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Petroleum show site a 'one-stop shop'
Town launched website earlier this month

Katherine Hudson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, March 15, 2012

INUVIK
It is now a lot easier for those looking for information about the Inuvik Petroleum Show to find it online with the launching of a new website dedicated entirely to the conference.

NNSL photo/graphic

Mayor Denny Rodgers holds the 2012 Inuvik Petroleum Show corporate sponsorship program package, which can be found on the town's new website, dedicated entirely to the annual conference. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo

The Town of Inuvik has been working on the idea of a website since 2009, and earlier this month inuvikpetroleumshow.com went live.

The site holds exhibitors' packages, registration information, lists of presenters and delegates, the rundown of the conference, the layout of the trade show and travel information, from accommodations to flights.

"There was a link on the page but it wasn't all tied together in a nice tight package like it is now. Now, it's a one-stop shop," said Mayor Denny Rodgers.

"All the logistical information is all there now. It makes it that much more professional."

Rodgers said most big trade shows have their own websites. Before, information could be found on the Town of Inuvik website, but allowing the site to stand alone and be easily found through search engines are ways to increase its web traffic.

Jackie Challis, the town's economic development officer, constructed the content, layout and feel of the website and contracted its creation out to a website development company.

She said it was important to link social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to the site – to allow those interested in receiving additional information about the show as soon as it's uploaded.

The way the town relays information has come a long way, moving slowly but surely with the technology available.

"Even in 2005-06, everything was faxed. We would fax everyone our registration package, they would fill it out and fax it back, we'd confirm it and fax something back," she said.

With all information about the show located in one place, Challis said she is fielding fewer enquiries about the show.

"People are now able to self-serve and navigate the information for themselves."

Bernie MacNeil, owner of Arctic Digital in Inuvik, said websites are an indispensable tool for relaying information today. The business offers website design, computer sales and system support.

"In my own case, that's where I turn to first to find out information about just about anything. Personally, I don't even use a phone book anymore, I just Google it," said MacNeil.

"In terms of the usefulness of it for getting information for the petroleum show, I think it's a great idea. It's totally in line with what should be done to get everything out there."

This is the 12th petroleum show with the dates set for June 18 to 20. Gaetan Caron, chair of the National Energy Board, is making a repeat appearance from last year, CBC's Amanda Lang is on the guest list as well as the Canadian ambassador to Denmark, Peter Lundy.

Rodgers said there will be a session on the National Energy Board's new regulations on offshore drilling and updates on the Mackenzie Gas Project, the fibre optic link and the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk highway.

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