Entrepreneurs may not be the most romantic of people, and Winnipeg isn’t known as an amorous city.
But hundreds of business reps, and municipal and economic officials, are scheduled to gather in the Manitoba capital Oct. 10 to 13 for a speed-dating marathon. And a number of Central Albertans should be in the middle of the mix.
Central Alberta: Access Prosperity is leading a regional delegation to Centrallia 2012 — a business-to-business match-making forum that’s expected to attract some 600 attendees from central North America and countries around the world. Each will complete a profile and identify other participants of interest, with this data then used to arrange a series of 30-minute, one-on-one meetings.
“You’re guaranteed 16 meetings,” said Central Alberta: Access Prosperity manager Gary Slipp, adding that even more could be scheduled after hours.
The list of industries represented at Centrallia is long and varied, with manufacturing, transportation, agri-business, food processing, biotechnology, information technology, tourism, energy, education and construction among the sectors.
Slipp has participated in two previous Centrallias as a member of Calgary Economic Development, where he worked previously.
“Once you get there and see the success stories that come out of it, it’s just remarkable.”
Registrants have the option of cancelling after they see the list of attendees, noted Slipp.
“Over the last three years, I’ve taken about 23 or 24 companies and none of them have cancelled their registration. They always find good value.”
A half dozen Central Alberta companies and organizations have already committed to take part.
In addition to leading the group, Central Alberta: Access Prosperity will have a display booth and will arrange to meet with companies that might be interested in locating here, and also with other organizations that could produce positive relationships for the region.
Additional information can be found at the Centrallia website at www.centrallia.com. Help with registrations can be obtained by contacting Lesli Rentz of Central Alberta: Access Prosperity at 403-356-4935 or lesli.rentz@accessprosperity.ca
The registration deadline is Aug. 31.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com