November 2015
Our Winter Meeting is Almost Here! 
The PNWER Winter Meeting starts Nov. 15 in Yellowknife, NWT.
Here are eight things to do before you go!


1) Register!

Registration is still open for the Legislative Leadership Academy, Nov. 15-16, and the Economic Leadership Forum, Nov. 16-17. 

For the first time ever, private-sector guests can join legislators from around the region at the Legislative Leadership Academy as they learn about elections and systems of governance in the U.S. and Canada. 
2) Schedule a flight

Daily scheduled airline flights serve Yellowknife and connect to all major Canadian and many U.S. cities. When you arrive at the Yellowknife Airport, look for the free shuttle service van to The Explorer Hotel.

Yellowknife is served by many of Canada's major airlines from the south including Air Canada-JazzFirst AirWestjet and Canadian North.

You can also plan your trip at travel sites such as Expedia, Priceline and Kayak.

For more information on flights to and from Yellowknife, please refer to the Yellowknife Airport for flight arrival and departure information.
3) Book a room


We will be staying at The Explorer Hotel, the largest hotel in Northern Canada. 

Located on a high point in downtown Yellowknife, the Explorer's spacious guest rooms offer spectacular panoramic views of Niven Lake and Back Bay to the north and Frame Lake and the Legislative Assembly to the south.

Most conference sessions and meal will take place inside The Explorer, providing quick and convenient access for our guests. 

Secure your room for the event by calling 1-800-661-0892. If you have any problems booking a room, please call Felicia Muncaster, PNWER program coordinator, at 206-443-7723.

Download a hotel map
4) Sign up for a tour

Remember to sign up for tours that showcase the rich culture, history and industry of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories. 

Choose what tours you would like to attend during the registration process or, if you have registered already, follow your registration link to update your choices. 

Full descriptions of our tours are available at PNWER.org






 


Monday Nov. 16

Dog Sledding
Dash through the snowy trails around Grace Lake on an exciting but cozy ride. Meet the dogs, take pictures, and most importantly, have fun! Parkas, boots and mitts will all be provided. 
The last day to sign up for the dog sled tour is November 9!

Yellowknife Sights and History Tour 
Local experts take guests on a tour of the city and learn how this historical gold-mining town transformed into the diamond capitol it is today. See local art and learn about the history and culture of the people that make this area unique. 

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Mining policy tour 
7:30 a.m. to noon (Will return in time for those taking the 2:20 p.m. departing flight)
See the interactive exhibits at the NWT Diamond Centre, visit the past-producing Con Mine and Giant Mine Remediation site, and experience an exciting aerial tour of Yellowknife.

More to See and Do
Explore other sight-seeing, cultural and adventure activities in the Northwest Territories at spectacularnwt.com and www.visityellowknife.com
Guided outdoor and historical tours are available at experienceyellowknife.com.
Make your own souvenir from recycled glass at Old Town Glassworks

5) Pack for cold weather!

The average day in Yellowknife this time of year ranges from a high of 13 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of zero degrees Fahrenheit, or -11 degrees Celsius to -18 degrees Celsius. 

Although we will not spend extended periods of time walking outside, you should definitely bring a winter coat, a sweater or two, warm socks, insulated boots, gloves, thermal underlayers and a good toque!
6) Plan for receptions & hospitality suites

We encourage all of our delegates to meet their peers and build relationships - and our casual receptions provide an excellent opportunity to do so. 

Sunday, Nov. 15 
6:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 
Exploration, dinner and reception at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre holds in trust for the public a large collection of art and artifacts that represent the peoples and cultures of the Northwest Territories. 

