The 22nd European Autumn Gas Conference (EAGC) begins today (8 October) at the Swissôtel in Düsseldorf, Germany, where the gas industry will be discussing prospects for the European gas industry over the next 10 years under the theme Vision 2017: What Lies Ahead? A packed programme emphasises the importance of networking and entertainment with delegates also gaining exclusive access to a special art exhibition.

The event is hosted by prominent industry player E.ON Ruhrgas, whose chief executive Dr Burckhard Bergmann will deliver an opening keynote address. He will be followed during the conference by a series of speakers, all of which are prominent members of the global gas industry.

“They are speakers who will certainly get EAGC off to a flying start,” said event director, Tony Stephenson of dmg world media (uk), which is organising the annual event. “We are delighted by the exceptional level of response from throughout Europe and further afield and look forward to welcoming many old EAGC friends, who regularly attend the conference, as well as many delegates who are new to the event. Our Advisory Board has done an exceptional job of focusing on the topics of particular interest at this challenging time for the industry, and attracting experts in their field to debate the key issues.

"These include: After 2007 – The regulatory threshold reached, where to for markets now?; Infrastructure, investment and exemptions: the commercial and political drivers; Will the NW European gas market be sufficiently attractive to global gas flows; Flowing into the Future: the commercial infrastructure we need to trade on a wider scale; and Will Europe's energy mix fundamentally change or is the feared demise of European gas demand greatly exaggerated?, as well as our traditional Champagne Roundtables.”  

All-important networking events once again feature strongly at this Year’s EAGC, from the welcome reception on 8 October, with a distinctly Oktoberfest theme, to what promises to be a highly memorable Gala Dinner. “This is going to be a stunning visual delight,” said Stephenson. “Delegates will be transported to the museum kunst palast where they will have exclusive access to the Bonjour Russia – French and Russian Masterpieces 1870-1925 from Moscow and St Petersburg’ exhibition, featuring more than 120 masterpieces of French and Russian modern art from four of Russia's largest museums. After touring the exhibition, delegates will dine in the magnificent Glass Hall at E.ON Ruhrgas' nearby headquarters.”

For details of the EAGC full conference programme plus social and networking events visit www.theeagc.com