GPC 2004 Preview

Canada's GPS expects to welcome 50,000 visitors

Preview of the agenda and technical program for the Global Petroleum Show and Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, Alberta, June 8 – 10

Visitors from more than 90 countries will assemble in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 8 – 10, 2004, to attend the Global Petroleum Show (GPS) and the Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC). At GPS, about 50,000 attendees will sample Canadian and international petroleum technology from a wide variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits totaling 500,000 sq ft.

"This is one of the leading oil and gas exhibitions of its kind in the world, when one considers the number of registered attendees and the square footage of exhibits on display," said GPS Director of Marketing Justin O'Connor. "This exhibition is particularly known as the place to see leading technology for the onshore oil and gas industry."

Taking place in conjunction with GPS is the CIPC. Hosted by the Petroleum Society of Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM), the conference welcomes delegates from around the globe. This year's program includes a new, one-day Business Conference on June 7, followed by the well-known, three-day Technical Conference, June 8 – 10.

EXPOSITION OVERVIEW

Visitors to GPS will notice the sheer size of exhibit space utilized, including 250,000 sq ft indoors and 250,000 sq ft outdoors. The latter group will include rigs, pumping units, compressors and other large pieces of equipment. Approximately 1,500 companies will display equipment and/or showcase services. Among the largest outdoor exhibits slated for this year's event are Varco International Inc. (a 16,800-sq-ft display); Enerflex Systems Ltd. (12,000 sq ft); and Precision Drilling Corporation (9,600 sq ft). Schlumberger Oil Field Services will have the largest indoor presence, at more than 4,800 sq ft.

"Visitors to GPS will be able to look for solutions affecting every facet of their business, then compare and contrast what exhibitors are offering," said O'Connor. "Exhibitors will focus on quickly formulating individualized solutions to customers' challenges."

Attendees will enjoy several featured highlights at GPS. Among these are case study presentations by exhibiting companies, international pavilions and an industry-specific career fair that fosters contact between leading employers and industry professionals.

More than 250,000 sq ft of outdoor exhibits will take advantage of Calgary's mild June weather.

World Oil Centre Stage. Continuing GPS's mandate to showcase the newest technology, products and services for the oil and gas industry, the 2004 exhibition offers Leading Technology Presentations at the World Oil Centre Stage (ShawCor Centre), sponsored by World Oil magazine. More than 60 presentations will take place in the custom-designed theatre. They will include case studies on new technologies in exploration, drilling and production, plus environmental strategies, information technology and e-commerce. For the latest schedule, visit petroleumshow.com.

International Career Fair. Included at this year's event is the international recruitment forum, Oilcareerfair. Created in response to the current worldwide shortage of skilled personnel in the petroleum industry, this unique initiative provides an on-site job fair at GPS and an online forum at www.Oilcareerfair.com. This feature offers industry organizations an opportunity to canvass prospective recruits while also giving qualified personnel a chance to meet potential employers. Participants in the Oilcareerfair include Nexen Inc., Petronas Carigali, Saudi Aramco, SGF Global and Worldwideworker.

Using the online tool prior to the exhibition, employment candidates can view career openings that are posted online and apply for desired positions. Hiring companies can pre-select candidates before the event and set up meetings for the on-site fair. At the exhibition, candidates and recruiters have the opportunity for face-to-face meetings.

Deal of the Day. Given the quantity and quality of exhibits, plus the number of visitors at the exhibition, significant agreements are sure to be signed. The biggest deals will be announced daily at 2 p.m., at the World Oil Centre Stage in the ShawCor Centre.

Export Café. Following its great success at GPS 2002, the Export Café returns. The café unites trade commissioners and export-ready companies in one location. Visitors can roam from table to table, each of which is hosted by a representative country or region. The Export Café takes place at Ranahan's in Stampede Park, Wednesday, June 9.

International Business Centre. World-class business support is available at Global Petroleum Show's International Business Centre. The center, operated by Alberta Economic Development, is a venue where exhibiting companies can meet directly with qualified international buyers in a dedicated business environment. It also offers complete business amenities and is the official registration site for international delegates. While visiting, delegates can obtain assistance through the center's partners – Export Development Canada, Alberta Energy and Industry Canada. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 8 to 10.

Petroleum Week Networking Events. GPS also provides industry professionals with the chance to unwind and mingle at several fun events, including the ABRS-Chrysalis Golf Tournament, slated for Valley Ridge Golf & Conference Centre on June 8. Visitors not interested in golf can take part in the Global Petroleum Show Industry Reception on June 9 at Ceili's Irish Pub & Cowboys Dance Hall. That same evening, the Petroleum Society Awards Banquet will recognize the support and dedication of the society's members.

Further information and registration details for GPS are available at petroleumshow.com. Organizers stressed that all GPS and CIPC featured event dates and locations are subject to change.

CIPC OVERVIEW

The Petroleum Society of CIM will host delegates from around the globe at its fifth annual Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC) and 55th Annual Technical Meeting. In addition to the Technical Conference, this year's program includes a new Business Conference designed to attract industry decision-makers in an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and networking.

Business Conference. For the first time, CIPC includes a one-day Business Conference on June 7. Entitled Visionary Leadership: Fueling Profitability with Sustainable Business Practices, this conference concentrates on global issues influencing the petroleum industry's financial longevity around the world.

Participants benefit from the knowledge and experience of others in an interactive setting. Seats at this conference will be filled by industry executives, including financial managers, industry analysts, economists, senior researchers and scientists, consultants, lawyers, and senior oil and gas advisors. The program has been carefully constructed to meet the needs and interests of these high-level decision-makers.

Technical Conference. CIPC also includes a three-day Technical Conference, June 8 – 10, that is entitled, Because Technology Changes Everything. This annual event showcases the latest technological advancements for exploration, development and production. More than 1,000 delegates from around the world will benefit from innovative papers and in-the-field, case study presentations.

The conference's profile continues to grow globally, with approximately one-third of the 300 abstracts submitted for presentation coming from outside Canada. In addition to the technical presentations, CIPC 2004 hosts Special Sessions that appeal to the general industry professional. A dozen continuing education tutorials are offered on June 7, and three Graduate Student Presentation Competitions are featured. The flagship social event – the Petroleum Society Awards Banquet – will be held at the Calgary Zoo's newest attraction, Destination Africa.

For more information on the 3,200-member Petroleum Society, visit www.petsoc.org. For more information on CIPC, and to register for the conference, go to www.petroleumshow.com.