Calgary unveiled a new special ambassador Wednesday as the city inches closer to hosting the World Petroleum Congress in September.
Rocky, a large red moose, made an appearance in the municipal building atrium as Mayor Jyoti Gondek and WPC president and CEO Denis Painchaud talked with the media about the upcoming event, which is to run from Sept. 17 to 21.
Gondek said Rocky was a hit at the last WPC in Houston in 2021.
“People flocked to have their picture taken with Rocky, and it brought a bit of Canadiana to Houston and a smile to everyone’s face. So much so, that we thought it’d be great to bring Rocky here to the municipal building, so he can continue to help promote the World Petroleum Congress and raise awareness within our city.”
She said the statue experienced a few bumps and scratches on its journey back to Canada, so Rocky spent a few days “at the spa” getting touched up by the city’s facilities management team before reappearing outside council chambers.
Painchaud said momentum is picking up significantly in preparation for the event, which will see 50 energy ministers or heads of state from around the world in Calgary, along with representatives from major global energy companies.
“We have sponsorship from over 30 sponsors from around the world, including strong sponsorship from our Canadian energy companies,” he said. “Over 25 countries have taken out space on our exhibition floor, which is almost sold out and on track to sell out by the end of June.”
Painchaud also said the delegate spots are expected to sell out.
According to the mayor, the congress is expected to generate $87 million in direct economic benefits.
The theme for September’s congress is “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero.” Gondek said hosting the event presents an opportunity for the city to position itself as a global leader in energy transformation.
Twitter: @brodie_thomas
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