If Fort McMurray and Lloydminster can do it, why not Bonnyville? It's a question that has been simply answered by the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce with the organization announcing the community will host its own resource sector show in the fall of 2011. A committee has been struck and planning is underway for Fueling the Future – Bonnyville and District Oil and Gas Show 2011
“It's a challenge but, being the vice president of the chamber, I felt it was important that the chamber get out there and spearhead something like this,” Robyn Ducharme, chair of the organizing committee, said. “We work and live in oil here but we don't get the chance to learn about it.”
Ducharme said hosting an oil and gas show in Bonnyville is a good fit for a community with such close ties to the industry and she expects participation from companies throughout Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
“It's about showcasing Bonnyville and district as the place for industry to do business and the place for employees in the industry to live, work and play. It's absolutely a huge undertaking,” she said. “We'll be showcasing the major oil and gas companies and service companies.”
Shows like these are also important networking opportunities for companies, Ducharme said.
The committee is working closely with the event planners from the Centennial Centre regarding the logistics of how everything will be accommodated. She estimates there will be upwards of 200 booths along with interactive displays both inside and outside the complex. Additionally, presentations on new technologies and innovations will be ongoing through the duration of the show.
An information night, which will detail what the organizing committee is working towards, will be held Oct. 7 at Shaw House beginning at 7 p.m. Ducharme said industry representatives will be invited to attend along with other interested parties. Anyone interested in learning more about the Bonnyville and District Oil and Gas Show 2011 can call 780-826-9469.
