XVIII Annual Forum
“Oil is $XX, now what? Views on a volatile market”
September 22, 2015
7:00 AM ai??i?? 4:30 PM
Rice University a?i?? Houston, Texas

Time Title and Speaker

7:00 – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:00 ai??i?? 8:05 am Welcome
Martin Van Sickels, Executive Director
Alan English, Chairman, Board of Directors
Rice Global E&C Forum

8:05 – 8:30 am Opening Remarks
Dr. Ned Thomas, Dean
George R. Brown School of Engineering
Rice University

8:30ai??i?? 9:15 am Keynote Speaker
Michele McNichol, CEO, Wood Group Mustang

“Transforming the Business with Courage”
In an industry being restructured due to a variety of economic and geo-political reasons, the answers to sustaining a business are no longer found in just reducing costs and spending to weather the downturn. Companies that will be the winners over the long-term are those who think beyond the ai???cuttingai??i?? mindset and have the courage to tackle the issues that are found below the surface. A critical eye on efficiency of operations, interfacing with partners and clients, transforming the approach to problem-solving, investing in and developing people and encouraging innovation is required in this new ai???Oil is $XX, Now What?ai??? industry.

9:15ai??i?? 10:00 am Session I
Bob Tippee, Editor, Oil & Gas Journal

“Oil Market Turmoil: Mysteries of the Marginal Barrel”
An oversupplied oil market raises a new question: Who adjusts supply in pursuit of balance now that OPEC has abandoned the role? The absence of an easy answer adds uncertainty to oil industry planning and challenges operators and contractors find new ways to manage risk.

10:00 ai??i?? 10:30 am Coffee & Networking Break

10:30 – 11:15 am Session II
Jeff Reilly, Group PresidentAi?? – Strategy & Business Development, Amec Foster Wheeler

“Strategic Options Available in a Continuously Volatile Market“
The strategic decisions and avenues taken are more critical right now because of the current down cycle in the always volatile oil and gas market. Firms need to be nimble and flexible yet not lose sight of their short and long term needs. Mr. Reilly will provide a historical perspective on the EPC industry and discuss how it is ai???business as usualai??? adapting to market fluctuations. Optimizing your strategic choices is crucial in the current oil price environment and for positioning firms, such as Amec Foster Wheeler and others, for increased success within this u-shaped recovery period.

11:15 am ai??i?? 12:00 pm Session III
Tom Anderson, President Lutech Resources & SVP Staffing and Recruiting, CB&I

“Obtaining & Retaining Personnel in a Volatile Market“
Regardless of your organizations size or resources, obtaining and retaining personnel is a significant challenge, especially in a volatile market. Mr. Anderson will discuss the roles of; traditional / non-traditional labor pools, work environment, social media and branding as they relate to recruiting and retention strategies for todayai??i??s professional and craft workforce.

12:00 ai??i?? 1:15 pm Lunch

1:15 pm ai??i?? 2:00 pm Session IV
Guest Luncheon Speaker Staff Sergeant Joey Jones, Team Never Quit

2:00 ai??i?? 2:30 pm Break

2:30 ai??i?? 4:30 pm “Crossfire: Winners and Losers in a Low-Price World” Panel
Moderators – Richard Westney, Founder/Director, Westney Consulting Group
Jerry Kavalieratos, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal Business Consulting

Luc Messier, Senior Vice President Projects, ConocoPhillips (retired)
Dean Ragsdale, Consultant, Ragsdale Group
Bob Tippee, Editor, Oil & Gas Journal
Michele McNichol, CEO, Wood Group Mustang

Just as there are winners and losers among owners in the oil & gas, chemicals, power, and other industry sectors, so it is with the E&C community. Often, the difference between winning and losing is strategy. This panel will build on the preceding presentations by providing discussion and debate around key strategic planning propositions concerning how E&C industry is and will be dealing with a sustained period of low oil and gas prices.