The Energy Industry's Only Event Dedicated to Transforming Frontline Operations
Main Conference Day One | Wednesday, March 19 2025
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Registration and Networking
8:00 am - 8:15 am
Chair's Opening Address
8:15 am - 8:50 am
KEYNOTE PANEL: ‘Increased Workforce Collaboration + Productivity = Greater Profit.’ How Connected Worker Solutions make this a Reality
Kimberly Williams -
Vice President Syrup Manufacturing NAOU,
The Coca-Cola Company
Nav Chawla - Head of Digital, Civitas Resources
Pankaj Singh - Chief Enterprise Architect, Murphy Oil Corporation
Joe Carroll - Chief Information Officer & Head of Cybersecurity, CITGO
Partha Chatterjee - Director, Energy, Data and AI, MRE Consulting
Integrating connected worker solutions can significantly boost efficiency in your plant and field operations, leading to substantial cost savings. In this opening keynote digital thought leaders from Shell, Coca-Cola, Murphy Oil Corp and Civitas Resources will share their experiences, discuss innovative AI and data analytics solutions, and explore opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across your operations.
· Defining organizational goals: clarifying why you’re implementing the platform and what you hope to achieve
· Discussing the emergence of AI driven tools to drive efficiencies and safety in the field
· Integrating connected worker solutions with business intelligence to provide workers faster access to contextual data
8:50 am - 9:20 am
Advancing Operations Transformation with Data and AI
Ankur Gupta -
Consulting Partner,
Kyndryl
Todd Taylor - Director of IT, Motiva Enterprises LLC
Craig Ferguson - Director - Wells, TechnipFMC
Jason Sidhu - Director - Natural Gas IS Solutions, TC Energy
The energy industry is transforming with digital technologies, unlocking opportunities to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, and drive profitability. Data and AI are the primary driving forces behind digital operations. This panel brings together industry leaders to share insights and strategies for leveraging data and AI to drive the journey to digital transformation.
Key topics include:
- Overcoming challenges such as siloed data, integrating AI-driven real-time insights into critical workflows, and fostering a data-centric culture.
- Exploring use cases such as predictive analytics for asset management, digital twins for streamlining operations, and enabling seamless collaboration across value chains.
- Addressing foundational technologies such as 5G, Edge, Cybersecurity, and the capabilities required to advance digital maturity.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how innovation and technology are redefining the future of energy operations.
9:20 am - 10:00 am
LIGHTNING TALKS: Hear how Fortune 100 Leaders are Maximizing their Connected Worker Investment
Robert Pitts -
Global Projects IT Discovery and Strategy Manager,
ExxonMobil
Alex Costa - Vice President Information Technology, PSC Group
Diti Sood - Cofounder & CEO, Bolo AI
This session will feature 4 lightning talks (7 minutes), each from an industry leader who will share a project challenge, the technology that helped solve it and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll leave with practical insights into how connected worker tech can drive business ROI.
