GO-EXPO

GO-EXPO and CIPC spotlight latest in upstream technology

 Preview of the agenda and technical program for Gas and Oil Exposition and Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, June 12�14, 2007 

Lauren W. Raber, Associate Editor

With innovative features, a strong technical program, and the largest projected attendance to date, both the Gas and Oil Exposition (GO-EXPO) and the Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC) will highlight the most cutting-edge technology available to solve upstream challenges. The two events will take place June 12-14, 2007, in Calgary. They will draw more than 20,000 attendees, 600 exhibiting companies, and 150 technical presentations and tutorials.

Fig. 1. CIPC and GO-EXPO are connected by a short C-Train ride through downtown Calgary.

GO-EXPO is a biennial event held in Stampede Park, which boasts workshops, seminars, networking opportunities and extensive exhibition space. CIPC, hosted by the Petroleum Society of Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), will move downtown to the TELUS Convention Centre. This year represents the Society’s 8th annual conference and 58th annual technical meeting. GO-EXPO and CIPC are only a short C-Train ride away from each other (Fig. 1), and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of both.

EXPOSITION OVERVIEW

More than 600 exhibiting companies�a 50% increase from GO-EXPO 2005�will share over 100,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor exhibit space to feature the industry’s latest innovations. Paula Arnold, marketing manager of GO-EXPO said, “GO-EXPO 2007 will be the largest in its history since 1979, both in exhibition space and visitors attending. We expect 20,000 industry professionals from all over the world to view the latest technologies available in oil and gas, discuss environmental concerns and solutions, and explore the heavy oil and oil sands phenomenon.”

Software Technology Theatre. Following the introduction of the Software Solutions Center at GO-EXPO 2005, the concept will return in 2007 with expanded possibilities. This year, the center will upgrade to a full-size Software Technology Pavillion, with space for 90 software provider exhibitions (up from 20). In addition, there will be a 1,200-sq ft demonstration theatre, where each software exhibitor can deliver free presentations to attendees.

Features. GO-EXPO will offer a variety of presentations and seminars. The Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) will teach 13 environmental professional development courses in a series called Environment Business 2007. Additionally, for the first time, the International Association of Directional Drilling (IADD) will hold two sets of workshops�one basic and the other advanced. The exposition will also offer a full-day course on Wednesday, June 13, about heavy oil, geared toward a non-technical industry audience.

Beyond the technical presentations, GO-EXPO will debut a GO-ROAD Truck Test Drive Centre. Qualified attendees will have the chance to test-drive the latest utility vehicles used in the industry on a track around Stampede Park. While at the Test Drive Centre, visitors can also learn about the advantages of leasing versus buying a fleet.

Fig. 2. More than 100,000 sq feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition space will feature the industry’s latest technology.

Keynote Luncheons. Each day, the exposition will offer a keynote luncheon. On Tuesday, June 12, the Hon. Robert Renner, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Deputy Government House Leader, will speak, and the Korean Ambassador to Canada, Soo Dong Kim, will deliver the keynote on Wednesday. At press time, the keynote for Thursday was not finalized, but it was expected to be a Middle Eastern speaker.

International Career Fair. WorldWideWorker will again sponsor the Oil Career Fair at GO-EXPO. As in past years, this is likely to be a popular asset in 2007, since the need for skilled petroleum industry personnel continues to rise. By visiting the fair’s website (www.oilcareerfair.com) prior to the exposition, candidates can apply for jobs online. Employers can then pre-select candidates to meet with on-site at the GO-EXPO Career Fair for face-to-face interviews.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The 2007 Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC), held in conjunction with GO-EXPO, will bring together some of the industry’s most talented members to discuss the latest in technological innovations. The theme remains consistent with that of past years: “Because Technology Changes Everything.” It reflects the continuing challenges that the industry faces in reviving maturing basins, developing frontier and unconventional resources, managing fluctuating prices, and sustaining production, all while protecting the environment.

CIPC will return downtown to the TELUS Convention Centre, which organizers feel is more convenient with reference to local attendees’ offices and traveling delegates’ hotels.

Technical Program. Attendance is projected to exceed 1,000, with 150-plus technical presentations offered throughout the three-day span, Table 1. Presentation topics include Heavy Oil and Bitumen Recovery; Polymer Flooding; Facilities and Production Optimization; Reserves and Business Issues; Well Test Analysis; Unconventional Gas; Drilling, Completions and Stimulation; and Mining and Upgrading.

TABLE 1. CIPC preliminary technical program

A number of Special Sessions will also be held, including panel discussions led by Special Interest Groups focusing on specific industry challenges. Additionally, graduate students from respected universities worldwide will present papers as part of the Graduate Student Presentation Competition. Catherine Laureshen, conference chair, commented that this competition “showcases the young talent that will soon be joining our industry.”

Tutorial Program. The ever-popular CIPC Tutorial Program will return in 2007, offering a full day of continuing education short courses on Monday, June 11, a day prior to the main conference’s opening. The Petroleum Society will offer 11 courses, ranging from Best Practices for Gas Field Modeling, to Exploitation of CBM, to Fracture Stimulation of Unconventional Reservoirs. The tutorials provide delegates with a brief overview of current practices and/or significant changes in certain areas of the industry. More details are available online at http://www.petsoc.org/CIPC_2007/.

Canadian Prospect Exchange and Technology Expo. For the first time, CIPC will, in addition to its partnership with GO-EXPO, team up with the Canadian Prospect Exchange and Technology Expo, also held in the TELUS Convention Centre, June 13�14. Delegates to CIPC can attend the Expo free-of-charge to evaluate prospects, farmouts and properties for sale, as well as to view displays of new technologies and products.