Program Overview

Strategic Sessions provide an in-depth focus on specific issues relevant to selected topics. At the conclusion of each presentation, attendees are invited to participate in the discussions in the form of questions submitted to the speakers.

CEO Panels are opportunities for CEO-level speakers to address the Congress, sharing best practices and corporate strategies that have positioned their companies in the spotlight. High-level panel discussions allow CEOs to showcase the great things happening under their leadership.

Ministerial Sessions allow citizens of varying countries to connect with their ministers and have a dialogue about the industry-related happenings within their country. These sessions are a unique opportunity for national companies to connect and hear from their leadership. Ministers are able to bring policy discussions that are impacting their region/country.

Ministerial Round Tables bring together ministers from around the world to engage in open interactive discussions that reflect a wide range of viewpoints. By bringing ministers and leaders to the discussion table, the Congress will provide attendees access to global industry leaders and innovators.

Invited speakers will start each round table discussion with brief opening remarks allowing time for the audience to contribute.

As the host country, the United States is positioned to provide standout programming to delegates throughout the event. Speakers for the U.S. Sessions can range from CEOs and high-level executives to academic practitioners who are aware of the state of the industry. With Houston being the energy capital of the world, this is a great opportunity for local professionals to engage in conversation with delegates from all over the world.

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The Dewhurst Lecture & Award is the largest award presented by the World Petroleum Congress. This award is a great honor and is given to celebrate scientific and technological excellence in the petroleum industry. The recipient of the award is well known throughout the industry and has demonstrated unusually high achievements over the years.

Why Dewhurst? In 1933, Mr. Thomas Dewhurst (1881-1973), then President of the Institute of Petroleum in UK, organized what was to become the first World Petroleum Congress. The Dewhurst Lecture is a tribute to him and to the person asked to deliver the Dewhurst Lecture.

Round Tables are highly interactive and are designed to promote dialogue and free discussion of topics relevant to the industry. They reflect a wide range of points of view and seek to bring all parties to the table in a major discussion format.

Opening remarks are brief in order to allow maximum time for audience participation. Each panelist speaks a maximum of five minutes which allows for the speakers to elaborate on their views during the course of the Round Table.

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Technical Forums and Posters aim at an in-depth focus on certain dedicated issues of each block – Innovation in Upstream, Innovation in Downstream & Petrochemicals, Innovation in Natural Gas, Future Energy Landscape, and Managing Energy Solutions – and invites audience members to participate in the discussion in the form of questions to the speakers.

Technical Forum Posters will be presented in the Poster Plaza, on the exhibition floor. The Posters will showcase detailed analysis and expert overviews from the five technical forum blocks of the 23rd WPC. All participants will be able to attend the Poster Sessions at set times or view any of the presentations throughout the day.

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Expert Workshops are designed to address key regional and global issues of interest to the oil and gas industry. Their objective is to bring together international experts for a thorough review of the latest developments, challenges and potential solutions related to the selected subjects, and create a report of the results and conclusions to be presented at the next Congress.

The topics, speakers, and analysis will be developed by a National World Petroleum Council Committee Lead with the support of an International Expert Working Group to create a one- or two-day Expert Workshop with global/regional expertise and involving relevant stakeholders.

The team will then prepare a report of the Expert Workshop conclusions which will be presented at the 23rd WPC in an hour-long Expert Workshop session.

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The Opening Ceremony is a chance to celebrate the 23rd WPC in a big way with introductions and excitement about what is to come.

USA Night will be a celebration of the United States. All delegates are welcome to join this evening event and engage in fun and entertainment.

The Closing Ceremony will celebrate the entire congress. USA will pass the flag to Canada, the next host country, to host the 24th World Petroleum Congress in 2023.

The WPC Excellence Awards are awarded by the World Petroleum Council at the World Petroleum Congress. This award is given to the most outstanding projects and innovations in the oil and gas industry. The objective of the awards is to distinguish companies, institutions or any public or private organization engaged in the oil and gas industry for promoting or operating with high excellence standards.

Companies submit projects in two categories: Technological Development and Social Responsibility

The Dewhurst Lecture & Award is the largest award presented by the World Petroleum Council at the World Petroleum Congress. This award is a great honor and is given to celebrate scientific and technological excellence in the petroleum industry. The recipient of the award is well known throughout the industry and have demonstrated unusually high achievements over the years.

Why Dewhurst? In 1933, Mr. Thomas Dewhurst (1881-1973), then President of the Institute of Petroleum in UK, organized what was to become the first World Petroleum Congress. The Dewhurst Lecture is a tribute to him and to the person asked to deliver the Dewhurst Lecture.