The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition the corporate party is back on at the Stampede. The Globe's Kelly Cryderman writes that with oil and gas rebounding, energy companies are again spending on a slew of festivities at Calgary's annual cowpoke jamboree. The 10-day rodeo and midway kicks off today. Behind the scenes is a schmoozefest that takes place at invite-only corporate parties. The pace and scale of corporate parties were toned down in the wake of the economic slowdown of 2008 and 2009. The focus of many of last year's parties was fundraising following Southern Alberta's massive floods. Corporate party bookings are up 25 per cent compared with last year, say contract party organizers. Oil and gas insiders are also celebrating the return of oil man and promoter Jim Kinnear's party at his large Mount Royal house. The founder of Pengrowth Energy Trust stopped hosting the party in 2012, but this year Mr. Kinnear decided to bring it back. The party will feature performers including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Ian Tyson. Another premier corporate event is the Big Guns Stampede Breakfast, held on Tuesday morning, when office workers drink vodka and orange juice at 7 a.m.