The convention will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8. The media room (room 201F on the ground floor) is where I'll hang my hat.

This is an international show attended by virtually every important mining or metals exploration company, investment analyst, mining finance company, and large metals trader in the world.

In addition to being the premier event in the industry, where people come together from every part of the world, there are many well-deserving awards, and this year's Distinguished Achievement Award goes to Ian Telfer, CEO of Goldcorp.

I remember when Ian first ventured into the gold mining and exploration industry in 1983. He's come a long, long way.

Yesterday I received a call from Platinum Man J.P. Sheridan. I have known Pat for 25 years. He invited me to his hospitality suite in the Royal York Hotel, and reminded me this would be his 52nd year with an open-house room. It's amazing what a 49-year-old can do. :-)

Actually, Pat is an amazing guy.

I reminded him that one year I had a hospitality party of my own at PDAC -- filled to the brim with about 300 people, two open bars and strolling banjo players. What a good time!

So March 5-8 will be a week where I focus entirely on metals. By the end of it you'll be calling me "Metal Man". I'm already starting to limber up my typing fingers, or is it my elbow?

You do know of course that miners are liars :-) -- and when the drinks flow, the stories grow. Truly, you need to spend a month in training for this Canadian Olympics for Party-Hearty Types.

But it is serious business too because these are also the biggest risk-takers and the hardest working people I ever met.

Bar none.