LNG Academy Episode 6: The World of LNG Conferences

Alex Taimuri

 Welcome back valued listeners to “The LNG Academy – Episode 6,” the podcast who’s mission is to spread LNG education to the world. I’m your host, Alex Taimuri, co-founder and President of Capstone Industrial Training Solutions, and in today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the fascinating world of LNG conferences. Joining me is my co-host and LNG operations specialist, Mehdy Touil, who has recently attended his first conference, LNG2023 in Vancouver. Hi Mehdy! 

Mehdy Touil

Hi Alex! 

Alex Taimuri

OK so Right on theme, this episode is brought to you by Gastech 2023, the world’s largest meeting place for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technologies. Gastech will take place at Singapore EXPO from 5 – 8 September. Both Mehdy and I will be attending the conference. 

So let’s dive right in. Can you give our listeners an overview of some of the main LNG conferences in the industry? Maybe some of which will be travelling to  

Mehdy Touil

Certainly! The LNG industry has several significant conferences that serve as key platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. One notable event is the LNG Conference series, which takes place every 3 years and attracts industry leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world. Another highly regarded event is the annual Gastech Conference and Exhibition that covers the entire LNG value chain.  You have also the World LNG Summit, focusing on market trends, investment opportunities, and technological advancements. There are country or region-specific events like the Americas LNG & Gas Summit, recently renamed The Americas Energy Summit, the Canada Gas & LNG conference, the Asia Pacific Energy Summit, and the GNL Global Conference for Latin America. Other events are sector-specific, like the LNG export Engineering & Construction Conference, the LNG bunkering summit, the small-scale LNG forum and so on. These are just a few examples, but there are many other conferences that cater to different aspects of the LNG industry. 

Alex Taimuri

It’s incredible to see how these conferences bring together professionals from various sectors all around the world. Now, let’s discuss the differences between commercial and technical conferences. Could you elaborate on that? 

Mehdy Touil

Certainly. Commercial conferences primarily revolve around market dynamics, pricing trends, project developments, and investment opportunities. They attract stakeholders such as producers, traders, and financiers who are interested in the business side of the LNG industry. On the other hand, technical conferences delve into the engineering, operational, and technological aspects of LNG. They cater to experts from engineering firms, technology and equipment providers, or research institutions who are focused on the technical aspects of LNG production, transportation, and utilization. While both types of conferences offer valuable insights, their emphasis differs based on the interest of the attendees. 

Alex Taimuri

That’s a crucial distinction to keep in mind. For someone attending an LNG conference for the first time, what are some key preparations they should make? 

Mehdy Touil

Preparation is key to making the most of an LNG conference experience. Firstly, familiarize yourself with the conference agenda, the keynote speakers, and panel discussions. Identify sessions that align with your interests and objectives. It’s also important to research the speakers, moderators, and attending companies to gain insights and potential networking opportunities. Additionally, come prepared with your business cards, your elevator pitch if applicable, and a clear understanding of your goals for attending the conference. Being well-prepared will allow you to make the most out of the conference and maximize your networking and learning opportunities. 

Alex Taimuri

Excellent advice! Now, let’s talk about the benefits of speaking at an LNG conference. What opportunities does it offer to enhance one’s professional profile and company they are representing? 

Mehdy Touil

Speaking at an LNG conference provides a valuable platform to showcase your expertise, knowledge, and thought leadership in the industry. It offers visibility among industry peers, potential clients, and collaborators. By delivering a compelling presentation, you can position yourself as an authority in your field, opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and business connections. Moreover, speaking engagements can lead to invitations for future conferences, panel discussions, or media interviews, further enhancing your professional profile. It’s a great way to establish yourself as a recognized expert in your field. 

Alex Taimuri

That’s a significant advantage of speaking at conferences. Now, let’s talk about the logistical aspect of attending large events, especially in cities like Vancouver and Singapore. One important tip is to book hotels and flights early.  

