Heavy oil conference opens in Edmonton

World Heavy Oil Congress 2011, a comprehensive networking and educational forum for the heavy oil industry, launches today in Edmonton, Alberta. The Congress will take place March 14 - 17 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

World Heavy Oil Congress gathers delegates from 30 countries to network and learn about the heavy oil community. The Congress provides a forum for business and technical thought-leaders to address the commercial, regulatory, geo-political and technical issues related to the global heavy oil supply chain.

"World Heavy Oil Congress provides a forum for international professionals from Latin America, Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East to come together to discuss the advances and challenges facing the heavy oil industry," said Mayor Stephen Mandel, City of Edmonton and host of the 2011 Congress. "We are proud to welcome delegates to our city, a leader in the energy industry both geographically and economically."

Over the next four days nearly 1,000 delegates will converge to attend the Business and Technical Conference, Keynote presentations, Technical Tours, and networking events.

"This conference provides delegates from around the world the opportunity to come together to address the shared challenges facing the heavy oil industry and to set a course for the future," said Jean-Michel Gires, Congress Chair and President and CEO of TOTAL E&P Canada. "This will be a week to exchange best practices, gain insight into technological advances and build our networks to further collaboration and increase performance." 

Key highlights of the World Heavy Oil Congress include:

• Opening Ceremonies on Monday, March 14, featuring governmental and industry leaders;
• An official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring the Honourable Iris Evans; Minister of International & Intergovernmental Relations on Tuesday, March 15 at 12:00 noon on the Exhibition Floor;
• 2012 Launch Party hosted by the Aberdeen City Council in celebration of the 2012 Congress travelling overseas to Scotland; and
• Keynote speeches by TOTAL, Chevron, PDVSA, PeruPetro and the Government of Saskatchewan.

"We are excited to open the 2011 Congress to our esteemed exhibitors, delegates, visitors and invited guests," said Ryan Murray, Event Manager with dmg :: events. "The magnitude of the Congress both in presentation and attendance places it at an elite level within the heavy oil industry. Business and technical presenters, exhibitors and keynote speakers combine to create a unique experience that is relevant, thought-provoking and dynamic." 

A Business Conference featuring key operators and service companies will address the economic and environmental concerns facing the energy industry. In addition, over 130 technical papers will be presented ranging from topics such as SAGD, Enhanced Recovery and Thermal Operations.