The term “energy” is defined as a “source of useable power” and for dmg events which has produced the Calgary Global Energy Show for more than 45 years, that has meant curating, panels, conferences and discussions for a broad spectrum of sectors. This year’s edition is even more relevant with the recent critical events shaping our world. BusinessEdge Senior Editor Ernest Granson caught up with dmg events senior vice president, North America, Nick Samain in the midst of organizing this year’s show.
BE Nick, good to have you back again to talk about the Global Energy Show in Calgary, Alberta.
NS Ernest, it’s great to be back, and thanks for having me.
BE So much has happened over the past year since last year’s energy show, most of which we never would have expected. What kind of impact do you think that the recent global events have had on the energy sector, and would that impact be noticeable in this year’s show?
NS Yes it has been quite a year. As we like to say in the convention business, that’s a good thing because I can assure you that at this year’s global energy show there’s no shortage of things to talk about and we’re really tackling those issues that you mentioned head on. Think about what’s happened here in Canada in the last 12 months. We’ve loaded our first LNG cargo at Kitimat. We’ve seen LNG phase two be designated a project of national interest. There have been advancements on a federal-Alberta MOU and a corridor agreement to open up new export routes to the Pacific. More recently there’s news about a sovereign wealth fund and federal commitments to co-invest billions of dollars alongside private capital in energy infrastructure projects. And as you mentioned, there is the continued geopolitical disruption with the Strait and others disrupting the global energy sector.
And all this is really shining a big spotlight,t day in and day out, on the Canadian energy sector and Canada’s role as opening up new opportunities to partner with and export to more countries around the world. We’re really seeing quite an alignment and a much different energy year. So the convention is really taking that under its belt with its program, assembling a group of global leaders, ministers and CEOs to talk about what it means and what things could look like moving forward.
BE Yes, and as you just mentioned, I see that several panel discussions are taking place within the show’s Executive Conference Program. Included on the program’s list is, no surprise, the keynote address by the Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson. But you also have Wasaba Al Akabi, the upstream CEO for the Abu Dabi National Oil Company, or ADNAC, plus numerous other prominent energy executives and individuals taking part. Maybe take us through some of the issues that the speakers and the panelists will be tackling in the Executive Program.
NS The Executive Program is really focused on several themes. We have a lineup of not just domestic CEOs and ministers, both federal and provincial from here in Canada but also from an international standpoint, such as the minister you just mentioned, from ADNOC and other major companies from different regions – the Middle East, North Africa, from Asia, from India. On the docket we have energy security, as well as Canada’s role in building domestic major projects and how that will sync with existing and new off-takers of energy looking for that reliable, secure, and affordable supply.
There is a tremendous amount of debate about powering AI data centers and digital power. It’s been exciting to watch as energy and the power of artificial intelligence have melded together along with discussions about pipelines and infrastructure. There will be discussion around nuclear energy and what that means for electrification. Discussions will touch on critical minerals and there will be a strong focus on technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage and the price of carbon. Also, policy in and around Indigenous partnerships will be included.
There’s a lot converging through the program this year, and it’s going to be a tall order for the panelists, for the speakers, and for the moderators to really boil this down over three days. When you have the strength of this group of leaders together with more than 3,000 registered for the ExecutiveCconference, coming together from all across Canada and all around the world it’s a sign that Canada, in a broader sense, is ready to do business. That is very exciting for for us, as organizers to put this together. There will be some really fascinating sessions taking place. I believe some of those discussions will put you on the edge of your seat because these are compelling and consequential issues and not just for an industry sector. Many of these issues can have consequences for the average Canadian such as sovereignty, the definition of our identity as a country, and our future economic direction. Many of those topics are directly related to the energy sector, and we’re trying to capture that in this context.
BE Nick, one of the really interesting and inspiring features is the Global Energy Show Awards, which recognize a wide variety of companies and individuals who’ve demonstrated leadership and innovation over quite a range of technology sectors and business categories. Maybe you can give us some examples of candidates who have been nominated for these various categories of awards.
NS I’m so glad you asked me about that, Ernest. The Global Energy Show Awards, is such an incredible program. It’s strongly supported by a committee, that I assure you, takes this as seriously, if not more seriously than any other awards. We receive a response for these from far and wide, both from here in Canada and internationally, whether it’s for leadership, of which there are several categories, or technology, with both individual and company recognition I never miss the awards luncheon because it really does highlight the courage it takes to innovate. This innovation takes place when times are difficult as well as when times are good, and somewhere in between and these awards really emphasize that point. We have been overseeing this award ceremony for more than 10 years and this year’s version will be jam packed.
BE It’s interesting to note that another feature at the Energy Show is the Indigenous Women in Energy Dinner. That seems to be a very forward-thinking step. And what is the thinking behind this feature?
NS We work so very closely with our indigenous partners and supporters in and around the event, our friends at First Nations LNG, our friends at the National Coalition of Chiefs and our friends at the Indian Resource Council, not just for the production of this incredible initiative that’s happening at the event, but really shaping the entire event. We’re well aware of the influence of a mega convention such the Global Energy Show. With attendance of 30,000 people, there are eyes everywhere, and a large media presence. We think it’s important to promote and bring attention to this event. We believe it’s a wonderful initiative, and one that we’re very proud to have at the Global Energy Show this year.
BE Finally, Nick, what benefits do you see that participants in the various conferences and panels, as well as the average attendees, will they gain when they depart from this year’s show?
NS One of the great things about this convention, and other conventions that are this large in scope is that you can attend the Global Energy Show and move seamlessly to all the events. We have an all-access pass, so if you want to see high level speakers like the Energy Minister, the premiers, global CEOs and energy leaders on stage you are able to do that, but you’re also able to then move to informal events such lounge network meetings. Other times, you may want to ditch the tie and go outside to take in our wonderful outdoor exhibition. There’s a large live equipment demo zone where you can see oil field equipment in action. The show will always, at least under my watch, retain that heritage.
There’s also a significant technical side to this. Our Energy Influencers, which is the technical conference backbone provides critical content supported by more than a dozen key associations. Here you can meet with those early career energy professionals, and even students, who are shaping the next industry generation with fresh ideas and technologies like AI, and robotics. We’re also working with our great friends at the Geothermal Conference.
If you want to visit the world, we have a record number of international pavilions exhibiting this year so you literally can go from India to Italy to the UK to China to South America. There is a tremendous international presence throughout the exhibition.
From a delegation standpoint, if you’re looking to do some deal making, attend the conferences or do all of this and more we have implemented a brand-new live app where you can connect with people for the many networking events.
As far as fun, of course, there’s the opening night reception. We’re putting on a Western social rodeo event, and there’s barbecues and live music. It’s just such a wonderful week – all about energy in Calgary. We’re really thrilled to have the opportunity to be stewards of this tremendous global energy show community.
BE And it’s come such a long way over the years. I can attest to that. Nick and thanks again for taking us through the always full and complete and intriguing global energy show. We appreciate your time today.