2 successful performances: PetroForum UK & Ireland and Fuel Distribution Forum by OpenRoom Events

This was the first event for the fuel distribution sector under OpenRoom’s unique speed-meeting format.

The opening conference sessions were chaired by Rod Prowse who brought years of expertise and knowledge of the oil industry to his opening presentation.  Argus Media – the independent global energy price reporting service – fielded two of its experts, Joost Korver and Mat Stone, to share its understanding of the European market and BioFuels.  A fascinating contribution from Mark Rolph, Managing Director of Mabanaft on the challenges of fuel supply and the options facing the distributor brought the proceedings to a close.

The unique feature of the event were the speed meetings organised between the distributors and suppliers; just 15 minutes’ long, they enable those who wish to do business make their 'pitch' and open the beginning stage of a potential business/ trading relationship.  The meetings are complemented by the myriad of networking opportunities – during leisure time at coffee breaks, over lunch and dinner.

Two companies stepped forward to offer their sponsorship: Elaflex – the world’s leading manufacturer of fuel oil reeling hoses – lent its name to the refreshment breaks, and Touchstar Technologies - one of the first to provide paperless cab environments – sponsored the Gala Dinner at the Don Carlos Beach Club.

“An informative, enjoyable and worthwhile conference in Marbella.” Neil Donald, Airport Energy

“An excellent couple of days – I came away feeling very positive. We all live in a world where we tend to communicate via email, or text.  But what this event has offered is 20 quality meetings with suppliers in a one to one format, from which we can decide very quickly if what they can offer has some benefit to our business.  I’ve come away having made some real good contacts (and friends), which hopefully I can now build on.” Jason Rogers, BWOC

“One of the most worthwhile events I have ever been to in this industry.” Frank Neish, Scheidt & Bachmann

“Last week’s event was excellent, well organised and in my case very energising.” Richard Connon, Connon Brothers

“The overall event was really good and the concept is a great idea.” Cameron Alden, GoldCrest Oil Ltd

“An extremely useful two days with some real benefit to my company.” David Hindmarsh, Chandler’s Oil & Gas

“Without exception, the opening presentations were of high quality and covered extremely succinctly the various issues confronting the oil distribution industry at the moment – quite a tour de force! A key benefit was making new acquaintances within the industry and I thought the collegiate atmosphere amongst the delegates was at the heart of the Forum’s success.” Nick Lyon, Transglobal Fuel