10 December 2015, Doha

The 9th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) has come to a close in Doha having seen 3,800 industry professionals, representing 630 companies from 63 countries pass through the doors of the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event, which is the largest multi-society, multi-disciplinary oil and gas event in the Eastern hemisphere, drew speakers from the highest echelons of government, operators, service providers, advisory and research firms and academia.

Under the theme "Technology and Partnerships for a Sustainable Energy Future" the event - hosted by Qatar Petroleum and co-hosted by Shell - featured two CEO plenary sessions and five panel sessions, a comprehensive multidisciplinary technical programme, exhibition, and strong young professionals programme.

In the CEO Plenary Session on the second day, delegates heard about the long-term benefits that technology and collaboration will bring to the oil and gas industry, as well as the importance of talented people to drive both of these elements and the significant role their development plays, particularly when addressing climate change in light of COP21.

The third and final day saw strong attendance and some great discussions, cementing the conclusions of the first two days.

Waleed Refaay, IPTC Project Director, said: "On behalf of the IPTC Board and Committees I would again like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar for his patronage. We would like to thank His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister for his great support and for attending personally to open both the conference and exhibition. We also thank His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry for his support of the event."

Mr. Refaay added: "I would like to thank Qatar Petroleum, our host organisation - especially Mr. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, President and CEO, Qatar Petroleum & IPTC Executive Committee co-chair. My thanks also to our co-host Shell - especially Mr. Andy Brown, Upstream International Director for his role as co-chair of the IPTC Executive Committee and his valuable contribution. I would finally like to offer my thanks to all the companies that have attended the 9th IPTC here in Doha, for ultimately it is you that have made this event an outstanding success."

The baton now passes to PTT Exploration and Production plc (PTTEP), the host of the 10th International Petroleum Technology Conference, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 14-16 November 2016.

Following the closing ceremony of IPTC 2015 in Doha, Qatar, Somporn Vongvuthipornchai, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTTEP said: "It is important to continue educating ourselves, the community and the younger generation on how the oil and gas industry can help build a thriving and sustainable economic ecosystem. IPTC is vital in promoting technology dissemination and knowledge sharing on a global scale. This will help us realise and work for a sustainable future."

In line with the long-term energy outlook featured at this yearÕs conference, IPTC 2016, themed "Innovation and Efficiency Excellence for our Energy Future", will feature multiple high-level plenaries and panels, a multi-disciplinary technical programme and a state-of-the-art exhibition showcasing the latest innovations and technologies. Discussions will focus on how collaboration, education, innovation and technological advancements can help boost E&P operations globally, and in turn contribute to energy sustainability.

For more information on the 9th IPTC, please go to www.iptcnet.org/2015/doha

For more information on the 10th IPTC, such as how to submit technical paper proposals, exhibition opportunities and the various sponsorship details, please visit www.iptcnet.org/2016/ or contact iptc@iptcnet.org.

-Ends-

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About IPTC
The International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) is an annual event rotating between Asia Pacific and the Middle East. IPTC is organised to further the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge related to the exploration, development, production, transportation and processing of oil and natural gas.

The IPTC is a collaborative effort among the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG); the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE); the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG); and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The synergy of these four leading, individual member-driven societies provides the most comprehensive opportunity to form multi‑disciplinary committees and an outstanding technical programme.

© Press Release 2015