LAGCOE 2017: Connect, explore and discover energy moving forward

Because Louisiana is home to thousands of energy companies, and is often considered America’s foremost energy hub, the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) once again will be held at the Cajundome & Convention Center in Lafayette, La., during Oct. 24-26. LAGCOE, a nonprofit energy organization that promotes energy-focused educational programs, biennially holds one of the largest petroleum industry conferences in the U.S.

Fig. 1. LAGCOE 2015 welcomed more than 16,400 attendees from all over the world. LAGCOE 2017 expects a smaller turn-out, but higher-quality sessions.

The exposition and conference, which has its 62nd anniversary this year, is broadening its horizons this year with a well-founded promotion of commerce within the energy sector. It is steadfast in its mission to connect businesses with a wide range of opportunities that will help advance the onshore and offshore energy industry, including innovation, education and workforce development, volunteer work, and investment and business ideas. Exhibitors will showcase the latest technology on the exhibition floor, where attendees can network and connect with industry experts, Fig. 1, 2.

Prior to the opening of LAGCOE 2017, a luncheon was hosted in honor of this year’s LAGCOE Looey. Don Briggs, founding member and president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, has been named the 36th LAGCOE Looey, Fig. 3. This is an honorary position held only by those who have accomplished great things throughout his/her career in oil and gas.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS/TECHNICAL SESSIONS

LAGCOE 2017 will kick off its lineup of keynote presentations with “Fractured: How Language Deceives Us About Energy.” The presentation will give attendees a look at Producer Mark Mathis’ documentary film, “Fractured.” The film is a follow-up to Mathis’ film, “SpOILed,” and delves deeper into how language is used to grievously mislead us about the energy industry.

Fig. 2. Exhibitors will showcase the latest technology on the exhibition floor, where attendees can network and connect with industry experts.

The opening keynote address will be presented by Scott Angelle, director, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), Department of the Interior. Following Angelle’s talk, BP’s Gulf of Mexico projects general manager, Ryan Malone, will present “A Fresh Look at the Gulf of Mexico: How Oil and Gas Companies Will Adapt to the New Environment.”

During the second day of the conference, Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), will present “The Change of Energy in Washington, D.C.”

Day Three of the expo will offer a panel discussion with the president of G2 LNG, Thomas H. Hudson, and the president and CEO of Magnolia LNG, Greg Vesey. The “LNG CEO Panel” will be moderated by the president of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), Chris John.

In addition to the keynote presentations, LAGCOE 2017 will hold a variety of technical sessions throughout the three-day conference. The sessions, which are sponsored by Drilling Contractor, will be presented by leaders in the onshore and offshore oil and gas industry. These featured sessions will include a wide array of topics, including R&D, AUV pipeline inspection, deepwater intervention, deepwater exploration, new technology and innovation, and business opportunities.

PITCH CHALLENGE

INNOV8 Acadiana has partnered with LAGCOE once again and will feature its Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge on the final day of the conference. The competition is geared toward emerging energy innovators, who are looking to connect with potential investors.

Each innovator will be given three minutes to pitch an idea to a panel of investors following a three-minute Q&A with the audience, similar to the television series, “Shark Tank.” In addition to the cash, awards and other prizes presented to the winners, selected candidates also will be given the opportunity to exhibit their innovation or idea in the LAGCOE 2017 Energy Innovator’s Tent.

“Investors from around the state are motivated to invest in new energy-related innovations coming for this exciting event,” said Pete Prados, INNOV8 Acadiana director. “Whether you are a startup [company] or a thriving business with room for growth, now is the time to launch to the next level of success.”

FUTURE ENERGY PROFESSIONALS

LAGCOE has always been a solid benefactor of students and young
professionals in the energy sector. LAGCOE 2017 will be no different, as the conference and expo will hold numerous events focused on the networking and career development of young industry professionals.

The Young Professionals of LAGCOE (YPL) organization, for instance, helps young professionals connect with experienced industry professionals, who can offer insight into career development in the oil and gas sector. YPL members also get exclusive access to events and programs held during the conference. Young professionals interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry can join YPL for $50/year.

Fig. 3. Don Briggs, founding member and president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, has been named the 36th LAGCOE Looey.

Angela Cring, LAGCOE executive director, said, “Networking, career development, and education for all ages are always important components to long-term industry sustainability. With the industry making moves towards cautious optimism, LAGCOE events and programs will create opportunities for business growth.”

In addition to YPL events, LAGCOE’s Future Energy Professional (FEP) Program once again will encourage students’ and young professionals’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The program was established in 2013, in an effort to attract more talent to the industry.

This year, LAGCOE has announced a recipient for its inaugural two-year/technical degree Future Energy Professionals Scholarship: Cornelius Broussard. The scholarship is awarded to a student planning to enroll in a Louisiana college, where they intend to pursue a degree in a STEM field.

Additionally, FEP will offer an organized tour of the expo to other students interested in STEM majors. There will be a morning and an afternoon session with up to 100 students, who will get hands-on experience with some of the industry’s leading technology and mechanics.

During the final day of LAGCOE 2017, the Career Development & Networking Expo will be held as part of LAGCOE’s two-day Education & Innovation Summit—which includes a student research competition, the Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge, and the Life of a Well luncheon. The expo is designed to help those entering or re-entering the energy sector. It will offer support on resume building, interviewing, networking and more. It is free to attend and open to anyone.