n Oilsands Trade Show focuses on new Green pavillion

Tuesday, 21 October 2008 18:14

GAIL JANSEN The Pipeline Named as one of the fastest growing trade shows by Trade Show Week, the Oilsands Trade Show and Conference, held Sept 30-Oct 2 in Edmonton, is one of the largest in the world with over 700 exhibitors. One of the most popular attractions during the three day show, the first ever Going Green Pavilion, is slated for a come back at next year’s show. “This was our first attempt to meet the environmental needs of our oilsands producers,” says event director Wes Scott. “We had 10 participants this year, but I could see that number easily doubling when we offer it again next year.” For a first attempt says Scott, the Green Pavilion was very well received. “The oilsands community is very aware of the environment and of its importance,” continues Scott. “They spend millions on research and technology that can help them meet their environmental guidelines. With the Alberta government doing such a good job of bringing in environmental regulations, having the exhibitors at the Green Pavilion helps producers see new ways they can work to meet those guidelines.” One such exhibitor in the Green Pavilion was Kyoto Containment Systems Inc. whose patented containment mat helps companies meet the new regulations that prohibits the draining of dirty wash water onto the land when doing something as simple as washing off their equipment. Others like Veolia Environmental Services help company’s use less water and clean that which they do use, while Nelson Environmental is a remediation company that digs out affected areas. “As a show that focuses on technology, we need to keep bringing new industries and exhibitors in that showcase the latest developments. With such a focus on the environment, many of those new developments can be found in green technologies, which is why we founded the Green Pavilion.” While new features garnered a great deal of attention, returning features were just as favoured, including the show’s eighth offering of the swiftly sold out Mine Site Tour. Consisting of a flight and overnight accommodation in Fort McMurray, the tour consisted of a three hour tour of the Suncor mine site, and a tour of the Oilsands Discovery Centre. “With the Mine Site Tour,” says Scott. “We tried to deliver a full experience for visitors to see what the oilsands are really about.” Attracting a good mix of business development and technical people, Scott says the participants of the tour were generally those, “who wanted to check on the oilsands as an investment opportunity or those looking to see whether or not their goods or services could be utilized there.” With nearly 10,000 people in attendance at this year’s show, unlike other shows that operate every second year, Scott says the Oilsands Trade Show and Conference is one that is needed yearly because of its highly technological focus. “The market is growing so fast,” says Scott. “And there are so many new opportunities for new technology, that our customers are telling us they need us to hold the show every year, just so that they can keep up with the changes.”