PDAC convention goes virtual for first time

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) annual convention will go virtual for the first time in its 89-year history.

In a media statement, PDAC said that as the covid-19 pandemic continues to affect travel and major gatherings, the decision to move forward with a virtual event offers a safe solution for the industry to access the opportunities provided by the traditional in-person convention in Toronto.

According to the group, the decision to go virtual was taken after many months of analysis and careful consideration, which led the board to conclude that the new approach may allow them to reach an even greater number of international attendees who may not be able to attend the event in person.

“We are excited to adapt the PDAC Convention by offering a fully virtual experience to participants for the first time,” the association’s executive director, Lisa McDonald, said in the brief. “The PDAC Convention plays a vital role in keeping the global mineral exploration and mining community connected, and that is more important than ever as our members, exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and partners overcome challenges presented by the global health crisis.”

The PDAC had to do some crisis management after a person who attended its 2020 conference from March 1 to 4 was diagnosed with covid-19.

The event gathered more than 23,100 people from around the world, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.