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 
Hospitality Suite at the Explorer Hotel 

Monday, Nov. 16
7:00 - 10:00 p.m. 
Welcome Reception featuring the Honourable Robert McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, at the Explorer Hotel's Katimavik Ballroom 

10:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan at the Explorer Hotel's Janvier Room

Tuesday, Nov. 17
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wine reception at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre

7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
7) Review the agenda
Legislative Leadership Academy 
November 15-16
The bi-annual Legislative Leadership Academy is designed to improve legislators' knowledge of differences in U.S. and Canadian government systems and assist legislators in developing important relationships with their colleagues in neighboring jurisdictions across the border. The Legislative Leadership Academy will feature in-depth sessions on:
  • The unique, consensus-based government of Northwest Territories
  • Structural differences in U.S. and Canadian governmental systems
  • Roundtable discussion on campaign, election and leadership processes in states and territories
  • Discussion on provincial, territorial, state and federal relations
  • "View from the Speaker's Chair;" a comparative look at the role of the Speaker of the House and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
  • Tabletop exercises on current cross-border issues and the governance challenges & institutional gaps within our region 
  • Tour the fascinating Legislative Assembly building
 
This event begins on the morning of Sunday, November 15, so please plan to arrive in Yellowknife by Saturday, November 14.  
For the first time ever, the PNWER Legislative Leadership Academy is open to members of private industry, non-profit workers and members of government staff who are eager to learn more about governance in the U.S. and Canada. The Sunday and Monday sessions included in the price of registration. 
Economic Leadership Forum 
November 16-17
The Economic Leadership Forum will hold in-depth sessions to explore opportunities and challenges within:

Arctic Governance:  Innovative Solutions to Sub-National Engagement
Aboriginal Economic Development
Market Access and Arctic Transportation Systems
Mining
Energy Development in the North & Energy Efficient Buildings

This event provides an opportunity for local, state, and provincial leaders in both public and private sectors to carry out focused, in-depth discussions on subjects affecting our regional economy. The sessions are being organized and planned with PNWER partner, the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Economic Leadership Forum events begin the morning of Monday, November 16. Private-sector members are welcome to join legislators at a hospitality suite reception at The Explorer Hotel at 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 15.
8) Connect with us on social media!
Share your excitement, experiences and insight with us! 

Follow us on Twitter Follow PNWER on Twitter @PNWER
Like us on Facebook Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/pnwer 
PNWER at Seattle Green Technologies Suppliers Meeting
On Nov. 17th, PNWER will be presenting on the Roadmap to Resilient, Net-Zero Buildings and Deep Retrofits in the Pacific Northwest at the Green Technologies Suppliers Conference in Seattle, WA. Shana Peschek, Construction Center of Excellence, will join the discussion on policy approaches to promote energy efficiency and highlight the role of workforce development in the energy efficiency sector. 

GTSM is the U.S.A.'s first ever green technologies event developed with a matchmaking program which offers its participants pre-arranged business-to-business meetings.
This is not a traditional exhibition! GTSM gives total and exclusive focus to the supply chain for clean energy and environment sectors:
  • Departments of Energy from foreign countries
  • US and foreign utilities
  • Buildings management and construction, pollution control
  • Research centers
  • Suppliers of heavy equipment, systems and machinery
  • Suppliers of components, manufacturing capabilities and services
PNWER members are invited to attend and complimentary registration may be available - contact Jennifer Grosman at jennifer.grosman@pnwer.org for more information. 
ABOUT PNWER
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) was created in 1991 by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. 

It is a statutory public/private non-profit dedicated to increasing the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region, while maintaining and enhancing our natural environment.

Our overarching goals are to:
  • Coordinate provincial and state policies throughout the region
  • Identify and promote "models of success"
  • Serve as a conduit to exchange information.
  • Promote greater regional collaboration
  • Enhance the competitiveness of the region in both domestic and international markets
  • Leverage regional influence in Ottawa and Washington D.C.
  • Achieve continued economic growth while maintaining the region's natural environment
Our 25th Annual Summit in Big Sky, Montana, brought together more than 530 leaders from the public and private sector to confront the biggest regional challenges to trade, economic growth, industry, employment and the environment. 

PNWER's 21 working groups develop yearly action items at our Summits to continually advance policy initiatives with public and private stakeholders. 

Learn more at PNWER.org
 Thank you to our 2015 Winter Meeting Sponsorssponsors
 
Sponsorship opportunities still available for the 2015 Winter Meeting. Please visit our sponsorship webpage for more information!