2015 Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference photos

The industry's current state of affairs affected attendance at this year's Oil Sands Conference and Trade Show, but there still was a strong showing with 100 new exhibitors. — Robert Hawkins photo

The 2015 Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, was a success for Canadian Mining & Energy magazine. Several contacts were made and key insights into the industry gleaned.

Networking is a top reason why industry professionals the world over attend this event annually. Since 1985, it has been a business gateway to the oilsands community, and now more than ever it is important for industry professionals to get together and share their plans to weather the current economic state of the industry.

The theme of this year’s event was Stand Strong with Your Industry, and the reaction was positive.

“Feedback from a number of exhibitors was that they were able to connect with the right audience and had good conversations to carry forward as the industry finds a new norm,” said Bruce Carew, vice president of dmg events—the agency that organizes this event.

The trade show and conference was held at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. With 86,000 square feet of exhibit space, it is a generous venue for companies to showcase their products. Heavy equipment was also on display in the parking lot of the building.

The trade show itself took place on September 15 and 16, but networking opportunities began on September 14 with the sold-out Sand Trapped Golf Tournament at Miskanaw Golf Club in Fort McMurray. A charity event, this golf tournament raised close to $5,000 for the Keyano College Foundation.

Knowledge Bars were a new feature added to the trade show this year. These intimate gatherings were designed to connect buyers with sellers in a relaxed environment. Formal talks were scheduled on the hour and the following topics were presented: Enhancing Your Safety Management System with Operational Rigor; Defining Severe Service Valves; How To Evaluate Flame-Resistant Protective Clothing; Creating Social Value: The Key to Sustainability; and Waste Disposal Savings in the New Oil Price Environment.

Overall, the 2015 Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference was a success, and plans are underway for the 2016 event to be held September 13 and 14, 2016.

Keyano College had one of its simulators fired up for the show. — Robert Hawkins photo

Despite the current economic climate of the oilsands sector, there were a lot of smiles and a positive atmosphere at the show. — Robert Hawkins photo

Industry suppliers capitalized on the opportunity to showcase their products to attendees. — Robert Hawkins photo

Emerging technologies and cost-effective technologies were some of the topics discussed at the conference. — Robert Hawkins photo

Business development manager Chad Griffith was in attendance for Legacy Building Solutions of Canada. — Robert Hawkins photo

Rocky Mountain Equipment had one of its aerial drones on display from the recent acquisition of NGF Geomatics. — Robert Hawkins photo

Event quick facts

20 countries represented
3,920 registered attendees
400 exhibiting companies
67% of the sector focus was on oilsands
52% of the attendees function on an executive/senior level
Suncor, Syncrude, CNRL, Husky, Nexen, Imperial Oil, Enbridge and Willbros were the top-attending companies
20 countries represented
3,920 registered attendees
400 exhibiting companies
67% of the sector focus was on oilsands
52% of the attendees function on an executive/senior level
Suncor, Syncrude, CNRL, Husky, Nexen, Imperial Oil, Enbridge and Willbros were the top-attending companies

2015 Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference photo essay

Event quick facts