2016 AIPN IPS Attracts Nearly 300 Attendees from 23 Countries
AIPN International Petroleum Summit Attracts Nearly 300 Attendees from 23 Countries
HOUSTON, Texas (May 26, 2016) – The Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) hosted its inaugural International Petroleum Summit May 9-12 at The Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas. The summit attracted 284 registrants from 23 countries who represented a variety of businesses in the oil and gas industry. Many speakers addressed challenges and changes in the industry and offered ideas for adaptation to the shifting landscape. Throughout the summit, attendees also heard key advice on negotiation techniques and strategies as well as the state of the mergers and acquisitions market as it relates to funding and the overall health of businesses in the oil and gas sectors.
AIPN Board of Directors, AIPN members, non-AIPN members and student attendees all had favorable experiences at the summit. Many cited the keynote addresses were filled with practical and trending information that they could use and share with their colleagues. Wednesday afternoon’s speed networking session was particularly popular with a waiting list of interested attendees. Overall, feedback from attendees indicated that they felt all aspects of the summit exceeded their expectations.
Media outlets also found the Summit content robust and germane to the current state of the industry. Reporters from Reuters, Rigzone, and MergerMarket all published stories online during the event. Texas Bar Journal is preparing an article with keynote speaker and former United States Secretary of State James A. Baker, III set to appear on the magazine’s online blog and published in its June issue.
The culmination of a year-long planning effort, the AIPN International Petroleum Summit included more than 16 sessions and keynote addresses, networking events, receptions and an evening gala. The conference program included pre-conference workshops, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. The summit delivered tremendous value to attendees who observed in-depth interviews with industry leaders, conferred on relevant industry topics, and watched interactive presentations.
“I heard from many enthusiastic attendees that the sessions and conversations they sparked were extremely engaging and valuable. I commend summit co-chairs, Bill Cline, senior advisor, Gaffney, Cline & Associates, Inc.; Tony Cioni, partner, Torys LLP; and Guly Sabahi, partner, Dentons US LLP; our board of directors, staff and volunteers for organizing and hosting a conference that offered best practices and strategies for negotiating petroleum transactions while also addressing industry issues and challenges,” commented David Davies, the newly elected president of AIPN. “This inaugural summit marked the beginning of an ongoing series of annual AIPN summits that will gather together speakers and attendees to discuss current issues and challenges in the oil and gas business. For upcoming summits, we will actively solicit and incorporate feedback and recommendations from AIPN members, sponsors, board members, and media to ensure that high-caliber speakers and meaningful content are standards of excellence associated with AIPN and our programs.”
Deemed by attendees from feedback as the three most relevant sessions during the summit were “The Art of Negotiation” keynote address by former United States Secretary of State James A. Baker, III ; Art and Science of Successful Negotiations in Foreign Culture and Language by Mr. Joe Navarro, international best-selling author and body language expert and principle of JNForensics, LLC; and The Theory and Practice of Dealmaking: Secrets of Successful Dealmakers by Mr. Guhan Subramanian, Professor at Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School.
Secretary Baker offered best practices and strong advice on the fair process of negotiation. He spoke about good negotiators/good negotiations, building trust and personal relationships in negotiating practices.
Mr. Navarro presented an educational session on the art and science of successful negotiations in foreign culture and language. He provided practical and useful skills that attendees could immediately implement to make them more effective communicators in a multicultural-multilingual world. Mr. Navarro also participated in a book signing event.
Professor Subramanian’s keynote address connected the dots between the science of negotiating and the real world conditions encountered by international negotiators. He offered best-practice strategies for scenarios commonly found in the oil and gas sector. Mr. Subramanian also held a book signing event.
Besides advice and strategies on negotiating, attendees actively participated in other sessions and sidebar discussions affecting the oil and gas industry and exploration and production companies. Trending topics included risk mitigation regarding contract stabilization, model contracts and joint operating agreements, oil and gas asset valuation, surviving and thriving during the turbulence of low oil prices, current challenges in maritime boundary disputes, depressed commodity prices and the reopening of Iran’s oil and gas industry and what it means to the global oil and gas industry.
The summit commenced with the association’s annual board meeting focused on reviewing the organization’s goals and discussing and agreeing upon strategic initiatives that will continue to develop the organization and support its members. During this meeting, the members of the 2016-2017 Board of Directors took office. The new board, comprised of 40 directors, began their terms at the close of the May 9 board meeting and will serve for one year until the Spring 2017 annual board meeting.
More details on each board member can be found on the Officers and Directors page of the AIPN web site.
On the last evening of the conference, registrants attended AIPN’s gala and awards dinner, sponsored by Vinson & Elkins LLP, to celebrate outstanding members of AIPN and their significant contributions to the association. Mike Josephson, AIPN’s immediate past president, exchanged his gavel at the gala event with David Davies, the incoming 2016-2017 AIPN president.
An event of this magnitude does not happen without the support of sponsors and endorsers, the board of directors, volunteers and AIPN staff. Angelique Vesey, executive director of AIPN, commented: “I would like to personally thank all of our generous sponsors and endorsers who supported the 2016 AIPN International Petroleum Summit. On behalf of the staff at AIPN, our board of directors, the Summit co-chairs and all of our members, we extend our sincere appreciation to every company who made it possible for AIPN to continue its mission and advocacy. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the Summit committee co-chairs for developing an outstanding program. Last but not least, I appreciate our volunteers and the AIPN staff who made sure that everyone’s needs were attended to and who handled every detail with precision.”
AIPN wishes to acknowledge the following sponsors and endorsers: Baker Botts LLP – platinum sponsor; K&L Gates LLP – sponsor of the Welcome Reception; Vinson & Elkins LLP – sponsor of the Gala and Awards Dinner; Miranda Law Firm – sponsor of journal books provided in the registrant’s conference backpacks; NAPE – breakfast sponsor; refreshment break sponsors included Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados, and Morais Leitao, Lagvao Teles, Soares da Silva Associados; in-kind sponsors of exhibits included BP, FMC Technologies and Oil States Industries, Inc.; and Endorsing Organizations included – American Association of Petroleum Landmen; American Bar Association Section on International Law; Institute for Energy Law; Petroleum Joint Venture Association; and Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL).
The AIPN membership network of international oil and gas professionals and experts is a vital resource for younger professionals and veteran negotiators alike. Whether face-to-face or online, AIPN members benefit from the many opportunities offered.
To learn more about AIPN’s mission, the added value of AIPN membership and how to join, visit www.aien.org or call +1 281-558-7715.
Photographs available for viewing at https://www.flickr.com/photos/aipn/albums or available upon request.