April 27, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, Colorado
#Pipeline26
Submission Deadline: October 24, 2025
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
This track promotes sharing on engagement information for community involvement and multi stakeholder efforts or tools used for advancement in safe pipeline operations. Example topics may include leading practices for engagement with communities throughout the lifecycle of a pipeline(s), API Recommended Practices (RP) 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators and RP 1185, Pipeline Public Engagement, environmental justice and Tribal/First Nation considerations, emergency responder education, and damage prevention outreach.
Pipeline Operational Excellence
This track explores how oil and gas pipeline leaders operate their assets safely, reliably, sustainably and cost effectively from safety performance improvements to best-in-class standards and systems. Example topics may include processes for identifying high consequence areas, in line inspection lessons learned, pipeline safety management systems, safety culture, management of change, remediation for risk reduction for asset, and operational and enterprise risk management.
Environmental Stewardship
This track provides industry insights into current and emerging strategies, innovations, and leading practices in environmental stewardship. Topics may include advancements in energy diversification, conservation initiatives, methane emissions reduction and quantification, and sustainable operational practices that drive measurable improvements across air, land, and water resources.
Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
This track highlights operational technologies, tools and other innovations that allow organizations to advance their operations, asset integrity, risk management, and business continuity and growth. Example topics may include new inspection tools and engineering practices, control room technologies, artificial intelligence, implementation of API RP 1165, emergency responder applications and emerging fuel developments.
Workforce Development
This track offers insight into diverse workforce development strategies in the pipeline industry. Example topics include succession planning to support knowledge transfer, attracting new workers to the industry, talent retention strategies, managing a multigenerational workforce, control room training, Operator Qualification (OQ) and inspector certification programs, establishing competency based learning programs, using technology to train such as implementation of API RP 1165, and expanding formal training to include knowledge-based workers.
Low Carbon Energy Outlook
This track explores the topics associated with the safe and efficient transportation and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2) and other low carbon and renewable sources while examining how both new and existing energy pipeline infrastructure may enable the addition of a next generation of low carbon fuel supply. Example topics include safety related R&D, standards to address operations and integrity, odorant considerations, leak detection methods, self-powering technologies, pipeline materials, emergency preparedness and response guidance, dispersion modeling and modifications to infrastructure and other factors to ensure safe operations of CO2 and low carbon fuels.
Construction
This track offers a forum to share best practices, discuss challenges, and communicate lessons learned during construction activities that occur over the lifecycle of pipeline assets. Example topics include project management (including scope, schedule, supply chain, quality, safety, environment, and cost management), new construction, commissioning, major maintenance activities, and contract management. It also highlights trenchless technologies in ascending order of complexity and control, such as auger boring, pipe hammering, direct steerable pipe thrusting, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and microtunneling.
Cybernetics – Leak Detection Advancements
This track aims to showcase emerging technologies and advancements for leak detection systems. Example topics may include uses cases in areas of internal and/or external leak detection systems, detection accuracy and proactive maintenance, new implementations in live environments, predictive analytics, smart algorithms, inventive applications of detection tools, and next level improvements to existing technologies.
Cybernetics – SCADA Systems
This track delves into critical advancements and emerging trends in SCADA and Operational Technology (OT) systems, with a focus on both technological innovation and process improvements. It will examine how AI is increasingly being leveraged to enhance efficiencies in OT and SCADA environments, along with addressing current challenges, strategies, and solutions. Topics may include modernization of SCADA/OT communications, audit findings and insights, secure and efficient inter-organizational connectivity, key project case studies, and lessons learned. Additionally, the track will explore upgrading strategies for threat detection and mitigation, assessment of vulnerabilities, and practical approaches to risk management in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA environments.
Cybernetics – Cybersecurity
This track seeks abstracts that explore the latest advancements, challenges, and strategic solutions for securing pipeline infrastructure within the energy sector. We welcome submissions that address both physical and cybersecurity aspects of pipeline systems, including:
Submissions may include research findings, innovative technologies, operational strategies, or lessons learned from real-world implementations.
Control Room Management
This track focuses on stakeholder Control Room Management program development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance holistically to achieve compliance under 195.446. Included topics: Alarm Management – alarm philosophy and system optimization, Control Room Best Practices – lessons learned and case studies, Manual Operations – implementation, lessons learned, testing and documentation, Records and Documentation – annual reviews, reporting, overall effectiveness and best practices, Regulatory Interpretations and Inspection Findings – inspection prep, lessons learned, value of self-assessments, Manual Operations – preparedness and response to social unrest or pandemics, manual operations due to system operations, controller and staffing continuity strategies, and procedure development.
Alarm Management (NEW)
Track sessions will explore individual components or the complete lifecycle of alarms, including identification, response, notification, documentation, reporting, training, ongoing monitoring, and management of change. These sessions aim to highlight how industry stakeholders are addressing key challenges related to alarm philosophy, rationalization, testing, and implementation. Discussions will align with regulatory requirements outlined in 49 CFR 192.631, 49 CFR 195.446, and API Recommended Practice 1167, offering insights into best practices and compliance strategies within alarm management programs.
ABSTRACT ELEMENTS:
Submitting an abstract deadline – October 24, 2025 – No Extensions will be made.
If your proposal is accepted, Speakers will be provided with a discounted registration to the 2026 API Pipeline Conference and Expo.
Submitters will receive a message advising you that your abstract was accepted, needs revisions, or could not be placed in the program. The program committee plans to have feedback no later than December 19th, 2025.