Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 09/01) - What a difference a month might make.

The fall trade show was held in October last year and may have been again this year, "but we couldn't get the space," said Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Ellie Sasseville.

Check out the Trade Show Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $2 (children under 12 are free) Location: Katimavik Rooms at the Explorer Hotel.

But the forced change may have been a blessing in disguise. The show, which will be held Nov. 10-11, will be timed perfectly for early Christmas shoppers.

This will be only the second year for the fall version of the business show. The chamber had been incredibly successful with the turnout for the spring event, now in its 18th year, "so we don't see any reason why this shouldn't be successful too," said Sasseville.

Last year's fall trade show drew 1,500 people, compared with 8,000 for the spring show. But the spring show started off small, too, said Sasseville.

After tallying up last year's lessons, a few changes were made.

"Last year we did the show at the Sir John Franklin school," she said, adding the delicate nature of the gymnasium floor meant exhibitors were unable to bring in heavy equipment.

"The arena is the best location but it is too busy at this time of year," she said.

So it was decided to move to the three Katimavik rooms at the Explorer Hotel. The room is large enough to house the 45 expected exhibitors; the same as the gymnasium.

The timing of the move has enticed crafters to show their stuff at the fair, so they will be offering a cash-and-carry, said Sasseville. It is a trade show rule that every exhibitor has to give away a door prize, so there will be lots of prizes.

For $2 visitors can tour the featured booths this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

On Sunday, out of respect for the Remembrance Day ceremonies, the fair will be open between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

"It's a great family show," Sasseville said. Children under 12 will be admitted free, and there will be lots of balloons and stuff for the kids, she added.

Show organizers are also excited about the addition of the Festival of Trees.

The event is a fundraiser for the Stanton Regional Hospital Foundation.

"We've given up the lobby to showcase the festival."

Jingle bell hearts

The theme for the festival is "jingle bell hearts." Pictures of cardiac diagnostic equipment will be on display as well as a model to show the layout of this year's festival.

Sasseville listed the top reasons people go to trade shows as the prize give-aways and entertainment, and insisted that there will be plenty of both.