Oil and gas events provide effective networking, public relations and educational opportunities for your business. Gas and oil industry events not only help you stay abreast of the latest computer industry advancements, but allow you to exchange ideas with colleagues. Plus, oil and gas industry events give your company significant name recognition among current and future business prospects, partners or clients.

There are a wide range of oil and gas conferences, with topics ranging from oil drilling and GIS mapping to technology and asset management. To get the most value from an oil gas conference, evaluate the following:

1. Is the oil or gas event designed for petroleum industry professionals in your specialized field?

2. What special exhibits, workshops or keynote speakers do the oil and gas industry conferences offer to expand your knowledge base or increase your business profitability?

3. How much should your business pay for gas or oil industry service events?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select oil and gas events geared towards professionals in your field

Choose gas and oil company events that focus on your specific petroleum industry discipline. If your focus is on offshore oil drilling, select a specialized offshore oil conference rather than a general oil industry event. Find out if the gas and oil industry conferences are designed for executives, management, field workers or consultants, and select events most appropriate to your occupation.

I recommend: At the Oil & Gas Exchange senior executives from oil and gas companies around the world create custom itineraries that include one-on-one business meetings, conference sessions, executive roundtables and networking opportunities. The Gas Turbine Users Symposium provides educational opportunities for professionals who operate, maintain and purchase gas turbines. Clean Gulf is an annual conference designed for employees from businesses, agencies and associations involved in the exploration, production, shipping, transportation or storage of petroleum or petrochemicals in offshore, coastal or inland areas.

Attend oil and gas industry events with informative workshops and reputable speakers

Select gas and oil industry events that offer a selection of classes, exhibits and workshops relevant to your career. For the most beneficial learning experience, look for classes and seminars focused on specific topics rather than broad generalizations. Choose oil and gas conferences with successful, reputable and credible speakers who are known for their industry expertise.

I recommend: The Offshore Improved Oil Recovery Summit offers focused offshore oil conference sessions, including "Improving offshore recovery using Pressure Pulse Technology" and "Capturing, gathering and managing Co2 for EOR offshore." The World Energy Engineering Congress presented by the Association of Energy Engineers features a comprehensive five-day training program for energy managers, in addition to the multi-track conference agenda. The Oil & Gas Conference features presentations by more than 80 successful oil and gas related businesses.

Choose oil & gas events in your price range

Register for gas and oil industry conferences that fit within your company's budget. In addition to the conference fees, factor in costs for travel, lodging and meals. To save money, consider smaller local or regional oil and gas conferences, rather than larger national or international events.

I recommend: Unconventional Gas International Conference & Exhibition offers several registration packages for individual conference attendees, groups, students and visitors with additional options for single date delegates. The SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition features a full conference fee and a one-day registration fee with discounts for advance registration. The GIS for Oil & Gas Conference offers full conference, one day only, additional seminars and exhibits only registration options with reduced rates for students and faculty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To save on travel fees, consider participating in online oil and gas events. While you may not benefit from the networking opportunities that come with attending an oil gas conference, you will still receive the same valuable educational information from the comfort of your home or office.