Kitikmeot Trade Show opens with goal of building connections: organizer
About 220 delegates expected to attend 23rd annual event in Cambridge Bay
The Ullulaq Inuit Arts booth displays local handiwork during a previous Kitikmeot Trade Show in Cambridge Bay. This year, around 220 delegates from business, Inuit organizations and government are back in the region for this year’s event. (Photo by Red Sun Productions)
The Kitikmeot Trade Show opened Wednesday with the hopes of “inspiring opportunities.”
It’s this years theme, explained Talia Maksagak, executive director of the Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce, inspired by the post-COVID-19 pandemic economy.
“We have a lot more to look forward to,” she said in an interview.
Approximately 220 delegates are in Cambridge Bay for the 23rd annual trade show, which brings together representatives from business, government and Inuit organizations.
The goal is to exchange information, build partnerships and help grow economic activity in the Kitikmeot region, according to the trade show’s website.
Maksagak said having an inclusive, welcoming environment is key to creating partnerships that help business and economic development in the region.
“As much as we do these things through Zoom or technology these days, it makes a much bigger impact when you meet somebody and you build those connections and relationships,” Maksagak said.
A meet-and-greet at Luke Novoligak Community Hall and opening remarks were scheduled for Wednesday.
Thursday will feature presentations in the morning from organizations such as Nunavut Housing Corp. and mining companies like B2Gold Corp. and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
Friday follows a similar format with morning presentations from youth delegates and MLAs.
The trade show floor at the Kiilinik High School gym will be open to the public on both Thursday and Friday afternoon.
Business isn’t the only item on the agenda.
Popular Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies will perform for registered exhibitors and trade show delegates Friday starting at around 7 p.m. at Luke Novoligak hall.
The Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce is taking over the corporate event at the trade show, which was previously organized by the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay, Maksagak said.
While the trade show is held each year in Cambridge Bay because that’s the only Kitikmeot hamlet that can accommodate the event, its focus is on the entire region.
“It will give that opportunity to show what is happening in Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay,” Maksagak said.
The trade show closes Saturday with a pancake breakfast.
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