GO-EXPO 2005 Preview

GO-EXPO and CIPC highlight solutions to upstream challenges

Preview of the agenda and technical program for Gas and Oil Exposition & Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, June 7 – 9, 2005

Canada is the world’s sixth largest energy producer, but when it comes to adverse conditions under which resources are tapped, the country moves toward the top of the list. Such conditions include gas wells in – 50°F, snow-covered tundra, heavy oil production in 100°F plains, and drilling in environments ranging from mountain valleys to muskeg to offshore. As a result, Canadian oilfield companies build some of the world’s most innovative E&P solutions.

Many of those solutions will be exhibited at the biennial Gas and Oil Exposition (GO-EXPO), scheduled for June 7 – 9, 2005. Held in conjunction with GO-EXPO is the annual Canadian International Petroleum Conference. Together, these events are likely to draw 18,000 or more Canadian and international visitors to Calgary’s Stampede Park. The biennial GO-EXPO features about approximately 110,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor exhibits, an increase from the amount of space used two years ago. There, a premier display of Canadian petroleum technology and expertise will greet visitors.

GO-EXPO will also feature three keynote luncheons, with one on each day. Among the confirmed speakers (as this issue went to press) are the Hon. Ed Byrne, Newfoundland’s Minister of Natural Resources; the Hon. Murray Smith, former Alberta Energy Minister; and Geoff Best (Sr. V.P., Western Canada) and Mark Tonner (Energy Services Sr. Financial Mgr.) of GE Commercial Finance.

Presented by the Petroleum Society of Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM), the Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC) returns with a three-day technical conference. This year’s theme is “Because Technology Changes Everything.” CIPC will feature more than 150 relevant technical presentations and special interest sessions, high-profile networking and prominent plenary speakers. Furthermore, there will be the Graduate Student Presentation Competition, as well as the popular half-day tutorials.

EXPOSITION OVERVIEW 

Focusing on new technology for the worldwide oil and gas industry, GO-EXPO’s more than 400 exhibitors showcase the latest innovations from industry leaders. 

Software Solutions Centre. A new addition this year is a feature named Software Solutions Centre. This venue groups new products and solutions from software companies inside and outside Canada. At press time, show organizers said that at least 17 companies had signed up to be included in this focused grouping that addresses upstream and pipelining needs.

International career fair. Again featured at this year’s event is the international recruitment forum, Oil Career Fair. Formed to address to the global shortage of skilled, petroleum industry personnel, this initiative provides an on-site job fair at GO-EXPO and an online forum at www.OilCareerFair.com. Its purpose is to provide industry organizations with prospective recruits and give qualified personnel a chance to meet potential employers. The Oil Career Fair focuses on local and international businesses, and is targeted to both large and small companies and recruitment firms.

Using the fair’s website before the show, candidates can view career openings posted online and apply for desired positions. Companies with job openings can pre-select candidates before the event and set up meetings for the on-site GO-EXPO Career Fair. At the show, Career Fair candidates and recruiters are able to hold face-to-face meetings.

WORLD OIL CENTRE STAGE

Another special GO-EXPO feature is the World Oil Centre Stage, sponsored by World Oil magazine. The theaters are in the center of the show floor, providing presenters with maximum exposure. This year, at least 50 and perhaps 60 presentations will be made. To handle the increased demand, the number of theaters has been expanded from two to three. Presentations will include case studies on new technologies pertaining to exploration, drilling and production, environmental strategies, and information technology and e-commerce. For the latest schedule, visit the petroleumshow.com website.

At least 110,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor exhibitions space will be filled with technology offerings at Calgary’s Stampede Park.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW 

Held in conjunction with the 2005 GO-EXPO, this year’s Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC) will house some of the industry’s most innovative minds, as they gather to discuss the latest in technological advancements. Organized by Canada’s leading engineering technical association, the Petroleum Society of CIM, the conference’s theme is “Because Technology Changes Everything.” The Calgary-based Petroleum Society is committed to the technical advancement of its members and the industry through continued education, communication and dissemination of technical information.

This year’s theme was chosen to reflect the challenges that the industry faces with regard to maturing basins, frontier development, and environmental concerns. More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the 2005 Conference, which will host more than 150 relevant technical presentations. Among the topics are Business Development and Risk Management; Cold Production of Heavy Oil; Conventional Oil and Gas Improved Recovery; Drilling Engineering Facilities; Production Operations; Reservoir Rock and Fluid Characterization; Solvent-Based Heavy Oil IOR; Thermal Methods in Heavy Oil Recovery; and Well Completion and Stimulation. CIPC will complement the exposition, showcasing not only leading exploration and development technologies, but also putting into practice application of these technologies for its participants.

In addition, and back by popular demand, the Petroleum Society will again offer continuing education short courses on Monday, June 6, as part of the Canadian International Petroleum Conference. These tutorials provide the opportunity to review an area or discipline that has undergone significant change, or simply provide a brief overview of a current practice (see table). Further details are available at www.petsoc.org.

Petroleumshow.com. As a service to show visitors, event coordinators offer the petroleumshow.com website. These online pages provide extensive information about industry events. After completing online registrations, industry professionals can create personalized itineraries to maximize their visits to GO-EXPO. This tool allows users to research participating exhibitors and products on display. It also assists users in creating personal itineraries, organizing lists of companies to visit and presentations to attend.