Whether it’s trekking through desert badlands, exploring the depths of the ocean floor, or facing thousands of investors in one of the world’s largest mineral and exploration conferences, all successful natural resource and exploration entrepreneurs know tenacity is an important quality to have.
In spite of the still turbulent times for many mining and exploration linked companies, this year’s PDAC Convention showed that tenacity is alive and well with over 22,000 attendees converging in downtown Toronto and bringing an abundance of buzz along with them.
Though excitement levels were noticeably higher than past years, the most precious resource for the mining and exploration crowd seemed to be accessing low cost investment capital. Fortunately, for a growing number of firms, the CSE’s networking events at the PDAC provided great opportunities for increased exposure, valuable connections and all-important deal-making.
Working the PDAC Floor
The CSE’s footprint at the 2016 edition of the PDAC continued to expand, with a new booth configuration, two major networking events as well as six CSE-listed issuers exhibiting at the Investor’s Exchange and Prospector’s Tent. The delegation of CSE-listed issuers on the PDAC Convention floor this year included:
- Murchison Minerals Ltd. (MUR)
- Rockex Mining Corporation (RXM)
- Pasinex Resources Limited (PSE)
- GAR Limited (GL)
- Renforth Resources Inc. (RFR)
- Augustine Ventures Inc. (WAW)
As part of a series of exciting upgrades planned for the upcoming year, the CSE unveiled its new and exciting booth that featured a much more dynamic view of Canada’s fastest growing securities exchange.
The new booth came fully equipped with a ticker feed of CSE-listed company quotes as well as two video screens that showcased the growing number of CSE-listed companies including those featured on BTV and BNN. Of course, the added attention was also on the fact that the exchange has seen itself climb to well over 300 listings.
The CSE team also had a great time meeting investors, big and small. One thing that definitely stood out from these conversations was the optimism and excitement from both the investors in attendance but also from the fellow exhibitors on the conference floor.
Observed James Black, VP – Listings Development:
“The PDAC Convention is always a great temperature check on what is happening in the Canadian capital markets, especially as it pertains to junior public companies. Needless to say, the overall energy and optimism at PDAC improved appreciably from the past couple of years. A lot of the shock from the marketplace seems to been set aside, and now companies are working hard to stay relevant and create value in-the-face of a bottomed out market.”
Interesting Prospects
One of the biggest highlights for the CSE team was getting a chance to have listed issuers tell their stories as well as meet and interact with decision makers and investors of all sizes at the two networking events.
The lunch session, which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel and which was jointly sponsored by a number of partners, including MNP LLP and Equities.com, saw a record turnout. While the chance to grab a great meal was definitely a pull, the more than 150 attendees of this event were treated to 13 company presentations, prizes and updates on the latest news from the CSE.
In addition the great food and “food for thought”, there were also numerous opportunities for new connections to be made and existing ones to be refreshed.
While a recent bump in commodities prices heading into the conference certainly helped contribute to the positive mood, having a bear-market chocolate bar to bite into also helped add some levity.
In addition to the lunchtime session, this year the CSE along with event co-sponsors Aird & Berlis LLP, MNP LLP, Euro Pacific Canada and Invest Barbados held an evening networking reception at Taverna Mercatto.
As with the session earlier in the day, this event was a phenomenal success, bringing together a great mix of listed issuers, service providers, investors and entrepreneurs paired with great food and entertainment. Added Barrington Miller, Director – Listed Company Services:
“We were thrilled to co-host two fun events with a great set of partners – we are very grateful for the support that the CSE has within the local business community and want to thank everyone who helped make this our best PDAC yet.”
Thank you to all who attended our reception at #PDAC2016. Special thanks to @MNP_LLP @EuropacCdn @CSE_News pic.twitter.com/jyoHHjXuDr
— Aird & Berlis LLP (@AirdBerlis) March 9, 2016
While this was the first year in which this event was run, the support and enthusiasm for the post-conference get together will definitely be something to look forward to returning for future conventions.
Exciting adventures ahead
After the events were all said and done, this year’s conference continues to show that the resource sector, both here in Canada and around the world, is resilient.
For the CSE, this year’s PDAC couldn’t have gone better. With exceptional turnouts to the networking events, great feedback on the exhibition floor and accolades from clients, investors and those looking to join the Exchange for Entrepreneurs, it looks like there are even more reasons to look forward to returning again next year.
Click the gallery below to view pictures from the CSE events at PDAC 2016.
The CSE would like to extend a special thanks to the following generous sponsors and event partners who helped make the luncheon a tremendous success:
