Valerie Hughes

Vice President of Events and Entertainment – Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)

Valerie Hughes is a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership in major sport event planning and delivery, both nationally and internationally. As Vice President of Events and Entertainment at the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, she leads high-profile initiatives at TD Place and Lansdowne, driving strategic growth and tourism through large-scale, revenue-generating events.

Valerie has directed some of Canada’s most celebrated sporting spectacles, including the 105th Grey Cup and Festival during Canada 150 celebrations, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, and the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship. Her leadership consistently delivers exceptional fan experiences, strong financial results, and lasting community impact, including a $4M net contribution from the 105th Grey Cup and a sold-out stadium of over 36,000 spectators.

She has held senior roles with Hockey Canada, the Canadian Soccer Association, and has collaborated with organizations such as Skate Canada, Tennis Canada, and Curling Canada. Valerie’s portfolio also includes the NHL 100 Classic, the Davis Cup, the Tim Hortons Brier, and the Skate Canada National Championships.

A strategic thinker and accomplished operational leader, Valerie is known for her expertise in stakeholder relations, multi-million-dollar budget management, and volunteer mobilization. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders and brings her real-world experience into the classroom to equip participants with practical insights in sport leadership, event execution, and community engagement.