Global Energy Show exudes participants’ optimism, as attendance increases
Global Energy Show Canada 2026 (GES) concluded last Thursday, June 12, after bringing together more than 38,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors and delegates from over 100 countries to discuss energy security, investment and the future of global energy development. This represents a 5%-to-6% gain in attendance from the figure registered during the 2025 edition of GES.
Event organizer dmg events attributed the higher attendance and increased international participation to “the event's influence as a global forum for energy, investment and infrastructure discussions.” However, this editor would credit these improved numbers to not only events in the Middle East but also to last year’s departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It’s no secret that Trudeau’s administration over 10 years pushed a heavily renewables-laden agenda, along with a strong nod toward excessive environmentalism. In those many years, Canada’s oil and gas sector experienced stunted growth. While current Prime Minister Mark Carney has not exactly been perfect, he has loosened up energy policy enough to give oil and gas professionals a renewed sense of optimism.
Good array of speakers. Held at Calgary's BMO Centre during June 9-11, GES featured government officials, energy executives, investors and technology leaders examining the geopolitical, commercial and technological forces shaping the energy sector. A recurring theme throughout the conference was Canada's role as a reliable energy supplier amid growing global demand and increasing concerns over energy security.
“Canada is back as a serious energy country. Canada is back as a place to invest capital,” Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson said during the event's opening session. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith highlighted the province's resource base, regulatory framework and ongoing efforts to attract investment and support project development. “We welcome continued partnership and collaboration with industry, governments and investors from around the world,” said an enthusiastic Smith.
Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Chairman Jim Wright made the trip from Austin to Calgary, signifying the importance that the RRC places on working with Canada to ensure mutual energy security between that country and the U.S. Accordingly, he participated in a panel discussion on early Tuesday (June 9) afternoon.
“My purpose in coming up here is because I've been saying this now for quite some time,” Wright told World Oil afterwards, Fig. 1. “In Texas, we've got a lot of oil, but our oil is a sweeter, lighter crude…so, although our crude works as a blend, it doesn't work in every market. The reason I wanted to come to Calgary is that Canada has 18-19 specific gravity oil that, when mixed with our oil, will meet a lot more blends than what just our oil does. This, to me, gives us more exposure to market throughout the world. And I think, given the way the geopolitics are looking today, it's going to be important for us to have these types of partnerships, as with Canada. And I'm looking at them as being more stable than anyone else. (Editor’s note: An exclusive full interview with Chairman Wright will be forthcoming on the World Oil website and in the July issue.)
Meanwhile, conference discussions focused heavily on LNG development, energy infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, critical minerals and global energy trade. Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of market access and international partnerships in supporting future energy growth.
International participation included delegations and representatives from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America, reflecting growing interest in Canada's role within global energy markets.
The event also served as a venue for new business partnerships, strategic agreements and discussions on investment opportunities across the energy value chain. Executives and policymakers repeatedly pointed to rising global energy demand and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and supply development.
Brian Boulanger, CEO of ARC Financial Corp., told attendees that global demand for Canadian energy remains strong, while other speakers highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in LNG, carbon management and energy technology.
Organizers said the event generated an estimated C$70.6 million in economic impact for the Calgary region. Global Energy Show Canada will return to Calgary June 8-10, 2027.
