WGC youth event inspires participants

WGC youth event inspi res particip ants

The Young Professionals Programme of WGC 2018 focused on leadership, diversity and the future of energy. By Cha’Mia Holloman

While WGC 2018 was taking place, 120 young professionals from across the globe that work in the energy sector attended AGA’s Young Professionals Programme (YPP). The programme gave these leaders of the future the opportunity to hear from top professionals on topics such as leadership, diversity, workforce development and the future of our industry. It not only provided insight into the experiences of each speaker, but also allowed participants to engage, network and learn more about the industry.

Throughout the event, participants learned different perspectives on what it takes to become a leader in the industry. The role these young professionals will play in energy is critical and the YPP was designed to highlight opportunities, challenges and development.

During the two-and-a-half-day event, the conference touched on topics that are impacting the industry, including climate change, sustainability, affordability and reliability. A reception at AGA headquarters, a keynote luncheon and exclusive access to the WGC exhibition hall provided networking opportunities and a chance for business

development. The Young Professionals Programme was a successful event that helped elevate the future of millennials working in the energy sector.

Opening event

IGU President David Carroll opened day one of the event. He talked about the World Gas Conference and the importance of young professionals joining the natural gas industry work

c IGU President David Carroll opened the event.

force. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of IHS Markit and an IGU Wise Person, followed with a keynote address which focused on what can be achieved when diversity and inclusion is a priority.

Panel discussions and networking

The first panel on June 27 was moderated by AGA President & CEO, Dave McCurdy. He had one-on-one sessions with the Chairman & CEO of

ConocoPhillips, Ryan Lance, and Group Chief Executive of BP, Bob Dudley. Both speakers highlighted the skills and experiences that led them to their current positions. The audience followed up with questions, many of which focused on how they can achieve similar success in their careers.

Throughout the first day, panellists discussed the role natural gas will play globally in international markets and trade and the impact of climate policies. The panellists also focused on their own companies and the promising future in their regions. Regulations in the industry were covered and how they can evolve with changing energy goals. Participants and speakers discussed these issues in an open Q&A session, which provided the young professionals with further background on the topics.

The morning panels on June 28 were moderated by AGA’s Chief Operating Officer, Lori Traweek, who spoke with President & COO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Nick Stavropoulos. He opened the discussion on how to attract a team that fits and being a good leader. He also provided the participants with tips on leadership that they can use in their careers.

During a panel discussion on preparing for evolving careers, President & CEO of Spire Inc., Suzanne Sitherwood, President & CEO of

Panellists included Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive of BP (top) and Ryan Lance, Chairman & CEO of ConocoPhillips (beneath).

Tellurian Inc., Meg Gentle, and

YPP was attended by 120 young energy professionals from across the globe.

AGA’s Chief Operating Officer, Lori Traweek was one of the moderators.

Managing Director of Parsan CrossGlobal, HE Dr Neil Parsan, shared personal stories from their careers. Both Sitherwood and Gentle shared their experiences as women working in a male-dominated industry and how they approached their leadership roles. The importance of bringing diversity into the energy sector played a significant role in the panel discussions. Participants questioned panellists about challenges they faced in their careers and their triumphs.

Creating a sustainable energy future became a hot topic for the remainder of day two. President & CEO of Puget Sound Energy and AGA 2018 Chair, Kimberly Harris, moderated the final panel of the day on planning for a low-carbon future. Panellists discussed their approach to achieving a sustainable future and what their companies are doing to be at the forefront of this issue.

The second day concluded at AGA headquarters with a networking reception with both speakers and participants in attendance.

Final day and closing ceremony

The morning began with a tour of the WGC 2018 exhibition hall. The YPP delegates were split into small groups so that they could visit multiple exhibitions and receive a personal informational session about each company. After the tour, the young professionals were given the opportunity to explore the exhibits on their own until the final luncheon.

The Director of the Clingendael International Energy Programme and IGU Wise Person, Coby van der Linde, gave the luncheon address and closing remarks on the final day of the YPP. Clingendael is a leading think tank in the Netherlands that focuses on international affairs and securing a sustainable world. During her address, van der Linde focused on climate change, energy markets and why it’s important for young professionals to be at the forefront of the industry – bringing new ideas and youthful enthusiasm to some of the globe’s most pressing energy challenges.

After the closing remarks, participants were given access to the official WGC closing ceremony which included the handover of the IGU Presidency to Korea who will host the 28th World Gas Conference in 2021.

Feedback

Many of the participants agreed that the YPP was a successful event. They enjoyed the programme and were fully engaged in the discussions, panels and networking events. The young professionals asked challenging industry-related questions and networked with many of the speakers. In addition, during their tour of the WGC exhibition hall, delegates had the opportunity for one-on-one interactions with exhibitors from large corporations such as BP, Total, Sewerin, Freeport and more.

Speakers addressing the YPP conference sessions expressed their fondness for the programme citing the heightened energy in the room and the challenging questions they received from the participants. It was invigorating, they said, to advise and learn from the participants who are in the early to mid-stages of their careers.

The event was an inspiring and educational experience for the young professionals. Prior to the conference, many participants expressed a need for events that focused on the younger generation. Afterwards, they said that, due to the programme, they are aware of more career opportunities in the energy sector and the benefits of working in the industry. Overall, the YPP was an exceptional programme that allowed future leaders to engage in a rare opportunity that will help take their careers to the next level.

Cha’Mia Holloman is a communications specialist at the American Gas Association (www.aga.org).