Main Conference Day One - November 6
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Registration, Check In & Networking Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:05 am
Welcome Remarks from IQPC
8:05 am - 8:10 am
Chair's Opening Remarks
Justin Bethancourt -
Director, Operational Excellence,
ConocoPhillips
8:10 am - 8:50 am
15 Years of OpEx in Oil & Gas: A Retrospective Look
Jason Gislason -
Chief Digital Officer,
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Julie Thyne - Global Improvement Director, Dow Inc.
Justin Bethancourt - Director, Operational Excellence, ConocoPhillips
2024 marks the 15th year since the humble beginnings of the Operational Excellence in Oil & Gas Summit. In that time, the landscape of operational excellence has changed dramatically. Understanding the key changes, trends, and lessons learnt across our 15 years will prepare you to face the future of OpEx in a changing world. Our visionary speakers will discuss:
- Turning to technology: How digital transformation across the energy sector has redefined our approach to Operational Excellence and the potential for progress
- Key lessons from across the years, which strategies have worked and which haven’t?
- Setting a standard for Operational Excellence within your organization and delivering on it successfully
8:50 am - 9:20 am
Innovating through Diversity: Unleashing the Power of Inclusive Collaboration
Joanna Kendrick -
Global Experience Owner,
bp
- Harnessing the strengths of diverse perspectives to drive continuous improvement across your organization
- Building awareness and empathy to navigate cultural differences and promote effective communication
- Embedding diversity into innovation processes and decision-making frameworks
9:20 am - 9:50 am
Visual Data Science for Energy Operations
Michael O'Connell -
Chief Analytics Officer,
Spotfire
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Where Sustainability and Operational Excellence Intersect
Caroline Marie Alting -
Senior Vice President Operational Excellence,
Noble Corporation
- Protecting business continuity is a constant balance of keeping compliant and competitive while maneuvering in and move towards a sustainable energy future.
- Focusing on a sustainable energy future is dictating policy and regulation. How do we adapt to that while still learning?
- Embedding sustainability at the heart of your operating mode without compromising your operational efficiency
- The role of digital transformation in accelerating operational sustainability and efficiency within the energy sector
10:20 am - 11:00 am
Morning Networking & Refreshment Break
IDGs
TRACK A: Organizational Optimization
11:00 am - 11:30 am Inspiring Innovation Across your Organization Jeff Gill - Head of Talent and Leadership Development, CITGOKymberly Juttemeyer - Global Learning and Operational Excellence Senior Project Manager, Dow
Julie Thyne - Global Improvement Director, Dow Inc.
One of the most important cultural shifts happening right now is the move towards creativity and innovation from all levels of your organization. Fostering a culture of creativity and ingenuity can be hard work, and knowing what works and what doesn’t can save a lot of time and effort. Take the time to hear the top strategies for providing a clear structure to enact innovation while preventing information overload.
Panelists will discuss:
- Where are leaders looking for new ideas within an organization?
- Implementing a system of idea sharing and innovation within your organization
- Encouraging and sourcing experimentation and innovation from across your organization
- Providing a clear structure to enact innovation and prevent excessive information
TRACK A: Organizational Optimization
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Streamlining Maintenance Operations for Optimal Asset Performance Kevin Price - Global Head of Enterprise Asset Management, IFSMaintenance operations are critical for asset optimization in the oil and gas sector. This session will delve into best practices for streamlining maintenance tasks, ensuring efficient scheduling, execution, and monitoring. Learn how these practices reduce unexpected downtimes and enhance overall productivity, optimizing asset performance.
TRACK A: Organizational Optimization
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm CITGO’s Transformation Story: Why Values are More Than Just a Poster on the Wall Frank Beck - Manager, Commercial Ethics & Compliance, CITGOPatrick Valdes - Creative Services Manager, CITGO
- How CITGO was able to use targeted focus groups to translate business strategy into action
- Centering company values at the heart of operations
- Empowering change agents and change champions across all levels of your organization and the importance of middle management in change
TRACK B: Technology Optimization
11:00 am - 11:30 am Designing and Delivering your Digital Transformation Strategy Justin Bethancourt - Director, Operational Excellence, ConocoPhillipsDon Williamson - Director of Digital Operations, Westlake Chemical Company
Sriram Ramaganesan - Director of APC, Blending and Optimization, Phillips 66
With the increasingly over-saturated market of digital solution providers, as well as growing pressure to digitize operations and increase operational efficiency, cost-effective digital transformation has become a top priority for many operators. Learning how to align new technologies with business value will be crucial to transforming effectively.
