Dinosaur experts gather near Calgary

Dinosaur and fossil enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Drumhellerthis weekendfor to share their knowledge and expertise at the sixth annual Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposium.

It brings together participants from Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom and all across North America. With 120 people registered, it is expected to be the best attendance to date for the annual symposium.

"Hosting [this] is a great honour for Alberta," said Heather Klimchuk, Alberta's minister of culture, in a release.

"It is wonderful to welcome local, national and international delegates and to see recognition for the excellence of the Royal Tyrrell Museum's fossil collections and displays, and the work of its preparators."

Participants will take a field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Parka UNESCO World Heritage siteduring the three days of presentations, workshops and behind-the-scenes tours.

They will cover topics ranging from field and preparation lab techniques to display and educational approaches.

In the past, symposia have been held in the Petrified Forest in Arizona, the Burke Museum in Seattle and the Fossil Country Frontier Museum in Wyoming.

This is the first time it is being held outside of the United States.