HOUSTON—The 23rd World Petroleum Congress Organizing Committee on Oct. 1 announced that 10 companies have signed on as presenting sponsors of the 23rd World Petroleum Congress (WPC), which will take place in Houston on Dec. 6-10, 2020. Leadership from each of the companies will serve on the WPC Organizing Committee Board of Directors to support programming and help set the strategic direction for the event, which is returning to Houston and the United States for the first time in more than three decades.

The 10 presenting sponsors are Chevron, Halliburton, Accenture, Hess Corporation, ExxonMobil, BP, Qatar Petroleum, Baker Hughes, Saudi Aramco and ConocoPhillips. The diversity of the presenting sponsors reflects the global and varied nature of the oil and gas industry and solidifies Houston’s role as global convener for the industry.

“As the energy capital of the world, the city of Houston is honored to host the 23rd World Petroleum Congress. We have a global profile that makes us uniquely qualified to host the event,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “I am grateful that 10 corporate sponsors have stepped up to ensure that the WPC is a world class event of the kind Houston is known for producing.”

This announcement marks a milestone for the WPC Organizing Committee as it signifies the commitment of these leading companies to host the 23rd World Petroleum Congress and sets the stage for collaboration as preparations progress.

“The global perspectives and wealth of experience of this impressive group of industry leaders will help the WPC Organizing Committee to create an environment that encourages discussions on the challenges and opportunities of the oil and gas industry from varying viewpoints,” said Jeff Shellebarger, chairman of the WPC Organizing Committee. “With the commitment of our presenting sponsors, the WPC Organizing Committee and World Petroleum Council, our speakers, delegates and exhibitors can expect an event experience of compelling engagement.”
 
Held every three years in select international cities, the World Petroleum Congress is the world’s premier oil and gas forum that attracts heads of state, energy leaders and technical experts who discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing the world’s petroleum resources for the benefit of all.  Under the theme of “Innovative Energy Solutions,” the 23rd World Petroleum Congress features a multistream conference, including strategic and technical sessions, programming for young professionals and special entertainment events such as a USA Night. The Congress is expected to draw some 700 speakers, 50 ministerial delegations, 500 CEOs, 1,000 media representatives and 10,000 attendees.  Houston was awarded the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in December 2016.
 
Tor Fjaeran, president of the World Petroleum Council, said, “Since the first World Petroleum Congress was hosted in London in 1933, the World Petroleum Council has continued its mission of promoting the sustainable management and use of the world’s petroleum resources through congresses, seminars and expert workshops. We are delighted with the strong support our 23rd Congress in Houston has already received with this impressive list of top-level sponsors—both national and international—and we look forward to an extraordinary event convened in the energy capital of the world.”