Attending PDAC Convention 2024? Tips for a successful event
For companies in the mining industry, PDAC Convention is the place to be. It is the largest mining event in Canada bringing together over 20,000 mining professionals for the opportunity to network, stay on top of industry insights, and even share your own expertise. With four full days packed with exciting content, thousands of attendees, and over a thousand suppliers ready to help you improve your mining business, it can be overwhelming deciding where to start. Here’s 5 tips on how to make the most of your time at PDAC 2024.
Tips for a successful PDAC experience
1. What to bring: Look good, feel good! Pack your favorite professional outfits. Putting your best foot forward at the convention will help you exude confidence and make a good impression. Other items you will need are phone and laptop chargers and plenty of business cards.
Convention pro tip: Make sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes and extra layers to keep you warm. Convention centres tend to run cold and are very large so you will be doing lots of walking.
2. Prepare to network: Have a 30 second elevator pitch ready that explains what your company does and how you contribute. You will surely be asked this at least once, probably tens of times!
Convention pro tip: Why are you attending PDAC? Understanding your goals for being there will help you identify who you should make it a point to network with. You should include your goals for being there in your elevator pitch when speaking with those people.
3. Plan your sessions: With so many great sessions, workshops, and presentations, planning your schedule is crucial. Pinpoint key topics that align with your business goals and attend sessions that offer valuable insights. Many sessions overlap, so make sure you identify which sessions are a “can’t-miss” for you.
Convention pro tip: Orient yourself with the venue. Metro Toronto Convention Centre is extremely large so it may be difficult to locate the sessions you want to attend. PDAC will be held in the North Building on levels 100, 200, 400, 500, 700, and Exhibit Halls D&E. Find your rooms here.
4. Visit the exhibit hall: Make time to explore the booths, engage with exhibitors (like us!) and learn about the products and services available to take your business to the next level. You might find a solution you did not realize you needed! Review the exhibitor directory beforehand to see if any suppliers jump out at you and make a point to chat with them. We are booth #425. Come see us for a free coffee!
Convention pro tip: Many exhibitors allow you to pre-book appointments to lock in a time to connect at the event. For those suppliers you want to prioritize meeting with, check out their website to see if they have an appointment link. If not, you can inquire directly through their contact us about meeting onsite. They will be thrilled to hear from you! If you are interested in booking a meeting with us to learn about how we can help your travel program, book some time with us here.
5. Attend social events: Don't underestimate the power of networking in more relaxed settings. Grab a coffee or lunch with a potential vendor or partner and build connections beyond the confines of formal sessions. Most importantly, attend the evening networking events. We’ll be at Northern Ontario night on Monday, March 4 at Steam Whistle Brewing. We hope to see you there!
Convention pro tip: Most evening social events are being held at the Fairmont Royal York. Rooms are filling up quickly but try to stay here or another hotel nearby for convenient access and to make the late nights a little easier!
Are you traveling from out of town for PDAC? Does your team have more business travel coming in 2024? If so, contact us to learn how we can streamline your business travel.