Teenfest Canada has announced it is returning to Prince George.
The annual trade show and entertainment event sets up shop in seven cities in Western Canada, and for the second year in a row, Prince George will be one of them.
"Last year was amazing in Prince George. The support from the community was overwhelming and I'm thrilled to be planning out second annual event there now," said Ali Berman, the principal organizer of the event.
The festival of youth happens on January 28 at the Civic Centre. It is free of charge for the public to attend, and now is the time to book booth space, Berman said. She is expecting, based on experiences in other cities, plus the feedback from last year's first visit to this city, that exhibitor interest and general attendance will both climb now that people have had a chance to experience one for themselves.
"I had some teens last year that told me they didn't really understand what a trade show was until they spent some time at Teenfest," she explained. "This is kind of an introduction to that event format. It's a bunch of businesses and agencies and sports teams and charitable societies and arts groups and all kinds of other partners who are all in the room at the same time to talk to teens. If you are interested in business, if you are ill, if you are looking for a career, if you want entertainment, if you're looking to join a class or a team, if you're in need of services of any kind, that is the kind of information available in the room."
Any organization the sells memberships or has a registration process is a prime exhibitor participant. Clothing stores that have apparel for young people, restaurants that appeal to youth, sporting goods and entertainment/activity providers, education facilities, travel agents with youth travel opportunities, etc. all fit the typical exhibitor bill.
In addition to the information booths, there is also a slate of activities and entertainment at any Teenfest event. Last year, Barkerville was on-site with their gold rush-period historical displays, for example. There were youth-focused celebrity guests, on-site gaming activities, martial arts demonstrations, and a youth talent contest was held.
"We will definitely have a big teen talent competition again this time," said Berman. "We are calling on participants who have any kind of talent. We've had drummers, dancers, singers, magicians, absolutely anything that you consider your talent, we welcome them all."
Anyone who sees themselves fitting somehow into this day to celebrate and engage the youth segment of our city - be that as an entertainer, a demonstrator, an exhibitor, a collector of information or interest, a talent contest participant - can reach out to Berman to talk about the details. The Teenfest Canada website is comprehensive, and direct contact can be made at (email) [email protected] or (phone) 778-440-7277.
