Convention goes virtual in 2021

from The Australian Pipeliner October 21

CCE expands its corrosion management offering Corrosion inhibiting grease for equipment 72 Anode offers GreenAmp for cathodic protection 74

APGA Convention goes virtual in 2021

After significant deliberation, the APGA Board has decided to take the Annual Convention and Exhibition online to mitigate further COVID-19 disruptions. The virtual event will be held from Monday 11 October to Friday 15 October.

The APGA Board has decided to convert the 2021 APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition to a fully virtual event for the second year in a row. The board made the announcement in August in light of the developing COVID-19 situation on Australia’s east coast and unanticipated lockdowns affecting significant parts of the country.

“It goes without saying that this was a decision that was not made lightly,” says APGA CEO Steve Davies.

“Over decades, our Annual Convention and Exhibition has built up a well-deserved reputation across the global pipeline and gas industries as a high-quality event that provides excellent content and a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the company of the great people in our industries.

“We do not think that we can hold an event that would live up to its reputation this year. We are immensely grateful for all the support we have seen from presenters, sponsors and exhibitors.

“We are especially thankful to all of the sponsors who are sticking with us as we move to present the 2021 APGA Virtual Convention. This is a sign of true commitment to our industry on their part and I hope that everyone in the industry will give our sponsors the support they deserve.”

A full list of sponsors can be viewed on page 19.

A full schedule

The event will kick off on Monday 11 October with a welcome from Mr Davies and APGA President Tony O’Sullivan, before an opening address from Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor. As always, this year’s Leaders Panel on the first day is sure to draw lots of virtual spectators, with the panel consisting of Greatness Consulting President and CEO Gretchen Gagel, CNC Project Management Managing Director Dave Maloney, McConnell Dowel Group Technical Director Leon Richards, APA Group CEO Rob Wheals and AGIG CEO Ben Wilson.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Australian wheelchair racing legend Kurt Fearnley, AO. A hugely respected member of the community, Mr Fearnley won gold medals at the Paralympic Games and ‘crawled’ the Kokoda Track to raise awareness of men’s health.

The conference will include presentations on topics including innovation, the environment, engineering and safety throughout the week, offering a wide snapshot of the most pressing issues present in the pipeline and gas industry today. As usual, the Pipeline Operators Group will have a timeslot on Wednesday 13 October, while the APGA Annual Awards will be presented on the afternoon of Thursday 14 October.

The Virtual Exhibition will be open each day except Thursday, while in place of 2020’s virtual drinks, pipeliners will have designated in-person networking drinks scheduled in each city where COVID restrictions permit.

You can find a full copy of the Convention program on page 20.

For more information visit www.apga.org.au