BONNYVILLE – It’s back. The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the Bonnyville Oil and Gas Show (BOAGS).
On June 21 and 22, BOAGS will take over the inside and outside of the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre (C2).
This biennial event is not a trade show and is not a career fair. "This is an oil and gas show," said Serina Parsons, the executive director for the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce.
BOAGS is an opportunity for companies who have boots on the ground and service the oil and gas sector to showcase what they offer and connect with others in the industry.
Launched in 2011, this is the sixth BOAGS event to be held in the Town of Bonnyville and the first one to be held since 2019.
The region's top oil and gas producers will be in attendance, taking part in opening ceremonies, showcasing their projects, and participating in the Oilmen’s Room.
The Oilmen’s Room is a networking opportunity unique to BOAGS, where exhibitors come face-to-face with procurement professionals from the largest industry producers in the region. This year’s event has attendance confirmed by Canadian Natural, Inter Pipeline, Strathcona Resources, and more.
“When this show launched, the organizers thought hard about how to maximize value and impact for the exhibitors who attend, and that is when the idea for the Oilmen’s Room was launched,” said Parsons.
The Oilmen’s Room offers exhibitors five minutes to meet with decision makers and ask questions in reverse speed dating style.
“With growth in technology, we wanted to bring it back to the basics because when it comes to making quality connections there is no substitute for a handshake and a smile,” Parsons added.
But the benefits go both ways. “You're talking to the people who have boots on the ground. You're talking to the people that know what's happening in the area, you're talking to the people that are responsible for the economic growth,” she said.
The Oilmen’s room is offered exclusively to exhibitors of the show and each exhibitor must register to secure their place.
Carbon capturing close to home
There is renewed energy in the industry right now, noted Parsons. Coming out of the pandemic and with the price of oil increasing and new projects on the horizon, the future is looking bright for northeast Alberta.
“Northeast Alberta not only has some of the world’s largest oil reserves in the world, the current growth potential with a new carbon capture facility that will be built here in the Lakeland ensures economic growth potential for years to come,” said Parsons.
Speaking at the BOAGS opening ceremony on the evening of June 20 will be Pathways Alliance’s president Kendall Dilling.
“Our goal is to ensure the show includes the best connections, information and resources that impact our region. It is for this reason that we are so happy to provide the public with a chance to hear firsthand how Pathways Alliance will be positively impacting our region,” Parsons said.
Pathways Alliance, an organization made up of Canada’s six largest oil sands producers, aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Pathways’ vision is to construct a major carbon capture and storage system line connecting up to 20 oil sands facilities in the Fort McMurray, Christina Lake and Cold Lake regions of Alberta to a carbon storage hub in the Cold Lake area.
RELATED STORY: Cold Lake area proposed as site for underground carbon capturing
Representatives from Pathways Alliance will also have a booth where members of the public can ask questions about the proposed carbon capture project slated to be built in the region.
The opening ceremony, which falls on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, will also include a performance by 2023 Juno award winners, the Bearhead Sisters.
“This is the show you want to attend,” said Parsons.
The public is encouraged to pre-register as an attendee in advance for free admission, or pay $20 at the door. Proceeds from entry costs will go to STARS Air Ambulance.
To register a booth for BOAGS, visit www.bonnyvilleoilandgasshow.com.
“To make sure you get the best marketing for your business, register before May 12,” Parsons added.
