Major energy forum ends on high note

The 18th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2013) concluded at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday after four action-packed days that saw participation from 2,400 industry professionals and more than 7,000 visitors. Finance Minister and Minister in Charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said over the years MEOS has evolved into the largest and best attended technical event of its kind in the region, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication. Thanking His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for his continued patronage and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa for inaugurating the exhibition this year, the minister stressed that the success of the conference in Bahrain was reflected directly in the development and modernisation of the oil and gas sector and the higher efficiency of the employees working in the industry. The minister praised the educational events that accompanied the conference including a special session yesterday, which was attended by more than 250 high school students from both public and private schools in Bahrain. There was a practical workshop for science teachers. More than 200 technical and poster presentations designed to share the knowledge and experience of managing, operating and supplying companies the three days of the conference were very well received. Topics ranged from exploration and appraisal; drilling and completions; reservoir engineering; production and facilities; and health, safety, security and environment. MEOS 2013 also offered five panel sessions led by presidents, vice-presidents, chief executives, deputy managing directors, and chairmen of key players in the industry such as Baker Hughes, Bapco, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Petroleum Development Oman, Saudi Aramco, Schlumberger, Shell, Total and Weatherford amongst others. Discussion topics included the gas challenge; talent development and knowledge sharing; technologies required to unlock unconventional resources; greener petroleum; and developing local content. The exhibition of oil and gas products and services spanned 14,800 square metres of space and showcased 300 exhibiting companies from 30 countries. The event organiser, Arabian Exhibition Management chief executive Stephen Key told the GDN that participant and visitor numbers were up and the event seemed bigger and better than earlier editions. "By providing high quality presentations focussed on Middle East issues, we ensure that the quality of delegates is exceptional and unique," he said. ION Geophysical's adviser for strategic initiatives Paul Brettwood said they would definitely be back for the next edition. According to him, MEOS traditionally used to be a downstream event with Middle East Geosciences Exhibition and Conference (GEO) being the upstream event having more relevance for them. However, it had of late moved closer to GEO with some sort of convergence underway. China National Petroleum Corporation marketing co-ordinator Yongqin Ma said MEOS continued to be a convenient place to meet and explore business prospects. Concurring with Ms Ma, Veolia Water marketing manager Lynda Amari the event was a success in both qualitative and quantitative terms. TradeArabia News