Stampede Park will again play host to the latest and greatest in technology in the oil and gas sector as the Global Petroleum Show begins in Calgary.
Organizers say the theme of this year's show is about rebuilding, restrengthening and reconnecting.
"Really, the industry has been through such a rough time in the past two years that we've felt it's important to get out and remind people that they have to see new technology and innovation because that's what drives down the cost of production," said Wes Scott, organizer of the Global Petroleum Show. "People also have to get out and they have to network, they have to look for that next job, they have to look for that next sale if you like. It's so much more than ever before to get out from behind the desk."
For the first time ever, the show will be featuring a clean technology forum, which aims to look at renewable energy options.
This year, the show is also leaning more towards how leaders are weathering the slowed economy and the focusing on an increased need of diversification.
"The Global Petroleum Show has always been at the forefront of new technologies that the oil and gas industry has been developing and for years and years they've been working on their relationship with the environment, whether that be water, air or earth," Scott said. "This year is just a further transition to that clean tech. Clean tech, in the oil and gas industry, is very important."
He said that energy efficiency can be achieved through clean technology as well.
One company, Burckhardt Compression, is certain that clean energy is the way forward.
"I think it's inevitable," said Craig Boweren with Burckhardt. "The clean energy needs to happen. If we want to get to the Paris 3.6 degree, we have to stop burning stuff for fun. It's a waste and we have to stop the flaring."
Companies are also taking a closer look at how to lower costs while increasing drilling capacities as well as offering career development support for those recently laid off.
One company, Propal Oilfield Equipment, hopes the show will help expand their image in the industry and bring them more business.
"The Global Petroleum Show is a great annual opportunity for us to display our products and it's also a great opportunity to meet with both our current customers and hopefully our future customers to show them what we can do to help them be more efficient," says president James Easdon.
Easdon says he expects the 2016 show to be quieter, but does have optimism. "I think we can all expect that this year's show will be a little bit quieter than perhaps it has been of past. But, hopefully, the people that come through are those that really have a say in equipment choice."
Thousands of people are expected to attend the show and visit with the 1,500 exhibitors.
The show will also be featuring a fundraising effort for the victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire.
The show runs from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
More information can be found on the official website.
