What industry downturn? Records to be set at Australia's biggest oil and gas event

At a time when the oil and gas sector is at a crossroads due to a collapse in crude oil prices, a record number of visitors will be flocking to the annual Australasian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (AOG) in Perth to hear what the industry is doing to overcome this latest downturn.

“The global oil and gas market has gone through a tumultuous period over the past six months, with the dramatic fall of crude oil prices leading to a slashing of industry expenditure, and it is events with a long and successful history like AOG which become must-attend industry gatherings at these times,” said Bill Hare, AOG event director at Diversified Communications.

“As an event that has run continuously for more than three decades, AOG has seen these peaks and troughs of the oil and gas industry many times before, and yet the event continues to reach new levels.

“Many of the exhibitors and participants coming this year know that in times of decreased activity it is those that are proactive and hungry for new business that are the most likely to come out of this current downturn in a strong position and be ready for growth on the next ‘boom’ cycle.

“That is why events like AOG, which facilitate the growth of the market, the attraction of investments, the development of new technologies and the creation of new contacts, are so important for the oil and gas industry,” Hare said.

While the global oil and gas sector is moving quickly to rebalance itself in the face of the recent decline in oil prices, the importance of key industry events like AOG is clearly highlighted by the record number of 17,000 attendees and 620 exhibitors forecast to be participating this year.

The event’s organisers are also expecting a strong turnout for the AOG 2015 conference, which will feature a number of exciting new topics and innovations this year. This year’s AOG program features a one-day stream devoted to FLNG and special industry luncheons with presentations on the exciting Phoenix South discovery off the Western Australian coast and Timor-Leste’s burgeoning oil and gas industry. Activities also include the inaugural Africa Oil Forum, which will be staged on 10 March at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

The importance of AOG and the Australian oil and gas sector is clearly reflected in the large international contingent heading to Perth. This includes 17 companies exhibiting in the UK Energy Industries Council (EIC)-managed UK pavilion.

“Despite the recent low oil prices, Australasia remains a key target region for the UK energy supply chain,” Azman Nasir, head of Asia Pacific at the EIC, said recently.

“We’re delighted to be attending Australia’s largest oil and gas exhibition once again and showcasing everything the UK has to offer,” he added.

For those who want to learn more about the sector, create new business opportunities or make new acquaintances, AOG 2015 is definitely one of the must-attend events on the annual, international oil and gas industry calendar.

Registrations for AOG are now open. To register, visit aogexpo.com.au.