Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Opening Chairman Presentation - SD Superconference 2012

For those who were not able to attend the Shutdown Superconference this past month in Calgary, please feel free to read the opening speech below. For those who were able to attend, I truly wish the experience was fruitful. When reading the main body, the only request I have is that you try to put into context the intent and main theme. Delegates spend significant expense and effort to attend events such as this and we as speakers and industry representatives are obligated to provide value. I do believe there is value in attending conferences however I often question if there are any real gains. The speakers are often share learning and experiences but...more important is recognizing gaps within your organization and developing bridging strategies.
Please forward comments and questions...and enjoy...happy New Year!!!

11th Annual Shutdowns Superconference

Dec 4&5, 2012 Calgary, Alberta

 

Opening Speech


Introduction: Mike Grabill
Good Morning everyone, I’d like to thank you all for being here, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the presentations scheduled within the next two days.
First and foremost I would like to thank Denis Korol for organizing the event and for bringing together a superb group of speakers.
Also, a special thanks to the sponsors as without you events like this would cease to exist and we would be at a real disadvantage as a professional function. 
I recognize quite a few faces, companies and sponsors.
It is really exciting to see so many familiar people and companies - this demonstrates the value of the conference and is a testimony to the relationships and opportunities within our industry.
Moreover, it is equally impressive to see a collection of new sponsors and delegates – this demonstrates the wealth of emerging technologies, ideas and growth.
The greatest opportunities can only be generated and realized when these two groups come together at venues such as this.
With this said, I would like to take a few moments to speak to you about the broader picture the conference entails.
While it is good to focus on particular areas that interest you as individuals, I think we deprive ourselves of opportunities if we don’t, at least, look beyond that which is of immediate interest and utility for us. The diversity within this conference will prove to pay dividends when we aggregate the individual elements housed within each presentation.
This Conference also presents a chance to socialize with those who share your interests and expertise, an opportunity to share new ideas, latest thoughts and experiences.
 I think it would be difficult to come away from this conference without having learned something you can use for your next Turnaround.
Yet, I hope that all of you realize and exploit the larger opportunity. We have, here, under one roof, a tremendous depth of experience and expertise.  We have representatives from Upstream, Downstream, On-Shore and Off Shore, Mining and Chemicals.
From a Turnaround perspective you would be hard pressed to find more experience, talent and diversity in one place.
And for each of us here today, that is the opportunity that this conference represents: A chance for you to not only validate your experiences and practices, but also to learn about other leading edge practices are within our industry.
Thank you and know extend your welcome to Phil Stassi, Group Vice President, Jacobs Global Field Services for the Keynote Address.

Risk Management / Onshore vs Offshore - STO North America Conference 2011