For the first time in its 89-year history, The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) Convention - the world's premier mineral exploration and mining industry event - will go virtual this year on March 8-11.
"We are committed to providing a first-class experience to participants-wherever they are in the world," says Felix Lee, PDAC's president. "We are excited to provide the high-quality programming attendees have come to expect by offering a fully virtual experience to participants for the first time and are encouraged by the prospect of reaching an even greater number of international attendees who may not be able to attend our event in person."
The decision to move forward with a virtual conference in 2021 will provide a safe and innovative solution for the industry to access opportunities provided by the traditional in-person convention in Toronto, the organization says. With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to affect travel and major gatherings, staying connected is more important than ever before for its members, exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and numerous partners, PDAC says.
The convention's highly-acclaimed programs - such as the Capital Markets Program, Indigenous Program, Short Courses, Sustainability Program and Technical Program - will all return, along with a Keynote Program highlighting experts on commodities, mineral outlook post-Covid-19, as well as technological advances. In addition, all content from the presentations at the conference will be uploaded to the PDAC website and available to all participants for three months following the convention.
Participants can enjoy the social side of the conference, too, with musical acts (a variety of entertainment will be showcased over the four-day event), interactive events, and exclusive tours of the Royal Ontario Museum's collection of meteorites, rocks, precious minerals and gems found in the Teck Suite of Galleries, among other offerings. Attendees can also collect points and earn rewards and prizes, and the PDAC encourages everyone to visit the conference's select exhibitors, view sessions and learn about new products.
For the first time, all pass holders will have access to the Awards Gala (previously a ticketed event) and can connect with the Award recipients via live chat.
Finally, the International Mines Ministers' Summit (IMMS) - a unique event bringing together Mines Ministers from around the world - is returning for the sixth consecutive year. Co-hosted with the World Economic Forum, the IMMS provides a communal setting for sharing insights and taking part in discussions that are aimed at enhancing the positive impacts the industry can provide to communities and regions globally.
For more #PDAC2021 information and the latest programming details, head to: www.pdac.ca/convention.
- The preceding Joint-Venture Article is PROMOTED CONTENT and produced in cooperation with The Northern Miner.