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Exhibitors ready for the show

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, June 8, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - With the Inuvik Petroleum Show less than a week away, the final preparations are being made for the seventh annual event.

Mayor Derek Lindsay said the final planning is being done for the show this week.

"We're nearing the end of our planning and getting ready for the show," he said.

Lindsay said that the town office is still receiving applications for delegates.

"We're still getting letters and phone calls from people who want to display at the show, or speak during the conferences," said Lindsay.

With 248 exhibitors already registered and 263 delegates signed up, Lindsay said this year's show will rival past trade shows.

"We're looking at a good size show this year," he said.

Lindsay added that the list of 39 speakers during the conferences has been confirmed.

"We've got some new ideas, some new topics and themes," said Lindsay.

"Surely it will be an interesting event for everyone."

This is the first Petroleum Show during Lindsay's term as mayor. He said planning the event was made easier by information packages left by former Mayor Peter Clarkson.

"Being new, I worked with a steering committee about which way to go with the show," said Lindsay.

"I also had some information from Peter (Clarkson) about how to start planning."

Lindsay said he got a lot of help from the committee contacting the speakers and arranging their accommodations.

"We had to get enough information from each speaker ahead of time," said Lindsay.

"There are quite a lot of logistics involved."

The mayor also added a waiting list has been made for people wanting a booth.

"The floor is full, so if there are any cancellations we can put someone else in that spot," he said.

Lindsay said this year's event is important for the community because it's becoming a tradition.

"The show started in 2000 and has been growing strong since then," he said.

"It all started with the hype of the pipeline."

Lindsay said he is confident in the strength of the trade show, despite the announcement made by Imperial Oil regarding construction cost increases and delays.

"I think it's important that we keep the idea alive," said Lindsay.

"This is a community event and a lot of local businesses have invested a lot of money into the pipeline."

Economic development, such as that related to the proposed pipeline, is critical for the region, said Russell Newmark, manager of E. Gruben Transport.

"It gives people the opportunity to be self-sufficient and we should lose focus on that," he added.

Lindsay said he hopes that the delays will be dealt with soon, so more development can happen in the region.

"I hope the federal government and the big players will get their act together and keep this thing going."

Lindsay said that no announcements have been made yet by any of the visiting groups.

"They usually make it a surprise, if there is a big announcement to be made," he said.

The show starts on Wednesday, June 13.