Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 10/02) - Pipelines will be the talk of the town next week at the Inuvik Petroleum Show.

"We expanded the trade show quite a bit," said conference administrator George Imbery. This year's show will have 110 exhibits compared to last year's 75. More than 300 delegates will have a Mackenzie Valley pipeline on their minds -- a way to get Delta gas out of the North.

"It's a really good opportunity to network. Especially for the local people -- the people on the front line," he said.

The Midnight Sun Conference Centre will house the trade show. But delegate housing is another story. Some will stay in Aurora College student residences or other camps, including a floating barge camp called the Arctic Star. If accommodations aren't reserved already, though, visitors could be out of luck.

"They are pretty much all booked up now," said Imbery.

Meals should be less of a problem.

"For people attending the show we have coffee breaks and lunches," said Imbery, adding that most meals are covered.

Inuvik faced a population boom this year resulting from oil and gas activity and organizer Brian Desjardins hopes the show can capitalize on that by drawing local residents.

"Accommodations are the problem but with local registrations and communities in the Beaufort Delta, there are family and friends they can stay at," he said, explaining that would allow more delegates to come to the show.

Involving youth is one of the focuses of this year's conference.

"We want youth to see what the oil and gas industry is all about and see what job opportunities are available," said Desjardins. Booth staff can discuss education requirements and job skills needed for different energy sector jobs.

This year an energy industry equipment display and demonstration will be a main attraction. As for conference highlights, pipelines will be at the top of the agenda. Topics will include the history of pipelines, what is happening now and future plans. Pipeline proposals will be key during the two-day event running June 20 and 21.

An artist's area is another new feature this year. It is being co-ordinated by the Great Northern Arts Festival. "It's a great opportunity for the Great Northern Arts Festival to promote themselves and at the same time to bring artists to this petroleum show where you have upward of 500 people," said Desjardins.

He added that visitors will be able to buy crafts and carvings and learn about the festival coming up.

"Maybe we will get some of these delegates back for that festival."

The last day of the petroleum show coincides with Aboriginal Day and organizers say the town of Inuvik has cultural events ready for show-goers to enjoy.