GDS International Pushes the Boundaries Once More for its Latest Next Generation Downstream Summit in November

GLASGOW, Scotland, September 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

On the 5^th to the 7^th of November 2012, The Turnberry Resort in Scotland will witness GDS International's hotly anticipated second Next generation Downstream Europe Summit. (NG Downstream EU2)

Dealing with a delegation-selected variety of cutting-edge topics, the summit will provide next generation solutions to some of the most pressing issues faced by decision makers in the sector today. In addition to a host of industry-specific themes, this year's programme will focus on performance optimisation, integrated platforms for refinery business applications, asset integrity services, turbo machinery, and the 40 per cent of the 104 refineries in Europe are undergoing refurbishment projects in 2013.

The summit is an invitation-only event, which means that only the most senior executives will be attending. Joining this year's 65-strong delegation will be: Kari Kolsi, VP Porvoo Refinery for Neste Oil; Nathalie de Muynck, GMfor the Zeeland Refinery (Total/Lukoil); Anatoly Skoromets, General Director Ryazan Oil Refining Company for TNK-BP; Rasmus Finnerup Wille, VP Refining for Statoil; and Penelope Pagoni, Director at Hellenic Petroleum. There will also be a dynamic selection of vendors in attendance, including: Invensys Operations Management, Flogistics, Capstone Turbine Corporation, ABB and Tecnimont.

Martin Hunter, Global Business Development Manager for M-I SWACO, a Schlumberger Company, was an attendee at last year's event. In his own words: "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" In agreement, James Chew, General Manager Energy Services Downstream Europe, Russia and Africa for Nalco, says: "We really targeted high-level meetings that, if we were to do them independently, would involve a high amount of time, travel and expense. With this summit, you get it all in one place."

Indeed, the summit has been expertly tailored to make use of every minute. Spread over an intensive two and a half days, the summit combines high-level roundtable discussion with working lunches, vibrant roundtables and intimate one-on-ones to ensure all delegates in attendance have unparalleled networking opportunities and receive the most possible ROI.

Joe Thompson, Next Generation Downstream Europe Summit Director for GDS International - the global events company behind the event - says: 'Now more than ever, refineries in Europe need to better understand their business management procedures and how they can effectively monitor performance in a tough climate to enhance product yield, improve their environmental footprint and achieve long-term, sustained operational excellence. Our clients are telling us that this is the only event in the market that allows key decision makers to discuss top-level strategy to shape the future and recovery of the European market.'

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(0)1179-261-420