Smithers is set to host the Minerals North Conference Association next year.
The 35th annual Minerals North Conference and Trade Show will be held in May of 2026.
Minerals North is the annual gathering of northern BC communities and its minerals sector and is touted an ideal opportunity for learning about current activity in mining and exploration in northern British Columbia, a venue for establishing business contacts, and a forum for healthy dialogue leading to responsible resource development.
“We are honoured to have been selected to host the Minerals North Conference and Trade Show in 2026," said Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill. "With our deep-rooted history in mining and exploration, our community provides an ideal setting for industry leaders, businesses, and communities to come together. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Smithers and showcasing all that our town and region have to offer."
Smithers has previously hosted the conference in 1990, 1995, 2004, 2008 and 2016.
“Conference delegates can be assured of an informative and vibrant event," said Minerals North President Cindy Shelford. "Smithers was one of the founding communities of Minerals North and has been a 5-time host of the conference and trade show—delivering a memorable event each time. Smithers’ ties to exploration and mining have few parallels in northern British Columbia—a perfect backdrop for considering future regional economic development opportunity.”
When the town decided to throw their hat in the ring to host the event earlier this year, a few councillors raised concerns about staff time required to pull it off, but council ultimately voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to apply to host in 2026.
Anticipated staff time (excluding committee members or event planner’s time) will likely be about 400 hours between March 2025 and May 2026, involving Finance, Community Services, and Operations staff, which can be accommodated in those department’s operating budgets.
Chief Administrative Officer Michael Dewar at the time said if there was a will, they would find a way.
