The Convention ran from 1 October to 5 October and was packed with activities for the over 500 delegates drawn from 34 countries. The conference was held in Sydney coinciding with Australia’s Andy Lukas holding the IPLOCA Presidency (the first time an Australian has been President).

The number of delegates was beyond all expectations and was a testament to the organisers of the event as well as the IPLOCA Board under the management of Andy Lukas.

On a number of days throughout the week delegates and their partners were able to experience the best that Sydney and New South Wales had to offer. Some of the activities included visits to the Blue Mountains, Taronga Zoo, a sheep station and of course a cruise on Sydney Harbour. In the sporting arena, delegates were tested by both the Golf Tournament and the Tennis Tournament during the week.

Monday night featured a reception for first time attendees where they got to meet Board members and gain a further insight in to IPLOCA. Closely following this was the Dodsal Dinner in the Westin Grand Ballroom which provided a chance for returning delegates to catch up with friends and create new ones.

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The President’s Dinner was held on Tuesday night at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, an amazing venue. Late Wednesday afternoon the World Federation of Pipeline Industry Associations met, further developing links between the Australian Pipeline Industry Association and other pipeline industry groups around the globe.

Thursday saw a business sessions occupy most the day with Andy Lukas’ President’s address commencing the day. Papers looked at areas such as ‘The Natural Gas Roundabout for Both Europe: Made in Holland”, the southeast Queensland water recycling scheme and safety. A novell construction meeting which is part of IPLOCA’s aim to develop innovation in pipeline construction through the involvement of all companies in the supply chain was also held in the afternoon. The afternoon was completed with each region within IPLOCA holding its annual meetings to elect board members.

Thursday evening was a particularly special treat for the attendees, with an evening on the Botanical Gardens’ Fleet Steeps on the edge of the harbour looking across to the Opera House. The evening was topped of with fireworks, held especially for IPLOCA, lighting up the harbour.

A number of thought provoking presentations were delivered on Friday, including a look at the rise of national oil companies and their challenge to international oil companies.

That evening was the famous ‘final night’ of IPLOCA that commenced with a cocktail party, followed by the final banquet and rounded off with ‘Dancing till Dawn’. The final banquet was a stand out highlight with world class entertainment and a number of traditional presentations held, including the presentation of the former Presidents’ pin to Andy Lukas as he welcomed incoming IPLOCA President John Reed. IPLOCA tradition also states that the outgoing President’s wife is presented with a gift in recognition of the time their partner has spent away however this year Donna Lukas asked a donation to a charity, the Jesuit Refugee Service, be made instead.

Overall, Australia’s inaugural IPLOCA Convention shone bright on the world stage with no doubt many delegates will be keen to return as soon as possible.