The APIA Convention and Exhibition has achieved legendary status not only within the pipeline industry, but in all energy industries! The Convention is a highlight of the year for APIA members and for the many associated industries in which the Convention generates a great deal of interest.

The title of this year’s Convention is “Pipelines – Bridging our Energy Needs”. Presentations over the two-day business program will include progress reports on four major Australian pipeline projects, presentations on future innovation and planning for the industry, observations from two State regulators regarding environmental issues and pipeline safety in the 21st century and a variety of operational and technical papers.

Other topics of interest include a paper on skills training in the pipeline industry, a presentation on the social and environmental benefits of pipeline development and the challenges of building China’s 4,000 km West-East pipeline.

Speakers include the Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Warren Entsch MP, and the South Australian Minister for Minerals and Energy, Pat Conlon MLA.

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Mr Entsch, a Queenslander and the Member for Leichhardt, has a taken a genuine interest in the pipeline industry and infrastructure investment. As well as his work in the industry portfolio, Mr Entsch has also been Chairman of the Joint Statutory Committee on Native Title and Aboriginal Land Fund, and a member of the House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

Mr Conlon, as the South Australian Minister responsible for Energy and Infrastructure, has an active interest in the pipeline industry and is a great supporter of APIA events. In this period of regulatory changes and challenges, Minister Conlon has endeavoured to keep the industry’s best interests in mind when dealing with new legislation. Mr Conlon will deliver the Opening Address at the Convention and no doubt generate discussion about the plans of both State and Federal Governments for the future of infrastructure investment, particularly gas pipelines.

Two important events outside of the realm of the pipeline industry will take place during Convention – Halloween and the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup. Halloween will be marked by a fancy dress evening, while the Melbourne Cup won’t just stop the nation – it will stop the APIA Convention as well, giving delegates, participants and observers the chance to celebrate the event along with the rest of the nation.

Interest in the APIA Convention and Exhibition is always high and this year’s event again provides an excellent opportunity for industry participants – and those who wish to be industry participants – to share expertise, knowledge, fun and friendship, as well as develop new contacts in the industry.