Yellowknife (Apr 06/05) - Billed as Yellowknife's Greatest Indoor Show, this year's edition of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Trade Show, held May 7-8, will be three times larger and held at the Multiplex.

Steven Meister, president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce sits in the bleachers of the Multiplex. Meister and the rest of the chamber crew are going to triple the size of the trade show by moving to the Multiplex and adding a boat, car and RV show. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

Last year the city approached the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce and asked them if they'd consider moving into the new Multiplex, said Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce president Steven Meister.

"We thought it was a great opportunity, but it was a lot to undertake in a short time," said Meister.

Last year the tradeshow was held at the Yellowknife Community Arena.

"It was the same and a lot of people suggested we do something new," said Meister.

With moving the trade show to the Multiplex, a car, boat and RV show has been added to the mix.

The DND gym at the Multiplex is being utilized as a "community corner."

"It will allow a lot of smaller businesses, who have stated the trade show is expensive, to get into the show," said Meister.

Chamber executive director Dale Thomson added this year's edition of the trade show will also feature a food show, a taste of Yellowknife as well as a home and garden, environmental and nonprofit area.

First Air, Canadian North, Northwestel and NMI Mobility have all stepped forward for the 2005 edition of the show, said Thomson.

City counsellor and Force One owner Doug Witty is a big part of this year's show, said Thomson.

"We're partnering with Doug and we're looking forward to working with him," said Thomson.

Thomson expects the 23rd edition of the show to have "some glitches, especially when you consider we're tripling the size."

Along with a larger show come added expenses so ticket prices will be increased.

The chamber has put a lot of thought into allowing for enough parking for the affairs. Thomson says while it's going to be a tight squeeze, they're still going to make room for everyone.