The WHOC was founded by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the Alberta government, Canadian Alberta Petroleum Centre (CAPC), and DMG World Media, an international exhibition and publishing company.

The event includes a two day business and technical Conference with at least five concurrent sessions.

DMG say that the event will bring together energy industry leaders and investors from around the globe to promote heavy oil technology development, foster relationships between supply and demand countries, and educate industry personnel on unconventional approaches.