A Minute with Roundup Conference Co-Chair Victoria Yehl

By Andrea Cade
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011 Blogger

This morning I got the opportunity to speak with Roundup Conference Co-Chair Victoria Yehl, who hails from Teck Resources Limited.  I consider this a special treat as I have known Vicki for years and consider her one of my mentors.  She has always been generous with her time and smile, something that you can see everyday of Roundup where she works with the Committee to bring us an excellent conference.

Vicki is on board to return as Conference Co-Chair for 2012, the 100 year anniversary of AME BC I asked what may be in store for the event.  While many ideas are being generated I was unsurprised to hear that the organizing committee is keeping things a bit quiet right now, hoping to have some impressive surprises for us next year.  I am personally very fond of surprises so I'm looking forward to the big event.

Continuing to look to the future I asked her about the rumours I've been hearing about the potential of moving Roundup to a bigger space within the next few years.  Vicki noted that because of the cyclic nature of our industry a great deal of consideration will be required to make a decision on moving.  A bigger venue would result in increased costs to exhibitors, sponsors and delegates.  And when that next downturn strikes a certain minimum of participation would be required to still maintain the finances of a bigger space.  She also commented on the Westin Bayshore, firmly noting that they have been a great partner of Roundup.

We moved on to the reach of Roundup, particularly with regards to student participation and how the Committee is working on generating further interest.  Vicki commented on Vancouver being a centre of excellence for mineral exploration and noted that 27+ countries are represented at Roundup this year, a truly impressive number.  The Monday Poster Session is the only one of its kind combining academic and government research with an industry conference.  It gives the students a unique opportunity to interact with industry.  The prize money for student posters at Roundup was doubled this year and the Committee is working on further solutions to draw more students from around the world. 

Wrapping up our talk Vicki reiterated AME BC's commitment to safety (do you know where your fire exits are?) and that she and the whole Committee welcome suggestions and feedback on the conference. 

For further information on Roundup and students please see:

http://blog.amebc.ca/archives/878
http://blog.amebc.ca/archives/907
http://blog.amebc.ca/archives/912
http://blog.amebc.ca/archives/868
http://blog.amebc.ca/archives/884