GDS International Attracts Europe's Downstream Elite for its 2012 Summit in November

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Downstream producers are facing dwindling supplies and increasingly stringent litigations. Global demand is set to rise by an average of 900,000 million barrels a day, whilst prices for oil were down 13 per cent this year. Deciding exactly where to invest is proving key to operational success, and GDS International's summits are now, more than ever, proving an invaluable asset to the informed decision-maker.

On the 5^th to the 7^th of November 2012, GDS International's Next Generation Downstream Europe summit will take place, uniting an unprecedented delegation of C-level executives from the region's foremost downstream companies to discuss a range of key issues from across the sector.

Held at the opulent Turnberry Resort in Scotland, the summit combines high-level roundtable discussions with next generation technology solutions that have been specifically tailored to address the most pressing challenges faced by decision makers in the industry. Amongst other issues, this year's programme will focus on the threat to European refining from international markets (US and Middle East), the progress made by the Emissions Trading Scheme, sustainability policies, energy consumption, plant management, profit margins and energy efficiency; whilst the panel discussions and roundtables will give attendees the opportunity to share their concerns, issues and solutions.

There will be a range of distinguished executives attending this year's event, including Lars Jensen Rosenlov, VP of the Mongstad Refinery at Statoil; Gaetano de Santis, GM Refining at Galp Energia; Chris Hunt, Director General of UKPIA; Pol Hoorelbeke, VP HSE at Total; and Konstatin Gusarov, the General Director at the Linik Refinery at TNK-BP.

Martin Hunter, Global Business Development Manager for M-I SWACO, a Schlumberger Company, was an attendee at last year's event: "The NG Downstream summit for me was the most productive conference I have ever been to since coming back into the oil field six years ago."

Whilst George Paparsenos, CEO for DESFA, agreed, saying: "This summit was one of the best I have ever been to."

Ben Williams, Summit Director for the event, says: "With over 65 of the corporate and top level decision makers of the operators attending - including Exxon Mobil, OMV, Shell, BP, Total and Statoil - 2012's Downstream Summit promises to eclipse 2011's award winning gathering."

He continues: "The refinery managers of Europe and Russia will be coming together to share problems and challenges that they face on a daily basis. They will then look for solutions to these issues by meeting and examining services from Nalco, Emerson Process Management, Mi-Swaco, Hydratight and KBC to increase production and decrease downtime. The NG Downstream summit is poised to surpass last year's event, and is a fantastic opportunity for decision makers looking to progress their business."

For more information, please visit http://www.ngdownstream.com

About GDS International

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide - and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings. Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy. Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events.

http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact:

Kimberley Hogarth
Kimberley.hogarth@gdsinternational.com
+44-1179-261-420