Every two years, since 2005, the International Rio Pipeline Conference and Exhibition has been held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attracting members from all areas of the pipeline industry.

Organised by Instituto Brasileiro de Petroleo Gas e Biocombustiveis (IBP) in association with ASME, the 2011 Conference, which will be held from 20–22 September, plans to be bigger and better than 2009.

Getting to and from the conference

Transportation via a shuttle service to SulAmérica Convention Center will be provided by IBP, for all exhibitors, delegates and visitors from 20–22 September. Keep an eye on the Rio Pipeline website for updates on where the shuttle will exactly pick up and drop off.

Know the layout

The Conference and Exhibition will be held at the SulAmérica Convention Center located in the downtown area of Rio, 20minutes away from the International Airport. The exhibition area will be parallel to where the technical papers are being held. This allows you to travel between the papers you want to see, and meet up with new and existing contacts in the exhibition hall very easily. Maps of the Conference and Exhibition layout will be provided when you register, so make sure you take some time to orientate yourself.

Have your sessions planned

Being one of the Southern Hemispheres major oil and gas pipeline industry gathering, the conference programme attracts some of the most experienced and respected members of the international pipeline community and this year will focus on the theme ‘Transporting Products for a Sustainable Future’.

The conference kicks off on Tuesday 20 September with a Welcome Brunch followed by the Conference and Opening Ceremony. The technical sessions will begin after lunch on Tuesday 20 September and run trough to Thursday 22 September.

Debate forums will be held on Wednesday 21 September after the technical streams have finished. These will involve topics of great interest to the pipeline community, such as biofuels transporation, new technologies in pipeline inspection, and pipeline decommissioning, and will be presented in partnership with the Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Biofuels Sector Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean (Arpel).

Leave plenty of time for the exhibition

The 2011 Rio Pipeline event will feature over 120 companies from around the world, displaying the latest in pipeline technology, equipment and services. With so many great exhibitors make sure you take the time get around to them all.

The exhibition hall will open on Tuesday 20 September and will close on Thursday 22 September, and will showcase the latest developments in the oil and gas pipeline industry as well as associated sectors.

The exhibition will provide delegates and visitors to network and catch up with some of the industry’s most recognised brands, such as:

• Allu
• Bredero Shaw
• CTDUT
• Fluxo
• Herrenknect
• IEC
• Lincoln Electric Do Brazil
• NDT Brazil
• Petrobras
• Pipeline Machinery International
• Rosen
• TD Williamson
• Tiratsoo Technical/Clarion
• Serimax
• Vermeer
• White Martins.

Build new relationships

In 2009, Rio Pipeline saw 3,000 members of the pipeline industry attend. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to expand your business network. Both the exhibition and social events provide an excellent opportunity to catch up with old colleagues and friends, as well as meet some new people. With new and ongoing business often a result of previous performance and face-to-face business relationships, make the most of your trip to Rio and speak one-on-one with companies to start new relationships.

Drop by the Pipelines International stand

Make sure you stop by the Pipelines International booth, Stand C7, and say hello to John Tiratsoo, Lyndsie Mewett, Sarah Paul and David Entringer, who enjoy bringing you all the latest industry news. Pick up a copy of the September edition of the magazine, which includes a feature of South America’s pipeline industry, and declare your love for the industry with an “I heart Pipelines” sticker.

We look forward to seeing you there!