Panelists will discuss:
- Identifying and targeting key areas for digital transformation
- Calculating and communicating ROI and value of new digital tools
- The leadership skills required for driving digital innovation and increase workforce adoption of technology
- Prioritizing adaptability and capitalizing on the evolving pace of digital innovation to bring value to your business
TRACK B: Technology Optimization
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Optimizing Supply Chain and Logistics in Oil and Gas Using AI-Enhanced SAP Analytics Matt Hayes - Global VP of SAP Business, QlikSathisan Vannadil - Senior Partner Solutions Architect, AWS
In this presentation, we explore the transformative potential of AI-enhanced SAP Analytics in revolutionizing supply chain and logistics operations within the oil and gas industry. As the sector faces increasing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce costs, leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence has become crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Join us to discover how AI-enhanced SAP Analytics can drive operational excellence in your oil and gas supply chain and logistics operations leveraging Qlik and AWS.
TRACK B: Technology Optimization
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Improving Asset Monitoring Capabilities with the Power of Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) John Stretton - Associate Director of Process Automation, EDP Renewables• Discover the benefits of integrating process orchestration, user-facing apps, and flexible automation in a single platform
• Learn how automation can provide a low-cost solution to address gaps in capabilities of asset monitoring systems
• Accelerating process discovery with minimum viable products
• Contemplating opportunities for transformative change with the combination of process automation and generative AI
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Networking Luncheon
Track D1: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Risk- ● The process of integrating Artificial Intelligence and LLMs (large language models) into your daily workflows
- ● Looking into the key applications for AI including time series, forecasting, computer vision, and GenAI
- ● Discussing the similarities between different AI technologies and the skills required to make the most of them
- ● The importance of valuable, clean data and how to obtain it
Track D1: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Streamlining Predictive Maintenance With Data-Driven Models Bailey Brandel - Solutions Engineer, Prometheus Group
Track D1: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Pacific Gas & Electric’s Cultural Transformation: Translating AI Insights into Workforce Joy Patrick Hodgson Sr. - Director of Infrastructure & Information Management - Enterprise Change Office, Pacific Gas & Electric Company- How artificial intelligence is transforming culture at Pacific Gas & Electric
- Accelerating data handling and processing, leading to improved efficiencies across the board
- Discovering how AI-driven analysis and LLM can improve workplace joy and worker satisfaction
- Understanding the importance of machine learning to improve understanding and spearhead cultural transformation
Patrick Hodgson Sr.
Director of Infrastructure & Information Management - Enterprise Change OfficePacific Gas & Electric Company
Track D2: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Embracing Emerging Technologies at Albemarle: Moving from Sprint to Scale Jonathan Alexander - Manufacturing AI & Advanced Analytics Manager, Albermarle- Leading the change from analog to digital, while making the most of your historical data
- Knowing when to quit and when to pivot with your AI pilots: how to measure ROI with emerging technologies
- Aligning your technological and organizational strategies for enterprise success
- Ensuring trust and safety remain at the heart of your digital transformation: 5 key strategies for success
Track D2: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Maximizing the Operational Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Miguel Valdez - VP Growth, Kongsberg Digital- How AI technology is addressing the challenges associated with energy production and distribution and providing actionable insights for change
- Innovating processes through cutting edge technology, reimagining operations for the future
- Enabling impactful change through informed and skilled teams: the importance of continuous learning
- Use cases for scaling AI for enterprise success, and overcoming the challenges of adoption
Track D2: Technologies Accelerating Digital Transformation
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Fundamental Digital Transformation at ConocoPhillips: How to Modernize an Enterprise Raymond Mitten - Lower 48 Digital - Applications Transformation Leader, ConocoPhillips- Modernizing ConocoPhillips’ legacy applications to unlock efficiencies in its operations
- Improving access to data for enhanced decision making with minimal disruption
- Driving meaningful insights by optimizing your data across the enterprise
- Understanding how good data brings value to your enterprise, and preparing for future modernization
Track E: Asset Optimization
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Asset Reliability: Ensuring Safe, Smart, and Reliable Operations Nicolas Felix - Operations Director, Asset Management and O&M, TotalEnergiesJustin Lester - Former Director EAM / SCM, -
Carlos M. Gomez - VP Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, Baker Hughes
Understanding practical approaches and technological advancements aimed at optimizing operations safely.
