PDAC 2016, Days 1 & 2: Notes from the Floor

The first two days of this year’s Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference (PDAC) are now done, and by all accounts both were full to the brim. 
If you weren’t able to make it to PDAC (or if you simply weren’t able to see everything that was on offer), don’t worry. We’ve combed through Twitter and Instagram to find out what attendees have been talking about, and have rounded up our favorite posts below.
Plus, don’t forget to check out our update on Monday’s M&A activity at the show — notably, Silver Standard Resources (TSX:SSO,NASDAQ:SSRI) announced plans to buy Claude Resources (TSX:CRJ), and Energy Fuels (TSX:EFR,NYSEMKT:UUUU) said it will acquire privately owned Mestena Uranium.
Without further ado, here’s a quick look at what’s been going on PDAC these past two days.

To start off, check out this peaceful shot of the Trade Show floor prior to the start of the conference. The PDAC Instagram account also shows photos of the setup process — it’s clear a lot of work goes into getting the space ready!

Another snap of the Trade Show floor as its being built. One sleep until #PDAC2016 – but who’s counting?! @mtcc_events #mining #minerals #exploration #finance #investment #toronto #canada

A photo posted by The PDAC (official) (@the_pdac) on Mar 5, 2016 at 11:09am PST

From peaceful to packed! Here’s a look at the Trade Show floor in action.

Great turnout at #PDAC2016 pic.twitter.com/UF1Sz3DR85 — Malvika Pendharkar (@p_malvika) March 7, 2016

Looks like the De Beers Group of Companies Diamond Display is getting some attention!

Pleasure to host #Ontario MNDM Minister @MichaelGravelle at our #DeBeers display with Victor Mine diamonds #PDAC2016 pic.twitter.com/vNYXCop30n — Tom Ormsby, APR (@TomOrmsby) March 7, 2016

One highlight Sunday was the media reception held at the Fairmont Royal York — a hotspot for PDAC events throughout the conference. Take a peek here.

Andrew Bell, Anchor/Reporter for the Business News Network (BNN) is the guest speaker at the #PDAC2016 Media Reception at the Fairmont Royal York! #canada #toronto #mining #minerals #finance #tradeshow

A photo posted by The PDAC (official) (@the_pdac) on Mar 6, 2016 at 3:28pm PST

Another high point for Sunday was the conclusion of Integra Gold’s (TSXV:ICG,OTCQX:ICGQF) Gold Rush Challenge. At a live finale, the SGS Geostat team was named the winner and was awarded C$500,000. The team looks pretty pleased with the result!

Winning team SGS Geostat, the Titans, Comedian @shaunmajumder and @integragoldcorp Exec! #IntegraGoldRush #PDAC2016 pic.twitter.com/UCPKb9ZxIM — The Official PDAC (@the_PDAC) March 7, 2016

It wasn’t just Sunday that brought exciting events. Monday night was the PDAC Awards Evening, and based on the setup photo below there’s no doubt it was fancy!

@the_PDAC Awards Dinner Preparations. Celebrating Mining Excellence! #pdac2016 #pendaproductions #miningvideos pic.twitter.com/TFbJ9rVvj2
— PENDA Productions (@PENDA_VIDEOPRO) March 7, 2016

Of course, the big question is how sentiment at PDAC is. Attendance stats (which many look at to gauge investor interest) won’t be released until the end of the conference, but CBC News posted an article on Monday that suggests that there’s more optimism than last year.

@CBCSudbury writes: Prospectors & developers look from bust to boom at annual mining conference https://t.co/5csCsIvF3C #PDAC2016

— The Official PDAC (@the_PDAC) March 7, 2016

If you’ll be at PDAC on Tuesday or Wednesday, take a look at the list we put together on some of the top events to see. And if you’re active on Twitter or Instagram, be sure to use the hashtag #PDAC2016. You can also check out PDAC on  Facebook and LinkedIn.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article. 
Related reading: 
PDAC 2016: Here’s What You Need to Know
M&A Heats Up at PDAC