
Accelerating downstream digitalization for optimized efficiency, reliability and safety
30 September 2021
Hyatt Regency Intercontinental Hotel, Houston, Texas
Expert Downstream Automation & Digitalization Speaker

Mark Fonda
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Meridian Energy Group

Colin Xander
Executive Turnaround Director
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

Andy Lewis
Senior Technology Director
Dow Chemicals

Richard Xu
Principle Data Analyst & Project Lead
BHP

Lance Medlin
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Meridian Energy Group Inc

To be announced To be announced
OLI systems

Todd Jackson
Director of Operational Excellence
Delek US

To be announced To be announced
KBC

Yugender Chikkula
Manager, Technology – Advanced Process Control & Digitalization,
Motiva Enterprises LLC

Arnold Martin
Director of Process Control Technology - Center of Technical Expertise (CTE)
Air Liquide America

Murali Gopalakrishnan
Chief Scientist, Modeling and Optimization
SABIC

Sri Mattu
Engineering Manager
Suncor Energy

Sarma Garimella
Project Lead, Manufacturing Execution Systems
Dow Chemical

Karthick Srinivasan
Senior Director Digital Transformation & Business Transformation
Delek US Holdings Inc
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What’s next for Downstream Automation and Digitalization Specialists?
Uncertain global market conditions and ongoing oil price volatility is forcing downstream operators to continuously streamline their operations.
A technology-led approach and transition to smart refineries is crucial to optimizing operations and driving down OPEX and CAPEX costs, whilst improving reliability, decreasing downtime, and maintaining safety standards.
Although the benefits of digital transformation and optimization strategies are clear, remaining agile to the pace of innovation and selecting the right processes, systems, and solutions to complement existing assets and legacy infrastructure, is a considerable challenge. Join leading downstream operators, service companies, technology suppliers and solutions providers this September to discover how to optimize operations.
Format explained:
- Keynote presentation focused on macro issues and the future of the industry
- Thirty roundtable discussions to choose from with six different opportunities throughout the day
- Five different themes throughout the day
- Five pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings between vendors and delegates open to every attendee
- Panel discussion featuring our roundtable discussion facilitators to summarise the day and answer questions from the audience
- Exclusive networking drinks reception

Key Topics at the Future Downstream Automation Summit:
Creating a culture of safety through effective leadership
Achieving maintenance and reliability excellence: Key approached used in equipment maintenance and methods to improve plant reliability
Choosing the right technology solutions and providers to compliment and align with current and future business objectives
Achieving Operational Excellence through improved Asset Maintenance Management
Building the business case to define the vision, prove the ROI and secure budget for automation technology and resources
Shutdowns and Turnarounds: Key success factors driving Turnaround performance
The Road Ahead – analyzing the challenges and opportunities for refining and petrochemical manufacturing in the 21st century
Environmental Regulations – keeping track of regulatory compliance obligations for the refining and petrochemical industry
Shutdowns and Turnarounds – Key Success Factors Driving Turnaround Performance
Optimizing Process Safety and Efficiency
Achieving Operational Excellence through Improved Asset Maintenance and Management
Achieving Maintenance and Reliability Excellence – Key approaches used in equipment maintenance and methods to improve plant reliability
Asset Life Cycle Management – Effectively managing mature assets and extension of plant life
Creating a Culture of Safety through Effective Leadership
Talent Acquisition, Retention and Development – Understanding and planning effectively for knowledge transfer, technology changes, compliance requirements
Identifying and Selecting Automation Solutions
Choosing the right technology solutions and providers to compliment and align with current and future business objectives.
Building the business case and proving ROI
Building the business case to define the vision, prove the ROI and secure budget for automation technology and resources.
Who will you connect with at the Future Downstream Automation Summit 2020?
C-Suite Execs, VP’s, Directors, Chiefs, Heads, Managers, Seniors, Engineers, Leads, Analysts, Advisors and Stakeholders specializing in:
- Automation
- Advanced Process Control / APC / Controls / Control Systems
- I&E (Instrumentation and Electrical)
- SCADA
- Maintenance / Reliability / Turnaround
- Data Science, Analytics & Management
- Cybersecurity
- Innovation / Technology / Digitalization / Digital Transformation / Digital Optimization
- Business Improvement / Business Intelligence & ERP
- Emerging Technologies
- IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)
- Operations / Logistics / Supply Chain
From across the entire Downstream sector – including:
- Downstream Operators / Refineries & Petrochemical Companies
- Downstream Service Companies
- Institutes
- Associations
- Technology Suppliers
- Consultants
We will unite an exclusive selection of downstream automation and digitalization specialists from leading downstream operators, service companies, technology suppliers and solutions providers to:
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- Forecast future automation and technology trends within the downstream, petrochemical and refining market, to learn about the latest innovations which will enable your business strategy and objectives to align with future possibilities
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- Boost operational efficiency by utilizing new solutions, advanced technology and pioneering processes which improve productivity, minimize down-time and reduce costs throughout the entire organization, enhancing the bottom line.
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- Establish a digital foundation which will drive the digital transformation and ensure ROI is maximized
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- Remain agile to the rapid pace of innovation, enabling a streamlined approach to the selection and verification of new and existing technology which solves unique downstream and refining business problems
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- Drive business and cultural change through leadership and change management, empowering stakeholders for digital optimization and transformation
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- Leverage downstream enterprise data to improve speed and accuracy of decision making, mitigate risks, increase reliability and enhance production. Whilst meeting regulatory compliance for health, safety and environment standards