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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251119T080000
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SUMMARY:CHOA CONNECTS 2025: Gravity and Grit - Stability\, Strategy\, and Heavy Oil in Dynamic Times
DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT! \nCHOA CONNECTS 2025: Gravity and Grit – Stability\, Strategy\, and Heavy Oil in Dynamic Times. \n\nDOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM HERE\n\n\nThis business-oriented conference brings together subject matter experts\, upper management\, and influential industry professionals with a common goal – to seize the opportunities present in the heavy oil and oil sands space and develop fluid strategies to build stability in dynamic times. The full-day event will explore business drivers and growth strategies\, operations efficiency\, producer-supplier dynamics\, leading technologies\, future industry talent\, Indigenous relationships\, geopolitical circumstances\, market directions\, trade influences\, and more.\n\n\n\nKEYNOTES: \nSHELLEY POWELL\, Senior Vice President\, Operational Improvement & Support Services\, Suncor \nROB MORGAN\, Chief Executive Officer\, Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)\, “Demystifying the Regulator – Rob Morgan’s introduction to the AER” \nRead more here. \n\n–\nSESSION 1: Operational Efficiency in Canadian Oil and Gas: Tactics that oil and gas operators are using to reduce costs and compete in today’s market\n\nIn today’s volatile market\, operational efficiency is key to staying competitive. This panel discussion explores the practical strategies that Canadian oil and gas operators are deploying to reduce costs and enhance resilience. Industry experts will share insights on optimizing production\, leveraging technology\, streamlining supply chains\, and adopting sustainable practices that drive long-term profitability. \nAttendees will gain valuable perspectives on cost-saving measures\, innovations in digital transformation\, and regulatory considerations affecting efficiency. By examining real-world case studies and emerging trends\, this session will equip professionals with actionable tactics to navigate uncertainty and strengthen their competitive edge.  \nThis panel promises a dynamic exchange of expertise and forward-thinking solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Canada’s oil and gas sector. \n\nPanelists: \n\nTerry Chmelyk\, Vice President\, Systems\, Software & Solutions\, Spartan Controls\nRhys Mersereau\, Senior Vice President\, Canada West\, Worley\nCraig Watt\, Contact Engineering Manager\, In Situ Oil Sands Assets\, Suncor\nTom Gear\, Operations Executive &  Former Senior Vice President Oilsands at MEG Energy\n\nRead more about Session 1 here. \n–\nSESSION 2: Digital Solutions: Machine Learning and AI Applications in Heavy Oil\nInnovation and adaptability have long defined the heavy oil industry’s response to complex challenges. This session will explore how digital solutions are transforming the sector today and shaping its future. From machine learning and AI applications to advanced analytics for complex well designs\, the discussion will highlight how these technologies are empowering heavy oil professionals to drive smarter operations and more strategic decisions. \nPresenters: \n\nStacey McLennan-Waldal\, Director\, Generative AI & Data Agents\, ATB Financial\, “Beyond Analytics: How Agentic AI Can Empower Heavy Oil Professionals for Smarter Operations and Strategic Decisions” \nCrystal Lui\, Associate Partner\, Mining & Energy\, IBM\nChad Lemke\, Executive VP & Chief Commercial Officer\, GLJ Ltd.\n\nRead more about Session 2 here. \n–\nSESSION 3: Business Growth in Heavy Oil\nThis session explores how operators of different sizes and structures are building sustainable\, repeatable projects in Alberta’s heavy oil sector. Through operator perspectives and panel discussion\, attendees will gain insights into strategic decision-making\, capital allocation\, and operational excellence across the growth spectrum. \nPanelists: \n\nAlex Filstein\, Chief Technology Officer\, Watercut Inc.\nMatt Janisch\, President & Chief Executive Officer\, Islander Oil & Gas Inc.\nDerek Evans\, Executive Chairman\, Pathways Alliance\nKarla Ingoldsby\, Vice President\, Thermal Oil\, Athabasca Oil Corporation\n\nRead more about Session 3 here. \n–\nSESSION 4: Business and Borders: How Domestic and Global Politics Are Shaping Our Industry\nRecent events have made it clear—politics isn’t just background noise; it’s a driving force for our industry. This session explores the most pressing developments in international relations\, trade policy\, and Canadian political dynamics that are shaping the business landscape. Join us for expert insights into the geopolitical and domestic currents every energy professional should be paying attention to. \nPanelists: \n\nGitane De Silva\, ICD.D\, Strategist\, Diplomat\, Former CEO\, Canada Energy Regulator\, Former Deputy Minister\nSusan Bell\, SVP Downstream\, Rystad Energy\nMartin Ignasiak\, Head of Energy Regulatory Practice\, Bennett Jones LLP\nHeather Exner-Pirot\, Director of Energy\, Natural Resources and Environment program\, Macdonald-Laurier Institute\n\nRead more about Session 4 here. \n–\nADDITIONAL CONFERENCE FEATURES*: \n\n*Future Innovators Corner \nThe Future Innovators Corner spotlights the upcoming energy leaders. This dedicated space offers post-secondary students the occasion to attend a Young Professional panel and participate in mentoring circles with young professionals.  \nDOWNLOAD THE FUTURE INNOVATORS PROGRAM HERE \n  \n*Industry Corner \nThe Industry Corner offers event sponsors the platform to connect one-on-one with other industry participants\, share their innovations and keep attendees informed of the latest advancements throughout the day. \n  \nThank you\, CONNECTS 2025 Sponsors! \n  \nMorning Keynote Sponsor: GLJ ltd. \n \nPre-Lunch Keynote Sponsor: Strathcona Resources Ltd. \n\n \nSession Sponsors: FET Variperm\, Halliburton\, Scovan\,  \n         \n\nFuture Innovators Sponsor: Canadian Natural \n   \nIndustry Sponsor: Thermo Design Engineering\, NanosTech\, Treeline Well Services LP \n          \n\n  \nMorning Break Sponsor: Baker Hughes \n \n  \nGeneral Sponsor: Bird Construction  \n \n–\nCONFERENCE AT A GLANCE \n07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast and Registration \n08:00 – 08:30 Morning Keynote: Shelley Powell \n08:30 – 10:00 Session 1 \n10:00 – 10:30 Morning Break (30min) \n10:30 – 11:30 Session 2 \n11:30 – 12:00 Pre-Lunch Keynote: Rob Morgan \n12:00 – 13:00 Lunch (60 min) \n13:00 – 14:30 Session 3 \n14:30 – 15:00 Afternoon Break (30min) \n15:00 – 16:30 Session 4 \n16:30 – 17:30 CONNECTS Social \n  \nTo book a table and get the group registration discount\, email office@choa.ab.ca. \n  \n\nTHANK YOU 2024 CHOA CONNECTS SPONSORS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS\n\n\n\n\n  \nTo become a CHOA CONNECTS 2025 sponsor\, email us at office@choa.ab.ca. 
URL:https://choa.ab.ca/event/choa-connects-business-conference/
LOCATION:The Hudson Loft\, 200 8 Avenue SW\, 6th Floor\, Calgary\, AB\, T2P 1B5\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conferences,Premium Live Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://choa.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Nov-19-CONNECTS-Register-QR-1.jpg
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