Calgary prepares to host the World Petroleum Congress to discuss global energy transition

CALGARY — The Canadian Organizing Committee for the 24th World Petroleum Congress (“OCAN”) announced numerous milestones ahead of hosting the Congress in Calgary, Canada, from Sept. 17 – 21, 2023.

Key milestones include recognition of the initial industry and government sponsors and partners which will underpin the success of the Congress, selection of keynote speakers for the Strategic Program of the Congress, updates on registration timelines and pricing and the appointment of two new Board Members to the Canadian Association of the World Petroleum Council.

As OCAN progresses planning, the excitement surrounding the Congress and its theme of Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero, continues to build and participation continues to grow.

24th Congress Registration Timeline

As the momentum for the 24th WPC continues to build, OCAN announced that registration for the Congress will go live in early Jan. 2023 with early bid rates available until March 2023. All delegates requiring a visa are encouraged to visit the 24th WPC website for information and support with Visa applications to the Government of Canada.

Recognizing our Sponsors

The diverse cross-section of sponsors supporting the 24th Congress, includes global and domestic energy leaders and supporting companies and government partners, demonstrating the strong interest in the Congress as industry and governments seek to establish a Path to Net Zero.

With the Congress 10 months away, interest in sponsorship opportunities has been very strong. Our confirmed sponsors include Accenture, QatarEnergy, Repsol, Cenovus Energy, Suncor Energy, Pathways Alliance, BP, Chevron, Petrobras, Bennett Jones, Hatch, MEG Energy, Shell Canada, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Stikeman Elliott.

OCAN recognizes the Government of Canada’s agency, PrairiesCan, for critical funding support in addition to a material partnership with the Government of Alberta. The City of Calgary has also committed to providing important in-kind contributions for the Congress, which will make this world-class event a success.

With sponsorship discussions proceeding with numerous global and Canadian organizations, further sponsorship announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Additionally, OCAN expects to sell all available exhibition space at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

“As a global energy hub, Calgary is taking a leadership role in energy transformation and delivering net zero solutions,” says the Mayor of Calgary, Jyoti Gondek. “We are pleased to be both a supporter and the host city of the 24th Congress and look forward to welcoming the world to Calgary.”

“Achieving a net-zero economy by 2050 requires all orders of government working together in partnership with industry leaders, creating new investment opportunities for clean technology firms in Alberta and across the country. By hosting the 24th World Petroleum Congress in Calgary, we will showcase to the world how Canada is leading the way in clean energy innovation and a great place to invest,” says the Honorable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

 “Calgary is at the center of Canada’s shift towards a clean energy economy. Hosting this event will provide the energy sector with a chance to connect with a global audience and showcase its leadership in developing clean technologies. This will help Canada achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals by 2050,” says George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“We greatly value the significant support and encouragement we have received from our diverse group of corporate sponsors across the energy sector and supporting fields as well as from our government partners representing all three levels of government,” says Richard Masson, Chairman, WPC Canada.

“The coming Congress is the platform to discuss pressing issues facing industry and society, and with the support of our sponsors and government partners, we are confident that the Congress will generate innovative and insightful solutions as we seek to transition to net zero.”

Strategic & Technical Program Update

The recently completed global call for technical papers received nearly 1,300 abstracts for 17 forums from over 50 countries, demonstrating the strong interest in the Congress theme and ensuring the Congress will deliver a high-quality technical program focused on innovation to meet the world’s collective energy challenges.

Most of the speakers for the strategic program have been invited by the WPC Secretariat and a core international team of content advisors and feature some of the world’s most renowned energy experts. The full list of speakers participating in the strategic program will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We will have an outstanding group of industry, government, and thought leaders participating in the Strategic Program,” said Dr. Pierce Riemer, Director General of the WPC. “The 24th triennial WPC Congress comes at a pivotal time as society seeks to address climate change, energy security and affordability and energy poverty. “I believe the Calgary Congress will be the most impactful in the history of our organization.”

He noted that the WPC recently approved the creation of a new name, logo, and brand identity as part of the implementation of its strategic plan. He added that this project was progressing well and that the new WPC brand would be launched in early 2023.

WPC Canada announces new Board Members

WPC Canada, which is the governing body for OCAN and provides oversight on Congress planning, confirmed the appointments of Elizabeth Boright and Almas Kassam to the WPC Canada Board of Directors.

Elizabeth is the Managing Director for Alberta for Accenture Canada while Almas is the Director of Strategic Engagement for Cenovus Energy. Elizabeth and Almas bring extensive experience in technology development and application, finance, strategic planning, stakeholder relations and communications to the WPC Canada Board. They will enhance the capability and capacity of the Board to provide effective oversight of OCAN and Congress planning.