Yellowknife (Jan 19/05) - Close to $58,000 will be spent studying the creation of a convention marketing bureau in Yellowknife.

What's being proposed is a feasibility study and three-year business plan funded 75 per cent by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and 25 per cent by NWT's hospitality industry.

Jeremy Ball and David Connelly, co-chairs of the business development committee, have several irons in the fire. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

Help would also come from groups like the Northern Frontier Visitors Association, NWT Tourism, the Yellowknife Hotel Association, the Conseil De Development Economiques Des TNO and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

The endeavour is being spearheaded by Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce business development committee co-chairs David Connelly and Jeremy Ball.

The study is still in the request for proposal stage and a researcher has yet to be chosen, but this isn't the first time the idea has been looked at. In 2002, a marketing study was commissioned concerning an NWT convention centre proposed for Yellowknife.

"The result of that study was that there was a significant market for mid-sized conventions -- for between 300-500 people -- that's not currently being filled," said Connelly.

The study recommended, before a convention centre is constructed, an independent bureau should be established to attract such events and meetings to current facilities in Yellowknife.

Connelly, who is also co-owner of the Super 8 Motel, said Yellowknife presently has 600 beds available through hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. This summer's Assembly of First Nations conference will tax the industry with several hundred delegates expected.

With occupancy levels in the city generally hovering between 50 and 75 per cent, that only leaves 150-300 beds open at any time.

Huge potential spin-off

One of the exciting finds of the 2002 study was the spin-off from hosting future conventions could be in the area of $10 million to $20 million per year, he said.

Kristen Cook, general manager for the Fraser Tower Suite Hotel and a member of the Yellowknife Hotel Association, supports the idea of a convention-marketing bureau.

When asked whether the hospitality industry in Yellowknife has the capacity to run a 500-delegate convention without further facilities, Cook answered there would need to be some logistical co-operation between the hotels and the marketing bureau.

"Obviously, we'll expect a convention and marketing bureau to work with the hospitality industry to target the high-vacancy months," said Cook.