From a record number of paper proposals, approximately 90 were selected and will be presented over three days and 18 technical sessions. Additionally, in a first for the Drilling Conference, nearly 30 additional papers will be made available through knowledge-sharing sessions. This approach is intended to promote discussion and interaction among authors and participants in smaller-group settings.
Three plenary sessions will address the conference theme of “Right People, Right Process, Right Technology” – something that Mr Simpson has been “very keen on for a long time.” He explained that not only does every well operation require qualified people, but there also must be appropriate technologies and efficient processes in order for people to work effectively.
“Having the right technology used with the right processes by the right people – to me, that’s really the be-all, end-all of a successful drilling operation,” he said.
Mr Simpson added that, from an operator’s perspective, he believes there are three key focus areas that make all the difference in the success of drilling contractors and service companies.
“Safety certainly is at the top of my list and must be delivered above everything else,” he said. “But then I’m looking for performance and efficiency. I’m looking for people who will deliver on expectations. And the third area, which we’re all challenged on at the moment, is a consideration for value. I don’t want people to not spend money, but I want them to spend money in ways that improve safety or performance and create more overall value for the organization.”
Mr Simpson noted that he hopes the Drilling Conference will be able to give each attendee something to take back so they can improve in each of these key areas. “Whether it’s a technical innovation or a different process, whether it’s a way of managing people or enhancing safety performance – if everybody takes away one thing that helps them improve their operation, I’ll consider the event a success.”
The 2009 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference will be held 17-19 March at the RAI Congress Centre in Amsterdam. To register, click here.
