On October 28th, 2025, hundreds of energy professionals from across Western Canada came together at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre for the first-ever AbaData User Conference, a full day dedicated to the future of energy operations software.
This inaugural event brought together hundreds of producers, service providers, regulators, engineering firms, and technology partners to learn, connect, and explore the innovations shaping the next chapter of energy operations.
It exceeded expectations, and set the stage for many more events to come!
"I appreciated that the breakout sessions were practical, informative, and genuinely targeted towards learning, not just glorified sales pitches. Please keep that up!"
"My only comment is WOW! Congrats on a first-class event: from the venue, to the food, the Keynotes, the organization, the sponsorship opportunity and more! EVERYTHING was fantastic!"
The conference opened with a series of compelling keynote presentations that set the tone for the entire day. Former Suncor CEO and Jotson founder Mark Little shared forward-looking insights on the future of innovation in Canada’s energy sector, highlighting the technologies and operational models shaping what comes next. AbaData executives Jason Toews and Kurtis Poettcker followed with an in-depth look at how integrated field software is transforming operations across Western Canada, improving efficiency, strengthening data workflows, and enabling teams to make more informed decisions. Rounding out the keynote lineup, Mike Hanson and David Morin from the 10in10in10 Marathon Challenge delivered an inspiring session on the power of community, resilience, and charitable leadership, underscoring the impact that everyday people can have when they rally behind meaningful causes.
One of the standout moments of the conference was the AI & Digitization Panel, moderated by Doug Schweitzer, Co-Founder & CEO of Ultimarii and former Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy & Innovation. Doug guided a dynamic discussion with panelists Simon Rivard (VP of Production, Ember Resources), Gary Krushell (Director, Digital Operations, Baker Hughes), and Kurtis Poettcker (Founder & CTO, AbaData).
Together, they offered an unfiltered look at how artificial intelligence, automation, and data integration are driving real, measurable improvements across the energy industry. The panel explored everything from predictive maintenance and automated workflows to emerging data strategies and the cultural shift required for organizations to fully embrace digital transformation. Attendees walked away with practical insights, forward-looking perspectives, and a clear understanding of how AI is reshaping field operations today.
The conference featured over a dozen technical breakout sessions that showcased AbaData’s rapidly evolving product ecosystem and the innovations being used by energy professionals every day.
From new functionality in AbaData Maps 3.0, to live product walkthroughs of Field Ops, TRIAGE, Equipment Management, opLYNX, BC Pipelines, and more, these sessions gave attendees practical, hands-on exposure to the tools driving operational efficiency across Western Canada. Many of the sessions were co-led by superusers and industry experts, offering real-world examples and demonstrations of how organizations are leveraging AbaData to save time, reduce risk, and simplify compliance. Whether attendees were looking for quick tips or long-term digital strategy insights, the technical sessions provided value for every skill level and role type, from field technicians to data analysts to engineering managers.
While the event was packed with content, one of its most valued aspects was the opportunity for face-to-face connection. Producers, service providers, regulators, and technology leaders from more than 90 organizations came together, creating a rare environment for open conversations and industry-wide learning.
Attendees had the chance to meet with the AbaData team directly, ask questions, share feedback, and learn how peers across the sector approach similar operational challenges. Many participants described the networking component as one of the most impactful parts of the day, noting how energizing it was to be surrounded by professionals who are forward-thinking, collaborative, and committed to finding success with digital technologies.
A defining highlight of the conference was the remarkable charitable impact achieved through ticket sales. With 100% of proceeds donated, the event raised more than $30,000 in support of the three local charities championed by the 10in10in10 Marathon Challenge: KidSport Calgary & Area, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area, and the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS). The charitable keynote from Mike Hanson and David Morin emphasized not only the importance of community leadership, but also the meaningful ways the energy sector can come together to create real positive change. This initiative added a powerful sense of purpose to the event and was widely applauded by attendees and sponsors alike.
Below is a collection of images that capture the excitement of the day.
The 2025 AbaData User Conference was an important milestone for our team and community, a shared moment to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of field operations software together. Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and partner who made this inaugural event such a success.
We’re already hard at work planning what comes next. With even more innovation on the horizon, we can’t wait to continue building powerful tools that help elevate our industry to new levels.
To stay up to date on all of our exciting updates and announcements, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.
