Memorial University joined local business and community leaders at the annual Expo Labrador Conference and Tradeshow in Happy Valley-Goose Bay June 22-25.

Managed by the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, Expo Labrador provides a venue for delegates and exhibitors alike to network with other industry leaders while learning about recent resource developments in Labrador.

Representatives from Memorial’s Fisheries and Marine Institute, the Labrador Institute and the Office of Public Engagement attended the event. The university showcased its existing and emerging strengths in Labrador and the ocean and marine sectors at the expo’s annual tradeshow, which is the largest of its kind in the Labrador region. Dr. Ron Sparkes, a Labrador associate with the Labrador Institute, acted as the moderator for this year’s event held at the E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena.

Dr. Rob Greenwood, executive director of public engagement at Memorial, presented on the many ways Memorial University is empowering communities through research, teaching and learning, and public engagement in Labrador.

“Since 2009 Memorial has engaged in over 360 projects and initiatives in Labrador, on everything from Artic and Northern region-specific research, to creative arts, culture and heritage initiatives,” he said. “It’s through conferences like this one, and people coming together and sharing ideas – the university, the community, government and industry – that we can build on these projects and initiatives and empower communities as we go forward.”

Gerald Anderson, director of development and engagement at the Marine Institute, has been attending the event since it was first established in 1996 as the Voisey’s Bay and Beyond Conference. Ten years later, the event was re-branded to what is now known as Expo Labrador. Through his role at the institute, Mr. Anderson maintains strong relations with government and Aboriginal communities within Labrador.

“In recent years the university’s connection to Labrador has grown exponentially in Northern research and engagement through the creation of the Labrador Institute in Happy Valley-Goose Bay,” he said. “The Marine Institute’s relations with clients in Canada’s North date back 20 years and the university is working to further strengthen those ties. The Expo Labrador event is an excellent forum for Memorial to showcase its expertise and liaise with delegates, industry leaders and exhibitors to further expand its Northern presence.”

The annual Expo Labrador Conference and Tradeshow is Labrador’s primary initiative for networking and providing organizations an opportunity to showcase their businesses. The event brings together approximately 75 exhibitors; this year it attracted more than 500 delegates from government organizations, representatives of the Aboriginal community and community groups, Labrador businesses and industry, and organizations with a vested interest in the region.