Download Program Guide

All session dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to reference the conference mobile app for the most current and accurate schedule.

The Conference Agenda will consist of general sessions, track sessions, and conference events. Each will have visual aids to enhance the attendees’ ability to match their interests and preferences. This may be indicated through color and/or symbology.

Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach  
This track focuses on building engagement, community involvement and multi-stakeholder efforts, along with tools for advancing safe pipeline operations. Example topics may include: leading practices for engagement with communities throughout a pipeline’s lifecycle; 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 and performance improvements to best-in-class standards and systems. Example topics may include: processes for identifying high consequence areas; lessons learned regarding in-line inspection, pipeline safety management systems; safety culture, change management; risk reduction remediation for assets; and risk management on both the operational and enterprise level.

Environmental Stewardship
This track provides industry insights into environmental stewardship — current and emerging strategies, innovations and leading practices. 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 the operational technologies, tools and innovations that help organizations 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 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; competency-based learning programs; using technology for training, such as for implementation of API RP 1165; and expanding formal training to include knowledge-based workers.

Low Carbon Energy Outlook  
This track explores the safe and efficient transportation and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2) and other low carbon and renewable sources. It will examine how both new and existing energy pipeline infrastructure may facilitate the next generation of low-carbon fuel supply. Example topics include: safety related R&D; standards for operations and integrity; odorant considerations; leak detection methods; self-powering technologies; pipeline materials; emergency preparedness and response guidance; dispersion modeling; and infrastructure modifications.

Construction  
This track offers a forum to share best practices, discuss challenges, and communicate lessons learned during construction activities 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 at ascending levels 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 showcases emerging technologies and advancements in leak detection systems. Example topics may include: internal and/or external leak detection systems; detection accuracy and proactive maintenance; new implementations in live environments; predictive analytics and 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 technological innovation and process improvements. It will examine the increasing use of AI to enhance efficiencies in OT and SCADA environments, along with 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 how to upgrade strategies for threat detection and mitigation, vulnerability assessments 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. We welcome submissions that address both physical and cybersecurity aspects of pipeline systems in the energy sector, including:

• Pipeline-specific threat detection and prevention strategies
• Cyber vulnerabilities for pipeline SCADA and ICS systems and mitigation techniques
• Case studies on risk management and resilience planning in pipeline networks
• Incident response and recovery protocols tailored to pipeline incidents
• Complying with regulatory frameworks and industry standards for pipeline security

Submissions may include research findings, innovative technologies, operational strategies or lessons learned from real-world implementations.

Control Room Management
This track focuses on the development, implementation and ongoing maintenance of stakeholder Control Room Management programs, with a particular eye toward compliance under 195.446. Topics will include: 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); and manual operations (preparedness and response to social unrest or pandemics, manual operations due to system conditions, controller and staffing continuity strategies, and procedure development).

(NEW)  Alarm Management 
This track’s sessions will explore individual components or the complete lifecycle of alarms — including identification, response, notification, documentation, reporting, training, ongoing monitoring and change management. These sessions aim to highlight how industry stakeholders are addressing 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 and offer insights into best practices and compliance strategies within alarm management programs.