Calgary is hosting Canada's largest energy event this week, drawing industry leaders, policymakers, and global investors amid geopolitical uncertainty and soaring commodity prices. The Global Energy Show, now in its 58th year, has evolved from a gathering focused on heavy oilfield equipment to encompass topics like nuclear power and AI data centers.
Record Attendance and Excitement
Nick Samain, senior vice-president of dmg events, which organizes the conference, noted that the event is experiencing a resurgence. "It's the best show we've seen in a decade," he said, with organizers expecting around 30,000 attendees. Samain highlighted that Canada is back on the scene, citing recent acquisitions in the energy sector and government progress on major projects like pipelines.
Key Speakers and Exhibitors
The three-day event at the BMO Centre features hundreds of speakers and exhibitors from around the world. Notable participants include Cenovus Energy Inc. CEO Jon McKenzie, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The trade show floor is filled with industrial pumps, branded banners, and large battery units, reflecting the industry's diversity.
Attendee Perspectives
Tahbit Chowdhury, engineering director at FeedBand Labs Inc., is attending after an 11-year hiatus. "We are excited," he said, though he acknowledged past challenges. In 2015, his company lost 90% of its revenue when global energy prices crashed. Now, he believes economic pressures may foster openness to innovation. "Government, industry, and citizenry need to look inward to admit to what our strengths and weaknesses are," Chowdhury added. "It is far from easy sailing ahead."
Kevin Lin, CEO of Blink Energy Storage Solutions, is attending for the first time, selling battery units ranging from refrigerator-sized to shipping-container-sized. "What drew us here to Calgary is that it is the center of the energy industry in Canada," Lin said.
