Nearly 400 business people from around the Sturgeon area are expected to gather mid-month for the 2012 Regional Business Symposium.
"What it's really there to do is showcase the opportunity that exists within the Sturgeon region, including Bon Accord, Gibbons, Morinville and the county itself," said Troy Grant, organizer and general manager of public services with Sturgeon County.
The May 17 event will provide business people with networking opportunities and insight into the world of business within the region.
Grant says the intent of the symposium is to create awareness of business opportunities while encouraging business to start up and stay in the region.
"If you're interested in making new or more connections, this is a great place to go to see who's already operating and to figure out where you can best benefit from operating within this region," he said.
A similar event was held last year in Bon Accord with great success, prompting this more-regional effort, which Grant said he hopes becomes an annual event.
Business insight
A handful of speakers will be sharing their knowledge at the symposium, from economists to those working in the oil and gas sector as well as successful local business representatives.
Ross Hodgins, dealer principal with RV City and Frontier Honda, will present on creating a successful business and maintaining success in the region.
"He's going to be able to provide a little bit of insight into maintaining or starting a successful business within the county and within one of the municipalities, so it'll kind of bring a down-home feel," Grant said.
Speaker Ian MacGregor, chairman of North West Upgrading Inc., is expected to draw a large crowd at the event.
"For obvious reasons, people are going to be excited to hear him speak and really want to know what the progress is of the upgrader and what it's going to bring and what spin-off opportunities are going to be," he said.
The diverse range of speakers is expected to attract a wide range of business-minded individuals, Grant said.
"I would encourage people to get involved or attend the event just [for] the sheer opportunity that this represents for business growth and connections within the business community," he said. "To miss this would be to miss an opportunity, a significant economic opportunity."
The event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre at a cost of $75 per person. People can sign up ahead of time at www.startinsturgeon.ca/symposium.html.
