Andrei Samson, office manager for the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, helps businesses organize Business After Hours events through the fall and winter. PHOTO: courtesy of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours (BAHs) are a regular fall and winter activity for networking professionals in Whitehorse. Coordinated by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, the events are an opportunity for Whitehorse businesses to host their peers in a social setting and learn more about what is happening across the city. Andrei Samson is the office manager at the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for helping businesses schedule, plan and host events throughout the winter.
“Businesses come to the [Whitehorse] Chamber and they will help with organizing,” she explained. “A business would usually do food, beverage and location. The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce can do the agenda, planning, advertising and RSVPs.”
The Whitehorse Chamber has a regular agenda that most BAHs follow, and they coordinate scheduling so that two businesses aren’t hosting competing events. Some might question why a business would host an event, but there are benefits, according to Samson.
“The main value is networking for the business community,” she said. “You can meet people and discuss ideas, and it connects the business community and government at all levels.
“It allows business owners to get profile for products by hosting. Smaller, or similar types of businesses may also partner.”
There is also potential for creativity and entertainment from hosting businesses at BAHs, according to Samson. She provided the example that, last year, Jordi Mikeli hosted at Triple J Music, but also presented on behalf of Kona’s Coalition and how businesses could support that organization.
This year, the first event will be hosted by Greg Karais, who owns Yukon, North of Ordinary, at the new North of Ordinary Experience Centre. Hosting a BAH seemed like a natural fit in their new space at NVD Place.
“We want to share with the business community what we’ve done,” Karais said. “We want to share Yukon history with people; not just visitors, but locals too.
“We’ll cater it, sell drinks—some portion will go to a local charity, to be determined, but likely something to do with kids. We have a VIP with a modest 66-seat capacity. Everyone’s so busy in the summer, now in the fall they’ll have a chance to check us out.”
“It’s a great way to showcase to our clients,” added manager Colin Close.
While all businesses are invited to host BAHs during the year, there are a number of annual events that are popular amongst the networking crowd. According to Samson, the biggest BAH is hosted by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, in December, and the BAH Humbug kicks off the Festival of Trees in November. As well, the Yukon Convention Bureau hosts an event in February and NorthwesTel unveils their new telephone book cover in the spring.
For more information on BAHs, during the winter, including new events, finalized dates and potentially hosting, visit their website www.whitehorsechamber.ca or contact them at [email protected].
Upcoming BAHs
North of Ordinary Media BAH
- Date: Thursday, September 13
- 4201-4th Ave. Unit 200 (front of the building)
Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) BAH
- Date: Thursday, September 27
- Location TBA
Rotary Club BAH
- Thursday, October 11
- Location TBA
Urban Realty Group – TBC
- Date: Thursday, October 25
- Location TBA
BAH Humbug
- Date: TBD
- Location: Government of Yukon Main Administration Building
Air North BAH
- Date: TBD
- Location: Air North Hangar
Yukon Convention Bureau BAH
- Date: TBD
- Location: TBA
