IPLOCA 2019 Convention

Following the success at last year’s convention in London, Business to Business meetings and Poster Sessions were once again offered keeping members up-to-date on important developments and business opportunities. This year, Bechtel Pipeline, Brightstar Asia, Fluor, Herrenknecht, Jemena, Liebherr and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers held 10 minute Business to Business meetings, and Herrenknecht, PIH, PipeSak Incorporated, RSK Group, Sherwin Williams, Vermeer Corporation, Volvo Construction Equipment and Worldwide Group hosted Poster Sessions.

Founded in Paris in 1966, IPLOCA has held annual gatherings in different locations around the globe for the past 53 years. These Conventions are held for key players in the international pipeline construction industry to network, catch up on the latest industry trends and share best practices. The convention lasts five days and registration is limited to IPLOCA members, media partners and guests of IPLOCA. Knowledgeable speakers are invited to give informative presentations on subjects related to the industry.

This year’s Annual Convention was held from 30 September to 4 October, 2019 at the Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Members and guests were welcomed from around the world in the vibrant and diverse capital of Thailand.

This year’s speakers gave industry related presentations on: Key Success Factors for Pipeline Projects in Thailand; The 4th Transmission Pipeline Midline Compressor Station Project; Trends in the Global Upstream Oil Industry and the Realities of its Response to Climate Change; Safety in Transition; The Northern Gas Pipeline – Building a Social License; Macroeconomic Influences on Oil & Gas Markets and Pipeline Construction Remote Monitoring.

John Tikkanen, IPLOCA President 2018-2019 gave his ‘Year in Review’ report during the AGM and updated members on the results of the year-long Strategic Review ‘Fit for the Future’ and the changes planned to be implemented in the coming months/years. The IPLOCA Treasurer, Adam Wynne Hughes, informed members of the current status of IPLOCA’s accounts.

During the Final Banquet held on Friday 4 October, John Tikkanen informed the delegates that he was handing the gavel over to Iosif Panchak, of J.S. Welding & Building Company, the incoming IPLOCA President for the period 2019-2020. Oliviero Corvi of Bonatti was elected as 1st Vice President and Leon Richards of McConnell Dowell as 2nd Vice President. Adam Wynne Hughes of Pipeline Induction Heat was confirmed for the 3rd year running as Treasurer. The results of the 2019-2020 Board of Directors elections were ratified during the AGM.

During the OGMs, three industry awards were presented: the IPLOCA Health & Safety Award sponsored by Chevron, the IPLOCA Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Total and the New Technologies Award sponsored by BP. The 2019 IPLOCA Scholarship Programme recipients were also announced and The Scholarship Project Lead, Steve Sumner, informed attendees that since January 2019 member companies have the possibility to sponsor scholarships. This year, three company scholarships were sponsored by Gulf Interstate Engineering, Rosen Group and VACUWORX. Making a total of 23 scholarships offered in 2019.

The cultural programme held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday offered delegates the opportunity to visit the main Bangkok must-see-attractions such as: the Temple of Dawn, the Summer Palace, Ayutthaya, Damnern Saduak Floating Market, Flower Market, Reclining Buddha Temple, Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Golden Buddha Temple, Marble Temple, Jim Thompson’s house, Amulet Market, MOCA and the National Museum. The majority of these cultural tours were accessible by boat via the Chao Phraya River giving delegates time to enjoy the scenery and catch-up with old and new friends.

A big Thank You to all our delegates, speakers and sponsors for participating in our Convention and making it another successful event!

The speaker presentations are available to download on this link.