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Tradeshows return to Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce

PHOTO. Supplied. A 2017 photo of the Oil Sands Trade Show and Conference in Fort McMurray from Sept., 12 and 13 at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. MYMCMURRAY/File photo.

Tradeshows in our region will once again be part of the local Chamber of Commerce.

The move allows Fort McMurray Tourism to “hyper-focus” on tourism development and growing the visitor economy.

“Tradeshows are an important part of our community that deliver economic impact and are best delivered by our local business community,” Said Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. “Tourism will maintain focus on the important task of showcasing the endless beauty and unexpected adventure of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.”

YMM Chamber launched tradeshows 35 years ago and transferred to Tourism shortly after.

They provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs within the business sector and the community to test the market.

Dianna de Sousa, Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, said tradeshows also provide residents with access to products and services from entrepreneurs that may not have storefronts.

“Other Chambers in similar-sized cities manage tradeshows with great success, we will build on shared best practices, while breathing new life into these events and finding new ways to attract vendors.”

While large in-person events are currently on hold, new models are being created to adapt to existing health and safety requirements.

More information on tradeshows is available on their website.