NAABA’s 15th Annual Aboriginal Showcase Combines Virtual and Traditional Formats, offering the best of both worlds
The Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA) is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting their 15th Annual Aboriginal Business Showcase, presented by Suncor Energy, in a hybrid format, April 6th and 7th, 2022.
As restrictions have eased and public gatherings have resumed, NAABA is pleased to be able to move forward with the return of the in-person Aboriginal Business Showcase/Trade Show, onsite learning, as well as an evening reception and banquet at Shell Place, MacDonald Island Park, in addition to a full day of on-line learning and virtual networking. While 2021 saw the entire event executed successfully in a virtual format, the desire of NAABA Members to come together, connect and be in community was a priority for the organization.
“We are looking forward to providing the best of both worlds this year with on-line and in-person options” says Executive Director, Michelle Toner. “The virtual platform really allowed us to expand our audience and engage with a much larger and diverse crowd; however, we recognize that coming together and gathering the membership in-person is a core NAABA function and we want to ensure that as an organization we continue to make this happen.”
Day one of the Showcase will be held virtually and is headlined by Carol Anne Hilton of The Indigenomics Institute. The Indigenomics Institute is the leading research, education, and engagement platform for supporting the rebuilding and design of Indigenous economies of Indigenous peoples worldwide. The Institute works to facilitate the realization of Indigenous modern political, economic, legal and community development objectives. Other keynote speakers include Sandy Martin, Senior Vice President of Regional Services for Suncor Energy, as well as representatives from ATB and MNP speaking to the findings of their recently released report “Opening the Door to Opportunity: Reporting on the Economic Contribution of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.
The schedule also includes a variety of sessions with business focused topics, including entrepreneurial and education sessions appealing to both NAABA’s member base and the general public. Speaker and session details will continue to be updated in the coming weeks. Please visit the event website and tune in to our social media channels for on-going updates.
The cornerstone of Showcase will be the in-person exhibitor hall featuring Certified Full Aboriginal Members. The exhibition provides an opportunity for attendees to truly understand the depth of experience, qualifications and breadth of work that is taking place with and by Indigenous owned businesses in the region. Attendees will be able to visit the exhibition hall free of charge, tickets are not required for that portion of the event. Online learning, in person sessions and networking lunch as well as the evening banquet are all ticketed events. Registration and further details on exhibiting can be found by contacting NAABA directly or on our website here. All ticket revenue will be directed to future NAABA programming and the support of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and remain an integral part of the event’s success. Further information can be found here.
About NAABA | naaba.ca
The Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA) was founded in 1993. Successful in uniting and connecting Aboriginal business owners, this non-profit organization envisions Aboriginal strength, unity and opportunity in business. Their mission is to work with industry, government and community to enhance opportunities for Indigenous people, while promoting Indigenous business development.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Toner, Executive Director
p: 780.791.0478
e: ed@naaba.ca
