkPlay directly as they will be in attendance.
This must be the longest FAQ in history!
Thanks. Now buy a ticket. We earned it.
What credit cards are accepted?
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