
Vancouver, B.C. – On May 13, 2024, The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) hosted a networking breakfast to welcome visiting Australian Trade Delegates, attending the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Conference in British Columbia.
The event was hosted by Dentons at their beautiful downtown offices, that features breathtaking views of the harbour and is located conveniently near the site of the METS Convention.
A number of representatives from state and federal government took advantage of this unique networking opportunity. This included Eddie Giesel (Director of Trade Development – Mining, Equipment, Technology Services, Trade and Investment Queensland), Tom Taylor (Trade & Investment Director, Investment NSW), and Alex Veale (Lead, Sustainability & Advanced Manufacturing, Global Victoria). The group was also joined by Sheldon Varcoe (Manager – International Projects, Austmine), whose not-for-profit association works to support members with growth and development opportunities in the METS sector.
PICTURED (left to right): Eddie Geisel (Director of Trade Development – Mining, Equipment, Technology Services, Trade and Investment Queensland), Sheldon Varcoe (Manager – International Projects, Austmine), Tom Taylor (Trade & Investment Director, Investment NSW), Greg McNab (Dentons Canada Partner & CACC Director), Melissa Wharton (CACC CEO), Mark Dwyer (Founder, Paiid), and Alex Veale (Lead, Sustainability & Advanced Manufacturing, Global Victoria).
The CACC was well represented by its recently formed Western Committee. It was also an opportunity to introduce Committee chairs Mark Dwyer (Founder, Paiid) and Matthew Lawson (Senior Counsel, Farris LLP), who ensured the event was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders across both continents.
Over 100 attendees took advantage of this rare opportunity, including local Canadian organisations that met with Australian companies from Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. For many in attendance, the event was their introduction to the CACC; where they quickly learnt about the synergies between the two countries, explained by Greg McNab (Dentons Canada Partner & CACC Director), and Melissa Wharton (CACC CEO).
Mining has always been a focal sector for the CACC, as it continues to play a key economic role for both Canada and Australia. The CACC recognizes the importance of bringing key stakeholders together and investing in strategic networking opportunities like this METS breakfast event.
“Thanks to all the attendees, who joined the CACC Western Committee for this METS networking breakfast,” said Melissa Wharton, CACC CEO. “We hope new business relationships were formed and you learned how CACC can support groups as they explore business opportunities in each other’s countries. We encourage you to tap into CACC’s network and resources to learn more about how the chamber can support your business goals.”
CACC would like to thank Denton’s Canada LLP for hosting this well-attended event. Special thanks to CACC Corporate Partner COBS Bread’s, who provided their fresh baked pastries. CACC commends COBS’ commitment to giving back to local communities, by donating unsold baked goods to charities across Canada.
ABOUT THE CACC
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit volunteer-based organization that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate strong economic and trade relationships between Canada and Australia.