Topic 1

Refining & Petrochemicals Technologies

Short and long term business opportunities in the regional and global energy markets have highlighted the impact of globalisation on everyday life. Technologies can create value in these global opportunities and markets. To leverage these opportunities the refining and petrochemicals industry demands suitable technologies for higher efficiency / lower energy demands, better utilisation of raw materials / equipment, improved corrosion control, and cleaner fuels / environment. New technologies, improvements in existing ones and proven process systems will provide the means to address the increased competitiveness experienced in the refining and petrochemicals industries.

Managing refining and petrochemical technologies improves plant maintenance activities, increases the availability of our facilities, optimises product slates and deliveries, allows sharing practices and improves profitability.

Traditional attendance data shows that key decision makers will be in the audience and this topic provides the opportunity to raise the profile on technology utilisation to create value.

Topic 2

Investing in Plants of the Future

Population growth and higher energy demand lifestyles are forecasted to continue to contribute to higher fuels demand in the foreseeable future. Investing in refining and petrochemical facilities that are both energy efficient and provide the desired fuels and feed stock to keep economic growth are challenges that our industry is addressing as we move forward. The refining and petrochemical industry is always seeking investments in new and innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge and create additional value.

A large number of new grass roots facilities are being designed / constructed with the latest technological improvements that are expected to provide yield advantages, higher reliability and availability, and lower energy consumption from more efficient and environmentally responsible processes.

This conference offers a great opportunity to raise the profile of these investments and the new technologies that will allow these plants to be successful.

Topic 3

Developing People Utilising World-Class HR Processes

Unprecedented global energy demand and the resulting expansion of the refining and petrochemical industries in the Middle East, coupled with an aging workforce and changing demographics results in the need for effective and innovative approaches for developing high performers throughout our organisations.

A key success factor for performance excellence will be the ability to efficiently transfer knowledge from experienced employees to large numbers of new employees within the next five years. New methodologies that are culturally and demographically sensitive, and that focus on the preparation of high performing individuals with the requisite skills, knowledge and abilities in operations, maintenance, and engineering will be required to meet this significant challenge. In addition to new approaches to training, developing high performers also relies on the effective application of technology, coaching, mentoring, motivational practices, modelling, job re-structuring, challenging work assignments, collaborative teamwork, reward, recognition, and leadership styles.

Developing people is critical to creating value within any organisation, and through the application of world class HR processes, the sharing of case studies, best practices, and stories of success, the standard of HR development in the refining and petrochemical industries will be enhanced.

Topic 4

Downstream Industry Best Practices in HSE

Effective Health, Safety and Environmental management systems are essential to any company’s survival. Ensuring healthy employees is the first step towards recognising a company’s most valuable assets – its people. Similarly, the current concern for safety and the environment has never been greater. In all areas voluntary performance improvement beyond compliance is becoming the rule rather than the exception. With today’s major focus on HSE, best practices continue to emerge within our industry. From new world-class ways to reducing human error to state of the art safety and environmental management systems, companies continue to strive for that next level of performance.

You are invited to share best practice approaches in all areas Health, Safety, and the Environment.