Talk 1: Re-designing ExxonMobil’s digital strategy to achieve business results, Robert Pitts, Global Projects IT Discovery and Strategy Manager, ExxonMobil
Talk 2: Navigating the overload of AI Solutions and moving beyond the frenzy and buzzwords, Alex Costa, Vice President Information Technology, PSC Group
Talk 3: Boosting safety, organizational health, and productivity by empowering collaboration and alignment through connected worker technology, Walter Pesenti, VP Manufacturing Excellence, NovaChem
Talk 4: Faster, Safer, Better: Unlocking operations efficiency with GenAI and AgenticAI, Diti Sood, Co-Founder & CEO, bolo.ai
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Morning Networking Break
CONNECTED FIELD WORKERS
10:30 am - 11:00 am PANEL: Connected Field Work: Unifying Core Operational Resources into a Single Digital Workflow Bry-Ann Salahi - Technology Architect, Low Carbon Solutions IT, ExxonMobilLance Medlin - EVP Engineering, Operations and Project Management, Element Fuels
Anne Emberson - Area Vice President – Digital, Nalco Water
Amir Zohar - Digital Transformation Sr. Manager, LG Vertech Inc
For many energy and utility operators, day-to-day workflows for managing critical activities are largely manual and handled using spreadsheets and face-to-face communication, slowing down efficiency, control, response times and impacting safety, quality control and compliance. This panel will deep dive into their own journeys of unifying core operations into a single digital workflow and will discuss:
· Creating a scalable, centralized cloud environment to gain real-time visibility and improve how field personnel track, monitor and collaborate on operational processes
· Reviewing use cases including:
o Work permit and document management
o Field inspections and quality control
o Inventory tracking
o Project tracking
o Maintenace planning, scheduling, execution
Field safety and risk reporting
CONNECTED PLANT WORKERS
10:30 am - 11:00 am PANEL: No one likes to work alone! Breaking down Data Siloes to Drive Plant Enterprise Agility and Frontline Decision Making Samuel Parra - NA Manufacturing Integration Lead (GEC/DI), BASFGarith Duncan - Digital Transformation Manager, SNF
Rohit Ugle - Technical Specialist Data Science and Machine Learning, Caterpillar Inc
Ziyan Sheriff - Process Data Scientist, Kaneka North America LLC
Energy and industrial organisations are generating more data than ever before. However, this data is often siloed which can hinder collaboration and business benefits. This panel will discuss how to break down data siloes to achieve better collaboration and data driven decision making
.
· Overcoming siloed data and a lack of interoperability across multiple enterprise systems
· Understanding the power of data lakes and their potential to reduce downtime and ensure high quality production
· Enhancing collaboration and driving productivity by tearing down data siloes
11:00 am - 11:30 am
From Data Collection to Business Action: Oxy's Journey to Frontline Excellence
Bob Summers -
Director Field Technology,
Oxy
Mike Simpkin - Marketing Manager, TrueContext
Mike Simpkin - Marketing Manager, TrueContext
For Occidental Petroleum, digitizing fieldwork was not just about collecting data but also about taking that data to its fullest potential. Leveraging TrueContext as its last-mile field workflow and data collection app, Oxy deployed the platform's technician-focused UX, no-code scalability, and powerful system integrations to enable a truly digital approach to field service.
Learn how Oxy:
- Streamlined and standardized technician workflows
- Improved field data and compliance
- Generated and applied critical operation insights using a deeply integrated platform
Through hundreds of mobile forms, thousands of frontline workers, and one fully integrated field information ecosystem, Oxy effectively services millions of assets with transparency, safety, and operational excellence.
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Driving Operational Excellence: How Indorama Ventures Achieved Transformational Results with the Innovapptive Connected Worker Platform
Sri Kathik -
Executive Vice President & Solution Engineer,
Innovapptive
Micah Mosley - Sr. Maintenance Manager, Indorama Ventures - Port Neches Operations
Micah Mosley - Sr. Maintenance Manager, Indorama Ventures - Port Neches Operations
Join Micah Mosley, Senior Maintenance Manager at Indorama Ventures’ Port Neches Operations, and Sri Karthik, EVP of Solutions at Innovapptive, for an in-depth discussion on how Indorama Ventures is revolutionizing frontline worker collaboration and execution as part of their IVL 2.0 strategy.
