Congresses

The triennial World Petroleum Congress is widely known as the "Olympics" of the petroleum industry and covers all aspects of the industry from technological advances in upstream and downstream operations to the role of natural gas and renewables, management of the industry and its social, economic and environmental impact. In addition, outside stakeholders such as governments, other industry sectors, NGOs and international institutions have also joined in the dialogue.

23rd World Petroleum Congress - Houston 2021

Official statement from the Organisers (14th May 2020):

"Given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 from around the world, including health and safety concerns and travel restrictions, along with the extraordinary challenges our industry is facing, the World Petroleum Council Executive Committee and the 23rd World Petroleum Congress Organizing Committee have agreed to postpone the Congress to December 5-9, 2021."

Click here to read the full statement from WPC President Tor Fjaeran and 23rd WPC Organizing Committee Chairman Jeff Shellebarger.

From the 5-9 December 2021 Houston will be showcasing the industry’s role and capabilities in providing safe, affordable and sustainable energy in the future under the official theme of the 23^rd WPC:

“Innovative Energy Solutions”

The theme for the 23rd World Petroleum Congress “Innovative Energy Solutions” sums up the vision of the oil and gas sector’s contribution to a changing world. As our society grows and transforms at unequal speeds energy is the great differentiator. Ensuring the maximum welfare for all through tailor made energy concepts in a safe and responsible way has to be top of the agenda. The oil and gas industry has an important role to play in achieving this objective.

In order to cover society’s growing need for basic access to energy, better and healthier living and increased mobility, innovation is key. With the industry’s potential to build upon its leadership, creativity, technology and expertise, the oil and gas sector can help develop innovative solutions which adapt to social diversity and provide scalable, customisable and sustainable energy for the world. We will need all sources of energy to succeed.

In 2021 the 23^rd WPC will bring together leading experts from the oil and gas industry and cross sector initiatives in the energy capital of the world, Houston, to present innovative energy solutions for our future.

23rd World Petroleum Congress

A strong programme including around 700 Expert Speakers and high-level Plenaries and Keynotes from around the world will frame the event and provide many opportunities for knowledge sharing and discussions.

The Technical Programme of the Congress is split into five main topical blocks:

BLOCK 1 - Innovation in upstream

BLOCK 2 - Innovation in downstream & petrochemicals

BLOCK 3 - Innovation in natural gas

BLOCK 4 - Future energy landscape

BLOCK 5 - Managing energy solutions

23 Forums will address the key issues and challenges for the global oil and gas sector:

List of Topics, descriptions and speakers for the 23rd WPC Technical Forum Sessions

Further details available at www.23wpchouston.com

22nd World Petroleum Congress - Istanbul, 2017

09 - 13 July 2017

Bridges to our Energy Future

Istanbul Results 2017:

Known as the "Olympics of the oil and gas sector" the World Petroleum Congress remains the largest international petroleum Congress. The 22nd edition of the World Petroleum Congress was hosted in Istanbul in July 2017 with the support of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, under the theme of 'Bridges to our Energy Future'. Led by the CEO of Turkish Petroleum, the Turkish Organising Committee organised a world class event and we would like to congratulate them on this achievement.

21st World Petroleum Congress - Moscow 2014

15 - 19 June 2014

Responsibly Energising a Growing World

Moscow Results 2014:

From the 15-19 June 2014 Russia hosted the 21st World Petroleum Congress in Moscow. With over 5000 delegates and exhibition space of more than 50,000 sqm, this Congress once again cemented its role as the "Olympics of the oil and gas industry". With plenary and keynote addresses from the most influential industry leaders, 600 plus expert presentations and over 500 CEOs and thousands of specialists to network with, the Congress was one of the most successful in the 80 year history of WPC.

20th World Petroleum Congress - Doha 2011

04 - 08 December 2011

Energy Solutions for All: Promoting Cooperation, Innovation and Investment

19th World Petroleum Congress - Madrid 2008

29th June - 3rd July 2008

A World in Transition: Delivering Energy for Sustainable Growth

18th World Petroleum Congress - Johannesburg 2005

25th - 29th September 2005

Shaping the Energy Future: Partners in Sustainable Solutions.

17th World Petroleum Congress - Rio 2002

1st - 5th September 2002

Petroleum Industry: Technological Excellence and Social Responsibility in Serving Society.

16th World Petroleum Congress - Calgary 2000

11th - 15th June 2000

Petroleum for Global Development: Networking People, Business and Technology to Create Value.

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Tel: +44 (0)20 7637 4995 Email: WPCSecretariat@world-petroleum.org