Panelists will discuss:
- Ensuring validation and secure storage of critical asset reliability, maintenance, and safety data
- Making sure there is timely access to critical data for informed decision-making at all levels
- Predictive maintenance
- How digital technologies can aid in managing risk
Track E: Asset Optimization
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance Carlos M. Gomez - VP Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, Baker Hughes- An introduction to AI and how it is revolutionizing predictive and prescriptive maintenance
- Minimizing downtime and turnarounds
- How intelligent and actionable insights can be leveraged for tangible asset performance improvement
- The competitive advantage of predictive maintenance: making the most of your assets
Track E: Asset Optimization
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Remote Asset Monitoring at a Leading Operator Carlos Acosta - Sr. Rotating Equipment Engineer, Refining, Phillips 66- Unlocking greater asset performance through optimizing plant safety and minimizing error
- Understanding and optimizing asset performance management
- Minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment availability
3:00 pm - 3:40 pm
Transformation Acceleration Session
This structured networking session is the ideal opportunity for you to capitalize on time out of the office by speaking to each of our event partners in attendance and learning about the essential solutions available to your specific challenges. How does it work? It’s easy. You spend five minutes at a booth of your choice, and when the bell rings you’ll be directed to the next one to start another round of learning and networking. At the end of the session, you’ll have met a selection of our event partners, and for any you have missed, you can connect with at the networking cocktail reception at the end of the day.
3:40 pm - 4:10 pm
Maintaining Trust During Times of Transformation
Matthew O'Connor -
Former Senior External Communications Advisor,
PETRONAS Canada
Julie Thyne - Global Improvement Director, Dow Inc.
Partha Chatterjee - Principal, Data Analysis, Shell
Brent Railey - Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Attitudes towards the oil & gas sector are changing rapidly. With increasing scrutiny, new regulations, and a worker shortage, operators are faced with the task of not only maintaining trust internally, but externally too. Knowing how to keep your workforce, stakeholders, and the public on board as you navigate change will be crucial in ensuring your success.
Panelists will discuss:
- ● Communicating your strategies for transformation: to workers, senior leaders, stakeholders and beyond
- ● How to position digital and AI initiatives as net benefits to your org and the people in it
- ● The importance of an open dialogue and centering people within your transformation strategies to minimize resistance to change
- ● Why listening matters: hearing and responding to concerns from both within and outside your organization
These interactive discussion groups are your opportunity to take part in facilitated group discussions with your peers. Choose the discussion group you would like to attend. Each run for 35 minutes.
Interactive Discussion Groups
IDG A
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm How New Approaches to Staffing Can Drive Operational and Technological Excellence Yair Alan Griver - CEO, CODE Staffing
IDG B
4:10 pm - 6:00 pm The Future of Energy: Leveraging Intelligent Automation and Generative AI Richard Anter - Senior Solutions Consultant, SS&C Blue Prism
IDG C
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm Connected Worker Justin Bethancourt - Director, Operational Excellence, ConocoPhillipsIDG D
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm Data & AnalyticsIDG E
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm Digital Transformation Stefan LeGrow - Senior Director Regional Marketing Program Execution – North America, SAP Signavio
Stefan LeGrow
Senior Director Regional Marketing Program Execution – North AmericaSAP Signavio
IDG F
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm Maximizing Asset Performance through Advanced Analytics and AI Kevin Price - Global Head of Enterprise Asset Management, IFSIDG G
4:10 pm - 5:00 pm Using Process Safety KPIs to Drive Performance Improvement Patricia Grant - EHS - SR, Senior Advisor, Process Safety, Hess
IDG H
4:10 pm - 6:00 pm Process Intelligence: The Missing Piece in your AI-enabled Enterprise Stack Matthew Fay - Account Director, Celonis
5:00 pm - 5:40 pm
Supply Chain Evolution at Chevron Phillips: Leveraging Machine Learning for Operational Excellence
Jacob Herzog -
Data Scientist,
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
- Taking inspiration from AI-based game engines to solve real-world supply chain challenges
- Shifting your supply chain strategy from reactive to predictive and preemptive, overcoming disruption
- Leveraging new technologies and effective leadership to scale your supply chain models for enterprise success
- How Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is using deep reinforcement learning, leading to breakthroughs in their supply chain strategy
5:40 pm - 5:45 pm
Chair's Closing Remarks, Day One Concludes
Julie Thyne -
Global Improvement Director,
Dow Inc.
5:50 pm - 7:00 pm
Operational Excellence in Oil & Gas Drinks Reception
Make the most of your trip to the Operational Excellence in Oil & Gas Summit. Wind down, relax, and network at our Mexican themed evening drinks reception featuring frozen margaritas, a mariachi band and more!
