Calgary wins bid to host 2023 World Petroleum Congress

By Azeez Mojeed Olusola

The World Petroleum Council of Canada and Meetings and Conventions Calgary (MCC) have announced that Calgary will be the host city for the 24th World Petroleum Congress in 2023.

Calgary was selected as the host city for 2023 by members of the World Petroleum Council (WPC). The vote came after months of lobbying member countries: Calgary was competing against Baku, Azerbaijan; Astana, Kazakhstan; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hosting the 24th World Petroleum Congress will benefit Calgary with an estimated $65 million CAD in economic injection. Over 80 countries will be represented at the “Olympics of oil and gas”, bringing in an estimated 5,000 delegates to the city, including c-suite executives, global media and ministers of energy.

Further, hosting the Congress will boost Canada’s international presence in the global oil and gas industry and showcase the economic benefits of investment opportunities in Canada.

Hosting the 24th World Petroleum Congress will benefit Calgary with an estimated $65 million CAD in economic injection.

Denis Painchaud, Chairman of WPC Canada, commented: “Calgary’s bid was strong and demonstrated significant municipal and industry support, while showcasing the benefits of hosting in a city that’s bursting with energetic community spirit and a welcoming western hospitality.”

The World Petroleum Congress will be hosted by both the BMO Centre and Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, and will utilize an estimated 25 hotels. Calgary’s Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who helped present the bid in Russia said, “We are thrilled to host the 2023 World Petroleum Congress. Calgary is the Ultimate Host City and WPC is close to our hearts; we invite everybody to be a part of our energy and we are excited to showcase Canada’s innovative energy sector.”

Clark Grue, incoming chair of Meetings Mean Business Canada, notes, “This win is not only good for Calgary, but also for meetings and business in Canada. Conventions such as the WPC contribute intellectual capital to the host city, allowing Calgary and Canada’s expertise in oil and gas technology to shine on a world stage. Having global business events like the World Petroleum Congress is critical to fueling our economic engine.”