November 2014, Vol. 69, No. 11
Features
Energy Conference, Charity Event Highlight The Pipeline and Energy Expo
Formerly known as the Tulsa Pipeline Expo, the rebranded and expanded The Pipeline and Energy Expo was held in August at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa.
The three-day conference and trade show has grown to focus on all forms of energy and featured exhibits and product demonstrations from prominent oil and gas service, supply and equipment companies.
“The Pipeline and Energy Expo facilitates an exchange of credible information among oil, gas and pipeline related organizations in a business-friendly environment focused on expanding their reach in Oklahoma and the economic footprint of our state and the region,” said Bill Solomon, chairman of TPE. “Our goal is to create targeted opportunities for energy companies, suppliers, contractors and hands-on operators by getting everyone together in the same room to explore ideas that make sense from a business standpoint, as well as for the nation’s energy future.”
The Expo’s annual silent auction and benefit dinner presented included will include live musical entertainment with proceeds from the auction going to benefit local charitable organizations. The Expo is a non-profit industry conference. All proceeds are donated to charities in Oklahoma through the Eagle Gift Foundation.
The 2014 Expo concluded with a buffet breakfast and Energy Trends Conference featuring an expert field of speakers and thought leaders who shared their perspectives on relevant pipeline and energy related topics. Among the several distinguished guests attend the event was Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague.
Speakers included: Dr. Jeff Magee on professional development training; “Introduction to Trenchless Installation” by Jeff Davis and Brian Grim, Ditch Witch; and a presentation on the
“Magellan West Texas to Houston Crude Oil Pipelines” by Mark McKenzie, Magellan.
On the last day of the show, a special Energy Conference featured several high-level speakers addressing the future of energy in America.
Energy Analyst Charles Nevle of Bentek Energy explained that soaring production of both gas and oil is causing an imbalance in domestic supply and demand. He believes that the export market could balance those elements.
Oklahoma U.S. Rep Jim Bridenstine told the TPE audience that the U.S. needs to export oil, natural gas and coal in the interests of both national and world security. He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using his country’s energy wealth to intimidate and manipulate Eastern Europe. Bridenstine emphasized that these types of action emphasis the need for the U.S. to export energy.
Another speaker, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, criticized the Obama administration’s perceived efforts to coal-fired power generation plants and other conventional energy sectors.
Also speaking on the panel was Aaron J. Burke of Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP, who cautioned the audience on the energy industry continuous legal challenges.
Conference organizers will announce plans in the near future for the 2015 TPE.
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