In this session, Micah will share how Indorama Ventures successfully implemented the platform to close critical gaps in frontline worker execution and drive measurable improvements
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Actionable AI: A Step Change in Risk Visibility
Doug Stephens -
Account Executive,
Detect Technologies
Rich Guhl - Plant PCT & Digitalization Lead, Covestro
- Evaluating the most mature application areas of AI in construction
- Revolutionizing the way we build with artificial intelligence
- Examining practical examples and real-world use cases
- Considering the results: Bringing a cultural shift with tech-enabled EHS management
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
CASE STUDY: Modern Computer Vision in the Age of Gen AI: A Dow Case Study
Josh Holtz -
Data Science Manager,
Dow
In the past, edge computing was the gold standard for computer vision models, as it enabled real-time image processing, crucial in industrial settings where latency can have significant consequences. But with the rise of AI, there has been a significant shift in computing needs. Leveraging on Dow’s experience this case study will explore:
· Understanding the challenges with Edge Compute for Gen AI
· Addressing specific Edge Compute challenges in hazardous environments, from durability to connectivity to security
· Strategies to reduce cloud compute costs when implementing Gen AI into your operations
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Networking Lunch
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
PANEL: Exploring the Benefits of Extended Reality Tools to Reduce Costs while Improving Learning Experience and Knowledge Retention
Adam Berg -
Manager of Learning Technologies,
TechnipFMC
Kevin Havard - Product Owner, Chevron
Kevin Havard - Product Owner, Chevron
A recent study by Forrester found that manufacturers with mixed reality training were able to reduce training time by 75% at an average saving of $30 per labor hour. Join this session to explore how our panelists have leveraged immersive training to successfully reduce onboarding time and costs.
· Creating engaging, immersive learning environments to improve learning confidence and knowledge retention
· Immersive learning and gamification for learner engagement
· Creating tailor-made scenarios to meet individual learning needs
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
PANEL: Getting Started with Generative AI – Identifying Potential Use Cases to Transform your operations
Jonathan Alexander -
Manufacturing AI & Advanced Analytics Manager,
Albemarle
Gary Dunbar - Director of Digital Engineering and IT, Customer Care – North America, ENGIE North America Inc
Tony Papke - Director of Business Development, MxD
Bojan Knezovic - VP of IT & Enterprise Architecture, ENAP
Gary Dunbar - Director of Digital Engineering and IT, Customer Care – North America, ENGIE North America Inc
Tony Papke - Director of Business Development, MxD
Bojan Knezovic - VP of IT & Enterprise Architecture, ENAP
Manufacturing environments are increasingly complex, with rising demands for efficiency, precision and scalability, but Gen AI offers a powerful toolset that can help unlock new levels of operational performance. This panel will explore some of the key use cases where Gen AI can make a substantial impact including:
· Using AI to boost plant performance by optimizing processes, improving worker productivity, and reducing downtime
· Leveraging Gen AI functionality to enhance predictive maintenance capability, from early fault detection to dynamic maintenance schedules
· Capturing and codifying knowledge from your ageing workforce; creating AI powered knowledge repositories, and adaptive, personalized learning approaches
Gary Dunbar
Director of Digital Engineering and IT, Customer Care – North AmericaENGIE North America Inc
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Closing the Gap Between the Field and Office
Sam Rosario -
Director, Global Business Development, Oil and Gas,
ESRI
Scott Noulis - Senior Solution Engineer, ESRI
Scott Noulis - Senior Solution Engineer, ESRI
Discover how ArcGIS, the leading system of record in the Oil and Gas industry, unifies field activities and processes into a seamless workflow. By enabling on-site and office staff to access the same authoritative data, organizations can reduce errors, boost productivity, and cut costs.
ArcGIS provides purpose-built apps that support field activities in both connected and disconnected environments, enabling better communication and coordination across teams.
Real-World Workflows
Explore key field operation workflows, including:
• Task Coordination and Management: Plan field activities, task workers and track progress in real-time.
• Smart Navigation: Provide optimized routes and turn-by-turn directions on your own road networks.
• Data Capture and Visualization: Streamline accurate data collection and enhance situational awareness with detailed maps.
• Asset and Personnel Monitoring: Track asset and personnel activities in real-time for a complete view of operations.
• Information Sharing: Share vital information organization-wide to enable more informed decision-making.
Location intelligence boosts safety, quality, coordination, and efficiency in field operations. ArcGIS bridges the gap between field and office, driving better business outcomes.
