CDN NEWS | 
US NEWS 
By Terry Winnitoy – EnergyNow
Calgary’s flagship energy event draws more than 38,000 attendees as industry, government and investors align around energy security, investment and growth
For three days in June, Calgary once again became the centre of the global energy conversation.
This week Global Energy Show Canada 2026 concluded at the BMO Centre, and once again, EnergyNow was proud to be part of the action as a Strategic Marketing Partner.
What distinguished this year’s event for me from other past shows over the last number of years, was not only its scale, but its tone.
I know many people I talked to at the show are still taking a “wait and see” approach to what appears to be a seismic shift away from the anti-oil and gas policies of the Trudeau years by the current government. It’s understandable, many of those policies still exist, and while the “positive talk” from the Carney government is welcome, concrete action to eliminate key policies to help Canada become an energy superpower is still a work in progress.
But after ten years of uncertainty around investment, regulation, market access and federal energy policy, the mood at this year’s show was noticeably more optimistic. Across the exhibition floor, executive panels, political speeches and networking events, there was a renewed recognition that Canada’s oil and gas industry remains essential to the country’s prosperity, energy security and global relevance. A welcome change, especially at the federal level.
Canada Is Back in the Energy Conversation
Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson helped set the tone in his opening address, declaring: “Canada is back as a serious energy country. Canada is back as a place to invest capital. And Canada is back as a country that intends to build big things again.” No, he did not mention the reasons why Canada was not a serious energy country over the last ten years.
That statement captured one of the central themes of the week: Canada is beginning to reassert itself as a country capable of developing major energy infrastructure, attracting investment and supplying global markets with responsibly produced oil, natural gas, LNG, power and critical minerals.
Alberta’s Message: Responsible Growth
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reinforced the province’s role as Canada’s energy engine, emphasizing Alberta’s expertise, regulatory capacity and commitment to responsible growth.
“We have the expertise, the regulatory systems and a strong commitment to responsible growth,” Smith said, adding that Alberta is working to strengthen conditions that allow investment and innovation to move forward.
Her comments reflected a broader message heard throughout the conference: Canada does not need to choose between energy development and environmental performance. Instead, the opportunity lies in producing more energy, more efficiently, with better technology and stronger partnerships.
Energy Security, LNG and Global Demand Take Centre Stage
The 2026 show was held against a backdrop of rising global energy demand, geopolitical instability and increasing competition for capital and secure supply. That made energy security one of the dominant themes of the week.
International participation was strong, with representatives from Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Nigeria. Their presence underscored growing international interest in Canada as a reliable long-term energy partner.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Canada and Nigeria have opportunities to deepen cooperation in LNG development, methane emissions reduction, carbon management, CCUS, clean energy technologies, energy financing and project development. He added: “We need you now more than ever.”
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, also pointed to Canada’s strategic advantages, noting Canada’s vast resource base, democratic system and shared values with India. “We would like to do more with Canada,” he said.
Market Access and Building Big Things Again
Market access and infrastructure development were recurring topics throughout the show.
Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said Canada must prove it can build major projects faster and more efficiently. “We need to send the notice to the world that we can build things in Canada and build them economically, efficiently, and be productive,” Jean said.
That message resonated strongly with attendees who see pipelines, LNG export capacity, power infrastructure and Indigenous equity participation as essential to Canada’s next phase of energy growth.
AI, Data Centres and Technology Reshape the Energy Conversation
This year’s event also expanded its focus on artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals and Canada’s LNG opportunity. The Executive Conference featured a new format, including the Opening Plenary, Strategic Stage and Energy Talks, while the Energy Influencers Conference covered oil and gas, new energy, AI and data centre demand.
Saravan Penubarthi, Chief Technology Officer of AIQ, summed up the growing link between energy and technology, saying: “Energy and AI are going to be by far, at least at this point, the two biggest engines of progress for humanity.”
Across the show floor, more than 500 companies showcased solutions spanning oil and gas, LNG, power generation, critical minerals, carbon management, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Together, they demonstrated that Canada’s energy sector is not standing still — it is becoming more advanced, more integrated and more globally relevant.
A Green Light for Canadian Energy
Perhaps one of the strongest signals of renewed confidence came from the investment community.
Brian Boulanger, CEO and Director of ARC Financial Corp., told a private equity and institutional investors panel: “This is the third time that I’ve seen a big green light for Canada.” He added that “everyone wants more Canadian energy.”
That sentiment reflected the broader mood of the conference. After years of capital hesitation, policy uncertainty and public debate over the future of hydrocarbons, the conversation has shifted. Global markets want reliable supply. Allies want secure energy partners. Investors want jurisdictions that can build. Canada has the resources, talent and technology to answer that call.
One of the Most Successful Shows in Recent Years
Nick Samain, Senior Vice President, North America for dmg events, said Global Energy Show Canada 2026 brought together governments, industry leaders, investors and innovators at a defining moment for the global energy sector. He noted that conversations across the three-day event evolved into new partnerships, stronger international relationships and opportunities across the energy value chain.
The numbers support that view: more than 38,000 attendees, over 500 exhibitors, delegates from more than 100 countries, $70.6 million in economic impact, 23,000 supported jobs and 56,000 hotel stays. Those figures make clear that Global Energy Show Canada is not only a major industry gathering — it is a significant economic event for Calgary and a powerful platform for Canada’s energy ambitions.
The Return of Optimism
The most important takeaway from Global Energy Show Canada 2026 may not have been any single speech, panel or announcement.
It was the return of optimism.
This year’s show reflected a broader national realization that Canada’s oil and gas sector is not a relic of the past, but a strategic advantage for the future. In a world demanding secure, affordable and responsibly produced energy, Canada has what many countries need: resources, expertise, innovation, stability and trusted partnerships.
For Calgary, Alberta and Canada, the message from the 2026 Global Energy Show was clear.
Canada’s energy industry is no longer simply defending its place in the economy.
It is preparing to lead.
The Global Energy Show Canada is already preparing it’s program for 2027 and EnergyNow will be back providing it’s support.
Mark your clanedars. Global Energy Show Canada will take place next year from June 8 to 10, 2027.
Share This:
