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KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
Movers and shakers in the world of business came from far and wide to attend the second annual Kivalliq Trade Show in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Hamlet of Rankin Inlet employee Nick Tattuinee, left, chats with Sgt. Louis Jenvenne at the Kivalliq Trade Show's RCMP information booth in Rankin this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The show provided a chance for a number of business representatives to network in person, or finally put a face to the name they often deal with all year via e-mails or phone conversations.

Organizing an event of this magnitude can be quite challenging and, for the second year in a row, the show's committee turned to the expertise of Ontario-based Mercer Business Support Services to co-ordinate the event.

The company's Brenda Mercer said the Kivalliq Trade Show has an excellent committee.

She said the 13 members of the committees responsible for different aspects of the show include regional economic development officers, Rankin Inlet Mayor Pujjuut Kusugak, and representatives from the private sector and local training organizations.

"We had an entertainment committee, program committee, finance committee and trade-show-floor committee," said Mercer.

"They met regularly during a six-month period via teleconferences, and that increased to meeting quite frequently during the final eight weeks leading up to the trade show.

"All direction for the Kivalliq Trade Show came from the committees."

The 2011 trade show employed the same format as the previous year, with 12 presenters being used over the course of a full-day's worth of presentations.

Mercer said the biggest benefit to show participants is the chance to network on a face-to-face basis.

She said the Kivalliq Trade Show is a wonderful opportunity for the host community to show what it has to offer, while showcasing the entire region.

"The theme this year was Focus on the Future and, looking at the Kivalliq's demographics, youth are the predominant group.

"The committee wanted to give the youth an opportunity to shine.

"So, the entire entertainment evening was organized by people 30 years of age or younger, and all the entertainers, fashion designers, models, choreographers and even the master of ceremonies were youths.

"It was their vision and work, and those of us over 30 were there to support that vision."

The total cost to stage the Kivalliq Trade Show was $150,000, with registrations accounting for $50,000 and the remainder coming from the corporate sector, both in cash and in-kind donations.

Mercer said the show had 27 sponsors for its meet and greets, coffee breaks, banquet, entertainment evening, delegate bags, in-kind and discounted advertising, lanyards and translation services.

Mercer said as successful as the Kivalliq Trade Show has been during its first two years, it still has room to grow.

"We expect the additional hotel space being constructed in Rankin will help support that growth and, given the support from all sectors, the show can, absolutely, continue to develop and grow."

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