‘Reimagined’ Nunavut Trade Show leaves arena for Aqsarniit hotel
This year’s event to include dozens of booths, excursions to city businesses
Attendees walk the floor of the 2022 Nunavut Trade Show in Iqaluit. This year’s event is leaving Arctic Winter Games arena, pictured here, for the Aqsarniit hotel. (File photo by David Lochead)
With just over a month until the Nunavut Trade Show, Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Tony Rose is gearing up for a “reimagined” event in a new venue.
The trade show — which brings politicians and leaders from the North’s many businesses and organizations to Iqaluit — is set to run Sept. 15 to 18 at the Aqsarniit hotel.
In the past, the hotel has hosted trade show events such as keynote speeches and galas, but hasn’t been the locale for the entire show which was usually held in the Arctic Winter Games arena.
In June, City of Iqaluit staff informed councillors of some tight scheduling of the city-owned arena.
Hockey Nunavut got approval June 10 to use the rink for Arctic Winter Games tryouts starting Sept. 19 — the day after the trade show is scheduled to end.
“Staff are unable to schedule the AWG arena for both the trade show and Hockey Nunavut’s selection camps,” a report from city staff reads, noting there would be a one-day turnaround between events and that Arnaitok Arena would be closed for maintenance at that time.
“I think it’s really important that hockey arenas are for hockey, right?” Rose said about the venue change, in an interview.
“We don’t bear any ill will on this. We’re glad to see the city made a decision that’s in the best interest of youth in the city.”
Without the trade show’s traditional venue available, Rose sees the change as an “opportunity to reimagine how the show is operated.”
The event will include a one-day conference followed by a two-day trade show, all taking place in Aqsarniit’s ballroom and lounge bar.
There will also be “community excursions” to businesses and other sites in town — details of which are still to be announced.
There will be 50 or 60 booths, which is fewer than previous years, Rose added.
He was back at city council Tuesday night, seeking a $25,000 “platinum” sponsorship from the city. Council instead approved a $10,000 “silver” sponsorship.
“We’re grateful for any support that we get for this event,” Rose said.
Organizers are putting together the final touches to make the show run smoothly.
“We’re just getting ready to put our nose to the grindstone and prepare for the work that’s going to come over the next six weeks,” Rose said.
More junk swag for the landfill.
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