Gastech 2009 conference programme set to spotlight the future challenges and solutions for the gas industry

This, the 24th Gastech, returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2006, and is set to host the most topical conference programme to date, focusing on the theme 'Gas: a time of change - a time for challenges, solutions and alternatives'.

Running from 25-28 May, Gastech 2009 is being held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, hosted by ADNOC & Group of Companies and held at the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The four-day conference brings together over 100 speakers from 25 countries, and encompasses highly relevant and topical presentations, developed by an independent Programme Advisory Committee comprising 24 leading industry figureheads. It will launch with a commercial plenary session looking at 'World Recession, World Gas - Where in the World are we Going?' which will run alongside a technical stream, considering the vital issue of 'Safety and Training for Ship and Shore Operations'. The focus sessions address 'New commercial frontiers and challenges and 'Environmentally-friendly technologies.' The conference programme will cover the following topics:

- Natural Gas and LNG Projects
- Middle East - Exporter or Importer
- LNG, LPG and Chemical Gas Shipping
- Gas Processing and Utilization
- Trading Models in the Gas Business
- Finance and Legal Matters
- Floating Production Facilities: Hype or Reality?
- Advances in Key Enabling Technologies - Onshore and Offshore

The programme culminates with a high level 'Regional Perspectives' session, where international senior industry players will focus on what is happening within their regions. This will be followed by the now traditional 'Gastech Perspective' session, where a panel of industry experts will look back over the highlights of the previous three days.

Tony Stephenson, Event Director, dmg world media (uk) ltd said,

"We are very excited about the conference programme for Gastech 2009. With its theme 'Gas: a time of change - a time for challenges, solutions and alternatives', it is very much a conference of its time, taking a realistic view of the current market and moving things on with dynamic sessions in the commercial, technical and focus tracks."

"In registering, many of our international delegates are telling us how important Gastech is for meeting colleagues and suppliers face-to-face. We already have delegates registered from over 40 countries who are looking forward to discussing those challenges and coming up with innovative solutions in this time of change."

Conference Co-Chair, Paul Young, Chief Marketing Officer, Exmar NV added, "In the current economic climate, many companies in the industry are cutting budgets. Gastech 2009 provides an effective way to utilise your time and budget as it brings together all your competitors, customers, and suppliers in one unique four-day forum.

"Unprecedented shifts in the paradigm of how our industry works and the global implications mean that we can focus on developments in multiple papers in sessions ranging from the scene setting Plenary Session on World Gas, to sessions such as 'New Commercial Frontiers and Challenges' where delegates will find answers to how rapid advances in technology are putting coal bed methane and shale gas into serious economic play against LNG. For those in the industry looking to adapt and to grow their companies in the current environment, this is very worthwhile and educational event."

Fellow Conference Co-Chair, Chris Clucas, Group Fleet Director (Gas), Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, said, "The new economic climate poses many fundamental questions for the gas business. While gas prices are inevitably linked to the prices of crude oil, the gas industry has a fundamentally different structure in terms of development and returns. The Gastech 2009 Conference offers people, from both technical and commercial backgrounds, the opportunity to hear about the latest developments - for example, advances in shipping, gas processing, environmentally-friendly technologies and key enabling technologies. In addition to the Paper programme, the Gastech Exhibition will enable delegates to see an exceptionally large range of gas equipment on display."

Launched in 1972, Gastech has a long and distinguished history, and has established a reputation for attracting prime decision makers: 33% of delegates at Gastech 2008 were Chairmen, Presidents, CEOs, COOs, Vice Presidents or Managing Directors of organisations active in the gas industry.