YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife's Greatest Indoor Trade Show returns for its 25th year this weekend, and visitors can expect the biggest and best show yet, say organizers.

Dylan Martin, 5, got a blast out of exploring the boats at the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show in 2005. This year's show promises to be the biggest and best yet. - NNSL file photo

"It is a platform of exposure for local businesses," said Robert Paul, Trade Show committee chairperson and a director with the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

"It is a chance for people in town to see what businesses have to offer, and a chance for businesses to network amongst themselves," he said.

The show, which is taking over the Multiplex Arena, has three exhibition areas. The first is the business trade show where Yellowknife businesses have a chance to showcase their wares.

So far, 90 of 101 booths have been sold, 15 more than the 2006 show, according to Paul.

"We're really pleased with the turnout," said Chamber of Commerce president Jim Eirikson.

"We just hope it snows all weekend so people come in," he joked.

The second section is the Community Corner, which is geared towards youth, non-profit organizations, and home-based businesses.

"It gives them an opportunity to meet with medium and large-size businesses in town," Paul said.

The third exhibit area is the Boat and Auto Show, spearheaded by Force One. Automobiles, recreational vehicles, and boats from local dealers will be on show.

"The feedback last year was very popular," Eirikson said, with companies selling some vehicles.

The floor space for the boat and auto show was the first to sell out for the 2007 event, only days after last year's show.

This year, crowds will be treated to some extra special events.

"We've taken a progressive approach to using all the space available," Paul said.

There will be an art gallery at the show and the arena's dressing rooms will be transformed into spas, with treatments being provided by an area spa.

The main foyer will play host to First Air, the main sponsor of the trade show.

The Chamber of Commerce is also working closely with the Arctic Winter Games Committee, which will be putting on a fashion show and will have volunteer information booths.

The trade show committee expects 7,000 to 10,000 visitors, up from the approximately 6,000 visitors that attended the 2006 show.

"It's a huge team effort," Paul said of the biggest event the chamber puts on each year.

Paul and Eirikson made special mention of Julie Coad, the trade show organizer.

"She is the person behind the scenes. She has done a great job," Eirikson said.

"Year after year, once you have a solid foundation, you are able to build and expand on it," Paul said.