Mehdy Touil

Absolutely! When attending large conferences, especially those with a high attendance rate, it’s crucial to book your hotel and flights as early as possible. These conferences attract attendees from all over the world, and hotel availability can become limited closer to the event date. By booking early, you not only secure your accommodation but also have a better chance of finding hotels that are conveniently located near the conference venue. Additionally, booking your flights in advance allows you to take advantage of lower fares and secure your preferred travel schedule. Early planning ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience during the conference. In some cases, you’ll need a visa so plan accordingly. 

Alex Taimuri

Great advice! That is a good reminder to meet to make sure my travel plans are secure. I am making a note of that! Now, let’s delve deeper into attending an LNG conference. What are some strategies to make the most out of this experience? 

Mehdy Touil

Attending an LNG conference offers numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. First and foremost, make sure to arrive early on the first day of the conference to familiarize yourself with the venue, the registration process and the security requirements. Take advantage of networking breaks, cocktail receptions, and social events to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. Be active on social media platforms before, during, and after the conference, using event hashtags and engaging with other attendees to expand your network digitally. Additionally, consider participating in interactive sessions, workshops, or roundtable discussions to actively contribute to the conference and share your insights. 

Alex Taimuri

Those are valuable strategies to maximize the conference experience. Now, let’s address an essential aspect: the conference sessions and presentations. How can attendees make the most of these sessions? 

Mehdy Touil

Plenary, strategic, regular sessions and presentations provide valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities. To make the most out of them, come prepared with a notebook or a device to take notes. Identify sessions that align with your interests and attend them attentively. Engage in Q&A sessions to ask relevant questions and gain further clarity on the topics discussed. Moreover, consider participating in panel discussions or roundtable sessions, as they provide a platform to share your viewpoints, contribute to the conversation, and connect with other industry professionals. Actively participating in sessions helps you maximize your learning and networking opportunities during the conference. 

Alex Taimuri

Excellent advice! Now, let’s touch upon the importance of follow-up after attending an LNG conference. How can attendees ensure that they continue to build on the connections and insights gained during the event? 

Mehdy Touil

Follow-up is a critical step in cementing the connections made during the conference. Take the time to send personalized follow-up emails to the people you met, expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. Connect with them on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to stay in touch and nurture the relationships further. Additionally, share your key takeaways from the conference on social media or through blog posts to contribute to the industry dialogue and showcase your engagement. Maintaining active communication and fostering relationships beyond the conference will help you continue to grow your network and stay connected with industry developments. 

Alex Taimuri

Now having attended a few conferences myself, we should discuss Protestors. We live in a democratic society and a society that thrives on diversity of opinion, with the political controversy that LNG brings we should all be prepared. 

Mehdy Touil

That’s true, as with any large energy gathering, it’s important to be aware of the potential for protests or demonstrations that might be taking place around the conference venue. While protests are a valid expression of opinions, it is best to avoid displaying your conference badge outside the venue or engaging directly with protesters. Instead, focus on the productive and educational opportunities provided by the conference itself. Engaging in a respectful and constructive dialogue within the conference environment allows for meaningful discussions and a better exchange of ideas. Most of the time, protesters are not willing to discuss. 

Alex Taimuri

As we wrap up our discussion, do you have any final thoughts or advice for our listeners when it comes to navigating the world of LNG conferences? 

Mehdy Touil

Absolutely Alex. Attending LNG conferences can be a transformative experience for professionals in the industry. It offers a platform to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and showcase your expertise. Embrace these opportunities, be proactive in your approach, and always strive to learn and contribute. Remember, conferences are not just about passive attendance but active engagement. By preparing well, leveraging speaking opportunities, and making meaningful connections, you can truly make the most out of these conferences. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep networking! 

Alex Taimuri

Thank you, Mehdy, for sharing these valuable insights and strategies. I’m sure our listeners will find them incredibly helpful. That brings us to the end of another enlightening episode of “The LNG Academy.” We hope you enjoyed this discussion on LNG conferences and gained valuable knowledge, and we hope to see you at these conferences as well, and hopefully, much better prepared. Stay tuned for future episodes where we delve deeper into the exciting world of liquefied natural gas. Until next time!