The world’s leading minerals and mining event is once again returning to downtown Toronto.

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange—celebrating 85 years—will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from March 5 to 8, 2017.

The 2016 Convention attracted more than 22,000 attendees from 125 countries, including analysts, mining executives, geologists, prospectors, investors, students and government officials from all over the world.

“Canada is looked to as a leader in mineral exploration and development,” says PDAC President Bob Schafer. “The PDAC Convention is the best opportunity for national and international professionals and governments to come together each year to connect and learn from one another.”

PDAC hosted the inaugural International Mines Ministers Summit (IMMS) in partnership with the World Economic Forum at the 2016 Convention. The event brought together 16 Mines Ministers from around the world and will return again in 2017. It provides an important setting for the international mining community to discuss and work on resolving issues affecting the industry, and is aligned with PDAC’s advocacy efforts on behalf of its members and the overall industry.

“Canadian mineral exploration companies operate all over the world and are looked to as experts in their fields,” says Schafer. “It’s imperative that we bring international mining representatives together to learn about the challenges and successes they face in order to address them.”

Also returning to the PDAC 2017 Convention for the second year is a portion of the visually spectacular Kirwin Collection, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum. The one-of-a-kind assortment includes ores and minerals, many of which are from closed or inaccessible mines and will be displayed in Trade Show North.

The Capital Markets Program, Aboriginal Program, Short Courses and Technical Program return along with a Keynote Session to understand what drives success in the industry.

“Programming is designed to reflect the current economic and industry trends, challenges and opportunities,” says Schafer.

“These learnings, along with more than 900 exhibitors and an outstanding offering of social and networking events are prime attractors for attendees and are what keep them returning each year.”

• Some social highlights to look forward to at PDAC Convention 2017 include:
• Awards Gala & After Party: Where outstanding achievements in the mineral exploration and development industry are celebrated.
• Mineral Outlook Luncheon: Dr. Dambisa Moyo—one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and New York Times best-selling author—will discuss “Global shifts in economics, geopolitics & business: What's it going to take to be successful?”
• Student-Industry Networking Luncheon: This reception-style buffet luncheon provides an opportunity to make valuable connections with industry professionals and peers.
• Trade Show Reception: Network with Trade Show North exhibitors and attendees from international and domestic companies, including organizations promoting technology, products, services and mining jurisdictions. 
• Grand Finale: After four outstanding days at the world’s hottest convention for mineral exploration, it’s time to party at this free event! Enjoy the action and network, while the Dave Murphy Band performs chart topping tunes.

PDAC is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community. With over 8,000 members around the world, PDAC’s mission is to promote a globally responsible, vibrant and sustainable minerals industry. As the trusted representative of the sector, PDAC encourages best practices in technical, operational, environmental, safety and social performance.

More information about the PDAC 2017 Convention is available at www.pdac.ca/convention.