Inuvik (Mar 21/05) - It's a new concept: keep kids' attention without a payoff.

Without the usual trinkets, coffee mugs and other knick-knacks given away at tradeshows and fairs, Career Quest 2005 took a big risk in its pursuit of students' attention. But it paid off.

After slopping a reindeer tongue out of its carrying case at Barbara Armstrong's Inuvik Health and Social Services display booth, Thursday, 17-year-old Wilbert Andre moved on to feeling a bagged heart before finding out about careers in health-related fields. - Chris Hunsley/NNSL photo

"We tried to eliminate as much swag as possible this year," said Beverley Savelle, coordinator of the event, who asked exhibitors to leave their freebies at home.

"And to me it's the ultimate positive thing about this career fair. It's not about getting stuff and the kids are still asking questions," she said.

According to Neil Phillips, technical adviser with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the idea worked out pretty well.

"What they've been doing is picking their booths. So not every student has gone through here, only those that are interested," he said.

More than 50 different organizations, and hundreds of students from around the Mackenzie Delta took part in the event at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex, March 16 and 17.

Oil and gas, trades, business and government services were all represented.

"I'm still going to every booth," said Lynda Lennie.

The 16-year-old Grade 10 student who wants to become a mechanic said she wasn't looking for swag.

"I'm just interested in finding out more," she said. "They're helpful."

Keeping an open mind was also important to Kyle Lachnit.

"I'm open to different careers and asking what training it takes to get in," the 16-year-old said.

Lachnit did however, feel that swag should be returned to the show floor for the best interest of all involved.

"If there's stuff there to take they're going to ask questions. I've seen people with nothing and no one stops."