Jennifer Obleman
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 5, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Throw out the welcome mat, it's almost time for Prospects North 2007.

That's what Andre Lanz, manager of the Explorer Hotel and president of the Yellowknife Hotel Association, thinks about the show, a business conference at the Multiplex Sept. 18-20, that will bring hundreds of people to the city.

Kim McEachern and Tracy Therrien, event co-ordinators with Outcrop Communications, set up a sign advertising Prospects North 2007. The conference is scheduled for Sept. 18-20 at the Multiplex. - Jennifer Obleman/NNSL photo

"It's a positive thing, because people have to use lodging, they need food, they want entertainment. Everyone benefits from that," said Lanz.

"From a business point of view, I don't see anything negative."

Lanz estimated conferences make up about 30 per cent of his business, and noted sometimes when people are in the city for business, they plan to come back later for pleasure, to experience the Northern lights or activities such as kayaking or dog sledding.

The Explorer Hotel still has rooms available during Prospects North, but Lanz said delegates attending the conference should book accommodations right away.

Prospects North organizers are expecting 400 delegates and 100 exhibitors. So far only 275 delegates and 84 exhibitors have registered, but Tracy Therrien, event co-ordinator with Outcrop Communications, is expecting to have a full house.

"The numbers are not as high as we like, but the North is known for booking things last minute, so we expect to reach our goals," Therrien said.

Typically, there's a 50-50 split between Northerners and southerners at Prospects North, said Leon Johnson, who is co-chairing this year's event for the host the NWT Chamber of Commerce. In past years, people have come from as far away as Russia, Australia and South America.

The purpose of the conference is connecting businesses with opportunities.

"Obviously the opportunity to network is a most valuable aspect of the conference, but staying abreast of all the economic activity, information, potential and goings in the North is also a key goal," he said.

"The speakers and panelists are varied but tend to be a blend of industry experts along with Northern giants and specialists in the field," Johnson said.

"I'm looking forward to participating and hearing about the new trends and ideas on innovation, technology and the environmental aspects of the conference - basically the future. We know what presently works in the North but what about the future?"

The theme of Prospects North 2007 is the Next Big Thing, with a focus on helping new businesses become profitable while strengthening commitment to the environment.

Keynote speakers include Sean Wise, Globe and Mail columnist and online host for CBC's Dragons' Den, and social values commentator Michael Adams.

There will also be speakers and panelists from a number of Northern communities.

"We're trying hard to have more participation from all areas of the NWT and are offering community chambers with all their business members a great opportunity to participate this year," he said.

"All development corporations and aboriginal groups have also been invited to become involved."

Prospects North is held in Yellowknife every three years with similar conferences held in Whitehorse and Edmonton in the off years.