Summary

The Petroleum Safety Conference (PSC) is Canada's premier oil & gas safety conference. It is an annual educational assembly and networking tradeshow for industry professionals and suppliers to share best practices and advocate for the health and safety needs of the overall oil and gas sector.

After PSC 2021 was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, PSC was thankfully able to resume at the Banff Springs Conference Centre for two full days in spring 2022. Being the 70th anniversary of the event, the focus was to bring everyone together again for a high-tech, innovative, and contemporary conference. BUKSA and Energy Safety Canada’s (ECS)’s planning and execution held these values in mind, producing a commemorative, enriching, and memorable experience for all attendees.

Our Role

For PSC 2022, BUKSA was asked to provide full conference management services. Our team was responsible for event timeline creation and monitoring, conducting core planning meetings with the ESC team, and preparing detailed final conference reports including financial reporting. We managed delegate materials, event signage, and the conference mobile app. Our team coordinated event registration and managed sponsorship strategy including prospectus development, sponsor recruitment, and benefit packages. We developed the tradeshow strategy including floor plans and facilitated exhibitor liaisons.

Lastly, our team was happy to provide on-site project management services including site inspections, venue liaisons, coordination of food, beverages, and décor, AV, ground transportation, and on-site event support.

Value Add

Adjusting to a New Normal

With the return to in-person events, it was crucial to ESC to provide an engaging experience for their audience while promoting health and safety. The BUKSA team placed risk management at the forefront of the event planning process and led communications with ESC, vendors, suppliers, and event staff to ensure a safe conference experience for the attendees. To mitigate any possible challenges, we implemented solutions including hosting an OH Nurse on-site, training back-up staff for extra support, and encouraging remote work by the event staff and BUKSA team prior to the event to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19.

To make the day-of experience exciting and comfortable for all, we produced paperless, mobile event programs and QR-coded nametags to minimize audience touchpoints. Attendees were able to customize their food and beverage choices because we offered individually packaged meals and snacks on-site. Of course, hand sanitizer and rapid test kits were readily available. This extensive planning meant that the conference delegates could enjoy the full event experience without having to stress about safety concerns – we took care of that.

Valuable and Memorable Attendee Experience

ESC was excited to welcome back its attendees, sponsors, and other stakeholders in-person and wanted to impress their audience by exhibiting a contemporary look. To accomplish this, we strategically created a new feel to the plenary space by doubling its size and provided an array of seating, including round, theatre, and cocktail tables. The result was a sizeable gathering space where attendees could enjoy all the signage and technology while networking with peers.  

Next, BUKSA worked with Encore media to create a visually impactful and high-tech space. New to the conference were digital pillars and signage in the foyer that displayed dynamic and rotating visuals. The high-tech décor had dual functions - to provide a clean and modern look and to display more content than otherwise possible with traditional printed signage.

Finally, BUKSA led the sourcing of an event emcee, recommending Stacey Brotzel, an award-winning CTV and radio broadcaster. Previous years included an internal staff member as the event host; this transformation meant that Stacey brought noticeable finesse, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the event content. The audience was excited by her positivity and loved the smooth run of show she delivered.