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
AI for Industry: A Practical Guide: Uses, Risks, and Today’s Opportunities
Josh Shupp -
Vice President of Growth,
Sight Machine
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
CASE STUDY: Realizing our Vision of Real-Time Assurance: Reducing Risk and Increasing Confidence in Well Execution
Ben Randell -
Product Line Manager - Assurance,
Chevron
Chevron has embarked on a mission to assure their well execution in real time. In this presentation, Ben will share progress to date on this ongoing project, including:
· Chevron’s vision to assure in real time, leveraging algorithms and intelligent logic to compare real time data
· Connecting Chevron employees to real time data during well test operations
· Ensuring reduced risks and workforce safety at the wellsite
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
CASE STUDY: Zones and Conduits Security, From on Premises to the Cloud
Dennis Hackney -
OT Cyber Engineering Team Lead- Infrastructure,
Chevron
With proper planning zones and conduits (Z&C) security can work with cloud integration. This presentation will explore how Chevron are evaluating where it is appropriate to make the transition from on premises operational technologies (OT) or Industrial Control Systems (ICS), to the Cloud.
· Evaluating the transition from on premises OT or ICS to the cloud
· Expected benefits of IIoT, edge computing and the cloud
· Considerations that change between the traditional environment and software-based infrastructure in the cloud
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Unlock Operational Wins with Purpose-Built Workforce Management Tools
Peter Houston -
IT Business Interface and Portfolio Manager,
LyondellBasell
Billy Lynch - Enterprise Account Executive, Indeavor
- Explore how automating scheduling transforms frontline supervisor efficiency, based on a real win at LyondellBasell
- Uncover the power of smart, configurable tools to save time, reduce fatigue risks, and boost workforce performance
- Engage in a live Q&A to see how Indeavor’s approach can streamline supervisory challenges in energy
3:30 pm - 4:10 pm
Solution Insight Session and Afternoon Networking Break
Are you looking for a specific connected worker solution, or want to explore the new innovative technology in this space? If so, we’ve got you covered. Maximize your time at the event through targeted networking with leading technology providers; this Insight Session is the ideal opportunity to learn about the solutions available to meet your specific needs. How does it work? It’s easy. You spend seven minutes at a table of your choice, collect your prize draw stamp, and when the bell rings you’ll be directed to the next one to start another round of networking. At the end of the session, you’ll have met most of the technology providers that have the answers to the challenges you face, and if you haven’t, you can continue into the networking cocktail reception at the end of the day.
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm
CASE STUDY: Connecting Our Workforce to Data in the Field for Improved Response Time Efficiency and Reduced Downtime
Adam L Ballard -
Technology Advisor for Autonomous Field of the Future,
Hess Corporation
In this case study, Adam will discuss the development and implementation of Hess Corporation’s field workforce scheduling tool. He will cover the challenges faced during development and the efficiencies achieved in response time and reduced asset downtime, including:
· Centralizing Data: Providing workers with access to centralized information to enhance field efficiency.
· Optimizing Schedules: Improving workforce schedules to boost field efficiency.
· Overcoming Challenges: Addressing the challenges from development to user adoption.
· Future Enhancements: Exploring future enhancements and increased automation for the scheduling tool.
4:40 pm - 5:20 pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE: "The work remains the same. What changes is how we participate in getting the work done”; Combining Knowledge AI and Data AI to form Automated Reasoning
Ron Norris -
Former Director of Innovation,
Georgia Pacific LLC
Keynote Speaker Ron Norris returns to the Connected Worker Series to share the latest evolution of his Causal AI journey.
Recently retired as Director of Innovation at Georgia-Pacific, Ron is a renowned innovation leader with a track record of driving sustainable growth through cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking strategies. With deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Causal AI, he has helped leading organizations bridge operational gaps and achieve strategic goals.
Known for his ability to break down complex AI concepts into actionable insights, Ron will deliver the closing keynote, covering:
- How to apply math, knowledge, and data to AI models to accelerate decision-making and transform operations
- How Knowledge AI and Data AI combine to create Automated Reasoning
- How advanced Causal AI moves beyond traditional, data-centric AI—delivering unprecedented insights that enhance operational efficiency, drive faster and more accurate decision-making, and empower teams from the front lines to the C-suite
