World Petroleum Congress returns to Calgary for 1st time in 23 years

The World Petroleum Congress (WPC) is known as the “Olympics” of the petroleum industry — a dynamic global gathering of industry leaders, governments, and academics, all eager to discuss the state of the energy industry and its future. 

In 2023, WPC returns to Calgary for the first time in 23 years and is predicted to draw over 5,000 delegates for its exhibition, technical program, and strategic sessions. UCalgary will be on the exhibition floor, presenting the institution’s energy strategy, Energy for the Common Good, and showcasing some exciting hands-on innovation demos.  

WPC passes are on sale for a range of prices, based on level of access and the number of days delegates wish to attend. Student rates are available for US$19 per day, for access to the exhibition, technical sessions, and the clean tech expo. Regular trade exhibitor rates start at US$94 per day. Register now on the WPC website. 

UCalgary at WPC 2023 

There are lots of ways to engage with UCalgary at WPC. First up, you can visit us on the exhibition floor in booth #3329. You can connect with teams from around the university and check out demos of some of our innovative energy research. Demos will include the PoMELO roving methane sensing system, the Canadian Climate Policy Partnership interactive database, novel carbon products, and geothermal measuring devices.  

You can also hear from Dr. Ian Gates, PhD, director of the Global Research Initiative and professor in the Schulich School of Engineering, at the session Speakers Corner: Valuable Carbon Products from Heavy Oil on Sept. 19 at 8:45 a.m. at the BMO Centre. Gates will describe options for non-fuel carbon products from heavy oil including asphalt, carbon black, activated carbon, and graphitized carbon. An overview of process options will be discussed as well as the value proposition offered by carbon products from heavy oil. 

If you’re in more of a movie mood, Haskayne School of Business professor Harrie Vredenburg has translated his 30 years of research into a compelling documentary, Without Leaving Anyone Behind: Exploring our Way to an Energy Future, that showcases ways to a low-carbon-emissions world without limiting continued economic development. It will screen on Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m at the BMO Centre. If you wish to attend the screening, you must have at least a Trade Visitors and Exhibition pass. 

Learn more about UCalgary’s presence at WPC on the Research website.