It's Raining Oil: Houston To Host 2020 World Petroleum Congress

HOUSTON, TX — What happens when 10,000 delegates from around the world descend on Houston for an oil conference? The city's businesses and treasury receives a windfall, that's what. They'll have to wait until 2020, but Mayor Sylvester Turner and business owners are applauding the decision that put the 2020 World Petroleum Congress in Houston. Book your hotel room now.

Turner says the economic impact of the congress on Houston could reach $80 million.

“A key factor in Houston’s win over Vancouver was a promise to dedicate 100 percent of the net profit from the Houston event to establish a Global Legacy Program that will benefit the next generation of energy industry young professionals,” Turner’s office said in a statement. “The funds will be redistributed around the world by the WPC to select Legacy Projects that align with WPC Legacy Committee initiatives, including educating and developing the future of the energy industry.”

Houston bid unsuccessfully to host the event in 2014 and 2017, and was congress host last in 1987.

Houston's bid panel included more than 20 people and was chaired by Galen Cobb, of Halliburton. “A lot has happened in the 30 years since the U.S. last hosted the WPC,” Cobb said in a press release. “As the energy capital of the world, there is no better city than Houston to showcase the conference, technologies and energy revolution that is taking place right in our backyard.”

“I want to thank the U.S. bid committee for their hard work,” Turner added in the statement. “We spent six years building relationships with WPC delegates and it paid off. Houston is the epicenter of energy on the global scale and this is where the new technologies are being developed. The Houston event will feature strong speakers, strong technical tours, strong sponsorships and strong corporate and community support. This all combines with our diversity, welcoming attitude, entertainment and cultural offerings to create the best convention the WPC has ever seen.”

— Image of Mayor Sylvester Turner courtesy Mayor's Office