TOP LINE-UP FOR REGION’S BIGGEST ENERGY EVENT

Some of the biggest names in UK energy will forecast the future of the industry in and around the Southern North Sea (SNS) at the sector’s most important event of the year in the East of England.

Collaboration, innovation and rejuvenation are the themes of the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) flagship conference and exhibition, SNS2018, on Wednesday February 28th and Thursday March 1st 2018.

Industry leaders, oil & gas operators, developers of multi-billion-pound offshore wind farms off the east coast and nuclear experts will reveal the latest predictions, developments and opportunities for the East of England supply chain on the stage at the Norfolk Showground Arena, Norwich. EEEGR will also focus on Skills for Energy, a regional initiative to ensure the East of England supply chain has the requisite skills to service the Energy sector.

SNS2018 is primarily sponsored by EEEGR’s platinum sponsor, ScottishPower Renewables. Sponsorship packages are still available for events throughout the two days, including the drinks reception at the SNS2018 Gala Dinner on February 28th.

New for 2018 is a Meet the Buyer event with a strategic introduction service run by EEEGR to ensure supply chain companies can sit down and pitch their specialisms directly to energy operators and Tier One companies.

Keynote speaker will be Deirdre Michie, Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, on February 28th.

The stage line-up includes Nils Cors, Head of Decommissioning for the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), Eric Marston, OGA Area Manager for the SNS and East Irish Sea, Fraser Weir, of Spirit Energy (formerly Centrica), Lynne McDonald, of UK Power Networks, who will offer some ‘crystal ball gazing’ on networks, distribution and storage, and Duncan Clark, Programme Director for Hornsea 1 & 2 for Ørsted (formerly DONG Energy).

More than 60 of the available 71 exhibition stands have already been sold for the event, which attracted more than 1000 delegates last year.

Simon Gray, EEEGR’s Chief Executive, said SNS2018 would reflect the increasing optimism across the industry as green shoots in the gas industry bring new contracts to East of England businesses, the multi-billion offshore wind investment nurtures a growing supply chain and the reality of Sizewell C approaches.

SNS2018 would help supply chain companies to understand important developments happening across the sector and future business opportunities, he said.

“Our SNS exhibition and conference is where business is done. Supply chain companies generate fresh leads, make new contacts and cement existing relationships. Exhibitors have the chance to showcase what they can do, how they fit with other companies and reinforce their brand and the conference allows the supply chain to learn what is happening in the industry and what is being forecast.”

“This year, we have gone to members asking what and who they would like to hear from and meet in a Call for Papers, which has attracted strong interest and feedback to help shape this year’s event.”

“We are currently speaking with a number of potential sponsors. The interest in this year’s event is promising to draw an even larger attendance than our record year last year, attracted by a welcome upbeat and positive atmosphere about the future across the whole sector.”

Progress of workstreams of EEEGR’s Special Interest Groups will be reported, including its focus on SNS rejuvenation, shared resources, facilities and logistics between oil & gas and renewables, late life and decommissioning, the offshore wind sector and marine.

Mr Gray said: “Greens shoots in the gas industry were reported by the Oil and Gas Authority at our Westminster reception last October and, from what I am hearing from our supply chain members, business is improving.

“To be able to give delegates positive news about increased oil & gas activity is what we have been waiting for - and the region also has huge opportunities in both the nuclear and offshore wind sectors. All of these will be on the agenda for the conference and exhibition.”

To book one of the remaining exhibitor stands or find out more about sponsorship packages, contact Siofra Driver on: 01493 412199 siofra.driver@eeegr.com To book delegate tickets, visit: www.eeegr.com