Number of attendees at Downstream 2019 set to triple

The event will bring together more than 10 000 downstream professionals to create a one-stop shop for anyone across the petrochemical, chemical, refining and LNG value chains.

Kerr Jeferies, Project Director at Petrochemical Update, the team behind the event, said: “After four years’ work in the petrochemicals, chemicals, LNG and refining space, and the injection of more resources, we’re super-excited that Downstream 2019 is at the forefront of the booming downstream industry.”

3000 conference goers are expected to attend across the two days, of which 35% will be owner-operators. In addition to this, more than 7000 visitors are anticipated at the exhibition, which will feature 350 trade booths – more than double last year’s figure.

Against the backdrop of the downstream industry’s incredible growth, the statement claims that the market must address continuing instability in oil prices, the second wave of mega projects, disruptions in technology, and the threat of trade war and a new consumer focus on sustainability. This perfect storm has resulted in a re-configuration of the status quo. The industry needs to change rapidly.

Jeferies added: “There has never been a more pressing need for the entire downstream community to come together and share ideas, make new connections and inspire the next generation.”

The speaker line-up is set to include some of biggest names in the industry, who will tackle issues across the entire downstream value chain, providing insights into industry challenges and possible solutions.

According to the statement, there will be keynote talks by Stuart Bradie, KBR CEO; Alasdair Cathcart, Bechtel president of Oil, Gas and Chemicals; Samik Mukherjee, McDermott COO; Andrew Stuart, Wood Americas CEO; and Jim Brittain, Fluor Energy and Chemicals President.

The program includes five outstanding tracks serving the entire value chain: engineering and construction; reliability and maintenance; shutdowns and turnaround; an all-new process engineering and technology track; and supply chain and logistics, with relevant content for every attendee’s entire organisation.

On both days, there will be an expanded workshop program (with discipline-specific technical sessions), roundtables, industry leading panels and the very latest case studies designed to cover every key job role and competency from journeymen to the most senior executives.

In addition to this, the show will reportedly pioneer free content theatres that will showcase the industry’s latest and greatest and deliver cutting-edge technical content from industry partners, associations and major working groups. The expo hall also features prime networking areas, exclusive meeting spaces and VIP rooms.

The free 1-2-1 meetings service will provide attendees with access to both prospective suppliers and clients. By pre-booking meetings before the event, attendees can maximise the benefits of the convention. Furthermore, expanded networking opportunities mean greater opportunities for downstream professionals to grow their businesses.

The convention provides downstream professionals with excellent access to top-level executives. According to the statement, 85% of attendees at Downstream 2019 are decision makers, purchasers and influencers. As spending on capital projects, maintenance and turnarounds is set to increase, this figure is expected to rise this year.

As the renaissance in the downstream industry continues, there is evidence of growing optimism in the downstream sector. Downstream 2019 promises to be an excellent opportunity to gauge the temperature of the industry.

Kerr concluded: “Downstream 2019 truly is the place where downstream professionals meet to learn, network and do business. There is no excuse not to attend – and the good news is that owner-operators and technical EPCs get complimentary tickets.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/22012019/number-of-attendees-at-downstream-2019-set-to-triple/