BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the Bonnyville Oil and Gas show last week, bringing Industry Professionals from Alberta to the Lakeland.
The event filled the Cenovus arena at the Centennial Centre (C2) with exhibitors, with more in the main hub area, and outside in the parking lot where heavy machinery was displayed. The event took place on June 18 and 19.
Megan Wakefield, Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the Bonnyville Oil and Gas Show brings the energy community under one roof – connecting suppliers, contractors and decision makers in one spot. It showcases innovations in the industry and fosters strengthened ties between municipal reps and industry leaders.
“Hosting the show helps the Chamber drive economic growth, advocate for member success and keeps Bonnyville at the forefront of a fast-changing industry. We bring businesses directly in contact with local procurement reps through our Fast Lane Connections room that gets local business in front of procurement reps from major oil producers in the area, which has led to business in our town,” said Wakefield.
Exhibitor Brett Noble with Strike Group said they have been participating in Bonnyville’s Oil and Gas show for a long time, and it is always a great event for the community.
Jon Moreau with Red-L Ltd. has also been coming to the event for a number of years.
“You always see old faces - we like to come out and support the event,” said Moreau.
Exhibitors mingled with each other, making the event very social. Many spoke about the wonderful hospitality they received at the show, and how great it is to see what's new in the industry.
Wakefield said organizing such a large event was a welcome challenge for the non-profit.
“[It] felt like running a fun but challenging marathon with just our amazing small office of 2.5 staff . . . Pulling in support from our main sponsors and local partners kept our to-do list full. Juggling print deadlines, exhibitor logistics, digital campaigns and hospitality events tested our planning skills but seeing the success of the show reminded us why we do this,” said Wakefield.
She said the event could not have happened without the volunteers who helped things run smoothly.
“The event ran like a well-oiled machine. We welcomed over 750 unique attendees, featured 109 exhibiting companies and saw more than 1,100 visits over the two days. The floor buzzed with conversations at more than 90 booths indoors and 40 outdoors,” said Wakefield.
She shared how happy she was with how the event went, speaking to both the positive feedback she received, and the ideas for improvements at their next oil and gas show.
“Overall, the feedback was amazing. The strong turnout and the chance to win door prizes also helped. Exhibitors appreciated the mix of business networking and social activities like the golf night with supper and the exhibitor lounge services. Sponsors were happy with the visibility this event gained them, and we also even heard from a few exhibitors that they wanted to see this show yearly,” said Wakefield.
The event featured local businesses by hosting social events offsite at the Bonnyville golf club and at King Pins Bowling Alley. Wakefield said her team works hard to showcase warm hospitality and the beauty of Bonnyville.
“[We’re] always finding ways to support the community, and this event sold out hotels, supported restaurants, and gave a big boost to our local economy,” said Wakefield.
She also noted how fantastic the exhibitors were to work with, and that the show was sold out this year.
