Iqaluit council votes to become major sponsor of Nunavut Trade Show

Councillors voted unanimously this week for the City of Iqaluit to become a platinum-level sponsor of the upcoming Nunavut Trade Show.

The 31st annual Nunavut Trade Show and Conference is hosted by the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Government of Nunavut and about 25 sponsors.

It advertises itself as northern Canada’s largest annual networking event that brings together different levels of government and Inuit organizations along with Nunavut and southern businesses, investors and entrepreneurs.

The trade show is scheduled to take place at the Arctic Winter Games Complex and Aqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre in Iqaluit from Sept. 17 to 19.

It will feature public speeches and panel discussions, along with award sessions and a closing gala with charity auction.

Council’s vote, which came without discussion during Tuesday’s council meeting, will allow for the City of Iqaluit to provide $10,000 in sponsorship and fee waivers for the trade show to use the Arctic Winter Games Complex.

The city will also support the trade show with four staff members from public works, recreation and economic development who will help with organization.

This contribution comes out to about $16,600, which is short of the $20,000 required to become a platinum-level sponsor. But the city will still join Canadian North, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Kakivak Association on the platinum level.

“The city’s sponsorship is very valuable to the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce as the support we receive far exceeds the platinum level sponsorship,” said Chris West, executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The event is expected to generate $700,000 for the Nunavut economy, according to the city council meeting agenda, and the sponsorship will “ensure substantial economic and community benefits while fostering important regional and international relationships.”