By Matthew Blackburn
Senior Account Manager, National Convention Sales - Rogers Centre Ottawa
This September, I had the privilege of traveling to Iqaluit, Nunavut, for the 32nd Annual Nunavut Trade Show and Conference, my second time attending this extraordinary event.
After years of working in the convention and event space across Canada, I’ve seen a lot, but nothing compares to what Nunavut offers.
The powerful blend of culture, innovation, and genuine community spirit left a lasting impression. This wasn’t just a trade show, it was a celebration of identity, progress, and connection.
Tony Rose and the Vision for 2025
One of the highlights of my visit was speaking with Tony Rose, Executive Director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and Lead Planner for the 2025 show.
In his first year leading the event, Tony focused on creating something that truly reflects the strength and uniqueness of the Qikiqtani (Baffin) region. His vision was to give Nunavut businesses the platform they deserve, and it showed.
This year marked a turning point, with the event taking place entirely under one roof at the new Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre. That shift allowed for seamless transitions between a buzzing trade show floor and a formal gala dinner, a transformation that highlighted what local event professionals can accomplish.
Tony also spoke about the close-knit network of event staff and administrators in Iqaluit. It’s a team effort, and the results were clear.
A Program That Went Beyond the Conference Hall
The programming expanded well beyond the walls of the venue. Delegates had the opportunity to experience Iqaluit in meaningful ways, including:
- A tour of the Iqaluit Deepwater Port and other infrastructure projects
- A city and innovation tour showcasing local tech developments
- A bonfire at a nearby territorial park, where we drank water straight from the river!
- A stop at the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre, highlighting Inuit art, wildlife, and storytelling
We also saw a powerful demonstration by SmartICE, a social enterprise using tech to measure sea ice thickness that is critical for communities relying on safe travel during the colder months. If you are interested in learning more about SmartICE click here.
Artist Photo: Yurak (They/Them) local artist who specializes in beadwork, stick and poke tattoos.
Real Conversations About Northern Challenges
The event wasn’t just about celebrating achievements, it also tackled tough topics like staffing challenges in remote communities, cybersecurity tailored to northern infrastructure, and the development of Arctic-specific technologies.
Tony was candid about the logistical hurdles that come with hosting in Iqaluit. Hotel capacity remains a key constraint, and every room was booked by the time registration opened. Food supply chain issues mean planning must happen months in advance, and like everywhere else, last-minute registrations add to the pressure.
Yet, despite these challenges, the event was a huge success and smartly planned, community-focused, and incredibly well executed.
Why It Matters Beyond Nunavut
As someone who works to bring major conferences to Ottawa, this experience reminded me that Canada’s innovation and leadership, doesn’t just come from its biggest cities. The North has powerful stories to tell and solutions to offer.
If we’re serious about inclusion and reconciliation, then events like this should be more than one-offs, they should be part of a broader commitment to engaging and partnering with northern communities.
To Tony Rose and the team at the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, thank you for the incredible hospitality, vision, and hard work. And to the people of Iqaluit — nakurmiik. You made this trip unforgettable.
I look forward to what’s next, both in the North and back home in Ottawa.
