DOWNSTREAM 2019 – A Game Changer for Global Downstream Professionals
Downstream 2019, already renowned for being the most significant meeting place for global downstream professionals, will be taken to an entirely new level in Houston, Texas, in June this year, with the number of attendees set to triple.
It will bring together 10,000+ downstream professionals to create the first-ever one-stop shop for anyone across the petrochemical, chemical, refining and LNG value chains.
- 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, says Kerr Jeferies, Project Director at Petrochemical Update, the team behind the event.
Over two days 3,000 conference attendees are expected, of which 35% will be owner-operators. That, in itself, is industry-leading. Then, more than 7,000 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 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.
- 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, says Kerr.
The stellar speaker line-up includes some of the biggest names in the industry who will tackle issues across the entire downstream value chain, providing insights into industry challenges and possible solutions.
Attendees can look forward to 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.
Downstream 2019’s world-class program includes five outstanding tracks serving the entire value chain: Engineering & Construction; Reliability & Maintenance; Shutdowns & Turnaround; an all-new Process Engineering & Technology track; and Supply Chain & Logistics, with relevant content for every attendee’s entire organization.
On both days there will be a vastly 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.
What’s more, the world largest downstream trade show will 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 gives attendees unrivalled access to prospective suppliers and clients. By pre-booking meetings before the event, attendees can maximize the benefits of their convention experience. And significantly, expanded networking opportunities mean greater opportunities for downstream professionals to grow their businesses.
The convention provides downstream professionals with unrivalled access to top-level executives: 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 in 2019.
As the downstream industry’s renaissance continues, there is evidence of growing optimism in the downstream sector. What better place to gauge the temperature of the industry than at the world’s premier and largest downstream event?
- 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, says Kerr.