The energy industry is changing fast, and Calgary's 2026 Global Energy Show (GES) - one of the world's premier industry conferences - is driving that change by thrusting research, training and industry collaboration to the fore, much of it based on work now under way at the University of Calgary.
As a leader in energy research and education, and guided by an established energy research strategy, UCalgary brings together expertise across disciplines and industry partners to develop energy solutions from lowering emissions to building and scaling the technologies that will power what comes next. Much of this work will be showcased at GES 2026, running June 9 to 11 at the BMO Centre.
One of North America's largest energy exhibitions and conferences, GES 2026 is expected to bring together more than 30,000 attendees, 500 exhibiting companies and 350 expert speakers from more than 90 countries to explore what's next across oil and gas, hydrogen, renewables, clean tech, and digital and AI-driven technologies.
"GES is where innovative ideas meet real-world use," says Dr. William Ghali, MD'90, UCalgary's vice-president (research).
"It gives UCalgary a chance to connect our research and talent with the people who can apply it, and it creates space for our researchers, students, alumni and partners to engage directly with the ideas shaping the energy future."
William Ghali addresses attendees at the networking reception at the 2025 Global Energy Show. Photo Credit: Adrian Shellard
Conversations driving the energy sector
GES offers a practical window into where the sector is headed. Conference programming and the exhibition floor bring together people influencing investment, policy and technology decisions, with conversations focused on practical pathways to reducing emissions, the role of emerging technologies and how global energy systems are evolving.
UCalgary researchers will contribute to those discussions, including sessions moderated by Haskayne School of Business Rising Star Award-recipient Madison Savilow, BA'19, BComm'19, on what it takes to make cleantech projects investment-ready, and by Dr. Pierre Kennepohl, PhD, associate dean, innovation, with the Faculty of Science, on how digital optimization and AI are helping data centres operate more efficiently.
UCalgary's presence at GES also includes recognition on the awards stage, with UCalgary alum Dr. Jithamala Caldera, MSc'17, PhD'24, postdoctoral research associate and delegate to the United Nations Science and Technology Major Group, nominated for both the Excellence in Energy Award and the Emerging Leader Award.
See UCalgary innovation up close
Conference-goers are invited to visit UCalgary's interactive booth in the event's Decarbonization Zone, featuring applied work spanning carbon capture, hydrogen, digital energy technologies and low-carbon innovation.
Among the work featured is CALF-20, a UCalgary-developed carbon-capture material that was highlighted by the Nobel Committee as part of the research recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Hands-on engineering experiences are supported by the Schulich School of Engineering Makerspace team, featuring tools such as 3D printers and a robotic arm. Discover how these interactive technologies help advance engineering in innovative and practical ways.
Ghali points to UCalgary's presence at GES as a reflection of how the university is preparing future energy leaders through programs shaped by today's energy landscape, including the recently relaunched Oil and Gas Engineering program, the Energy Science bachelor's degree, and the new Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Specialization within the Advanced Engineering Practice Program.
"Together, these offerings connect students with applied research and workforce-ready learning that supports practical pathways to meet Canada's net-zero by 2050 goal," says Ghali.
Join UCalgary at GES 2026
Those interested in learning and networking at GES can register here before April 30 to visit the trade show for free. Find the UCalgary booth in the Decarbonization Zone (#666).
Learn more about the CCUS Program
Engineering a net-zero future: Watch how UCalgary's new CCUS specialization is preparing engineers and geoscientists to support our energy future.
Applications close June 30.
