IPLOCA 2022 Convention

IPLOCA’s 54th Annual Convention

After two years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic, IPLOCA members had the pleasure of getting together once again.  Gonzalo Montenegro, IPLOCA President 2021-2022, welcomed just over 400 delegates to the Annual Convention in Prague from 19 to 23 September with the theme: ‘Pipelines Powering a Sustainable Future.’

This year’s speakers’ presentations addressed how to anticipate and overcome the challenges presented by the increase in alternative energy sources, the restrictions, and guidelines for reducing carbon foot printing and the related repercussions faced by the pipeline industry.  A new technology revolutionising the way underground construction can be undertaken, along with one of the IPLOCA members entering the Guinness Book of Records was also presented.

The Poster Sessions were held during the Open General Meeting coffee breaks, allowing people the time to visit and ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere.  These sessions were given by CRC Evans, Cyntech Group, Gulf Energy Information, LCS Cable Cranes GmbH, Monti -Werkzeuge GmbH, Pipeline Induction Heat and Winn & Coales Int. Ltd. Ten-minute Business to Business (B2B) meetings were also offered by member companies, Bechtel Pipelines, Bonatti S.p.A., Fluor, Sicim S.p.A., TC Energy and Techfem S.p.A, and were fully booked.

IPLOCA is proud to announce that for the seventh year running, 20 scholarships of USD 4,500 each were awarded to children or grandchildren of employees of IPLOCA members.

During the OGMs the awards for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were given for Health & Safety sponsored by TC Energy, the Environment sponsored by Shell, Corporate Social Responsibility sponsored by Total, New Technologies sponsored by BP and for Excellence in Project Execution sponsored by IPLOCA.

This year IPLOCA welcomed 14 new members, of which several representatives had the pleasure of attending the Annual Convention for the first time.

IPLOCA President Gonzalo Montenegro presented his ‘Year in Review’ during the Annual General Meeting showing how the Association has slowly moved back to normality after the pandemic by holding more and more face-to-face meetings.  During his presidential term, four face-to-face Board Meetings, two Regional Meetings, two Novel Construction Sessions and a HSE & CSR Workshop on sustainability were held. Membership figures have also slightly increased compared to last year.  Gonzalo Montenegro thanked the Board for their hard work this past year before passing the gavel to Kelly Osborn, the incoming President for the 2022-2023 term. Roberto Castelli was elected 1st Vice President, Leon Richards 2nd Vice President (following a unanimous vote at the Board Meeting for him to hold the seat of President for the second time) and Adam Wynne Hughes as Treasurer.  The results of the 2022-2023 Board of Directors nominations were ratified during the AGM.

Delegates enjoyed tours of the beautiful city of Prague and took the opportunity to network as is the custom during the Convention.  Tours were offered to Prague castle, the old town with a trip on a Vodouch boat, the Velvet Revolution Tour dedicated to the events that took place in Wenceslas Square in the 20th century, the Jewish Quarter and Europe’s oldest active synagogue, the U Fleku Brewery and a ride on a historical tram, the Nizbor crystal production house and the Karlstejn Castle plus a visit to the State Opera.

A big thank you to all the generous sponsors who contributed to making this event as memorable as ever.

The IPLOCA team looks forward to seeing all its members next year in Vancouver, Canada from 11 to 15 September 2023.

The speaker presentations are available to download via this link.