2024 APGA Operations Conference: October 22-24



APGA's 2024 Operations Conference will take place on October 22-24 in Knoxville, TN.

This event typically attracts over 250 natural gas distribution industry professionals from more than 70 public gas systems to learn about topics such as PHMSA's Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program, methane emission mitigation strategies, and new technology along with an exhibitor hall. 

The 2024 Operations Conference will be preceded by the APGA Fall Board & Committee Meetings held October 20-22 in  Knoxville, TN, for our members serving on APGA's board, committees, and task groups.

There are also sponsorship opportunities at the 2024 Operations Conference!
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Attendee Registration & Pricing


APGA Member :
$625 Early Bird Rate Until September 27
$675 Regular Rate After September 27 

Non-APGA Member:
$875 Early Bird Rate Until September 27
$925 Regular Rate After September 27

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Conference Location & Host Hotel

Our room block is now open! Please go to our location page for the details.

View Location & Host Hotel

Operations Conference Agenda

This year, the APGA Operations Conference will have speakers and panels of experts on topics such as pipeline safety regulations, distribution integrity management, emergency response messaging, case studies from community-owned utilities, and will also include an exhibitor hall of the latest in products and services for natural gas distribution operations.

To help you tailor the APGA Operations Conference to your needs, we have three concurrent topic tracks (Operations & Engineering, Environmental, and Safety & Compliance) on our second day offering ten breakout sessions each. Attendees can pick and choose relevant sessions to ensure you’re getting the most out of your event experience.

The 2024 APGA Operations Conference also provides professional development hours (PDH) for the entire conference. PDHs are required by many states to maintain professional engineering licensure. 

Please login to view the session schedule & full program.

 Tuesday, October 22 - Opening Session

1:00 PM Opening Remarks & Anti-Trust Warning
Todd Gentle, Huntsville Utilities and APGA Operations & Safety Committee Chair

1:10 PM APGA Welcome to Knoxville!
Gabriel Bolas, President and CEO, Knoxville Utilities Board


1:30 PM APGA Welcome and Association Update 
Dave Schryver, President and CEO, American Public Gas Association


1:50 PM APGA Pipeline And Employee Safety Awards Recognition

2:00 PM PHMSA Perspective: Implementing Congressional Mandates & Pipeline Safety In 2024 And Beyond
Alan Mayberry, Associate Administrator, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

2:45 PM Networking Break & Vendor Exhibits

3:15 PM Safety Management Award Winner
Todd Gentle and DawnRenee Garner, Huntsville Utilities Board

3:45 PM Panel: Member Shares: Detection, Safety Management, System Operational Achievement Award Winners
Knoxville Utilities Board, City of Rocky Mount NC, Greenville Utilities Commission, and  Watertown Municipal Utilities

5:00 PM Adjournment

5:00 PM Women in Energy Happy Hour Sponsored by Magnolia River

5:15 PM Networking Reception 


 Wednesday, October 23

Operations
& Engineering

7 AM

Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Vendor Exhibits

8 AM

Revolutionizing Methane Emissions Quantification With The Next Generation Of Ai-Powered Advanced Analytics

8:50 AM

Application of Catalytic Heaters in Natural Gas Industry and Common Troubleshooting Tips

9:35 AM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by MEA Energy Association

10:05 AM

Corrosion Threats Due To Buried Communication Cables

10:40 AM

Why the LoRaWAN Protocol Is Important for Utility Companies

11:15 AM

Odorization – What You Need To Know To Protect Your Customers And Yourselves

11:45 AM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Using GIS To Improve Field Worker Safety & Compliance



1:50 PM 

System Planning – ATRISK Software




2:35 PM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by EGW Utility Solutions

3:05 PM

Latest Updates on PA12 Pipe: From High Pressure Gas Pipes to Hydrogen

3:40 PM

"Traceable, Verifiable, and Complete: MAOP Records on Gas Distribution Systems - Pressure Test Solution

4:15 PM

Utilizing Incident Command Systems To Enhance Emergency Response

4:45 PM

Next Generation Employee's Happy Hour Sponsored by Heath Consultants Incorporated

5:00 PM

Networking Reception

 

Compliance
& Safety

7 AM

Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Vendor Exhibits

8 AM

Panel Discussion: How Do Utility Managers Influence Safety Culture?


8:50 AM

PHMSA’S Leak Detection & Repair Rule
 

9:35 AM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by MEA Energy Association

10:05 AM

Crisis Communications: Expecting The Best, But Prepare For The Worst

10:40 AM

Operator Qualification: What's New in ASME B31Q

11:15 AM

Leveraging Technology with Industry Resources and Expertise to Enhance Pipeline Safety

11:45 AM

Lunch

1:00 PM

OSHA’s Heat Injury And Illness Rulemaking



1:50 PM

Public Awareness: Reaching Excavators Through Geofenced Messages


2:35 PM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by EGW Utility Solutions

3:05 PM

PSMS Tool For Assessment And Implementation By Small Operators

3:40 PM

US Energy Supply Chain Security - The LDC Role 

4:15 PM

SHRIMP – What To Know & What Is New!

4:45 PM

Next Generation Employee's Happy Hour Sponsored by Heath Consultants Incorporated

 

5:00 PM

Networking Reception

 

Environmental

7 AM

Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Vendor Exhibits

8 AM

APGA’s Environmental Stewardship Award Winner


8:50 AM

APGA’s Environmental Roadmap


9:35 AM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by MEA Energy Association 

10:05 AM

NG & RNG As a Transportation Fuel - A Cost-Effective Sustainable Student Transportation Case Study 

10:40 AM

Renewable Natural Gas Projects 

11:15 AM

Industry R&D Update


11:45 AM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Experiences In Using AMID (Advanced Mobile Leak Detection) Technology For Regulatory Compliance Leak Surveys

1:50 PM

Innovative Utility Construction: Boosting Safety and Sustainability with Cross Compression, Sewer Lateral Inspection, and Hydroexcavation

2:35 PM

Networking Break With Exhibitors Sponsored by EGW Utility Solutions

3:05 PM

Reducing Emissions: GTI Vacuum Purging System Test - Paxton, FL

3:40 PM

Next Generation Roundtable Discussion

4:15 PM

Next Generation Roundtable Discussion (continued)

4:45 PM

Next Generation Employee's Happy Hour Sponsored by Heath Consultants Incorporated

 

5:00 PM

Networking Reception

 

 Thursday, October 24

7:00 AM Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Vendor Exhibits

8:00 AM Fueling Safety: Navigating Hazards In The Natural Gas Industry
Brooke Sinclar, Ensafe

8:45 AM Federal Grant Opportunities For Public Gas Systems
Andy Garfinkel & Jon Boehmer, Keller Partners & Company

9:30 AM Networking Break

9:45 AM Reinvigorating DIMP for Damage Prevention DIMP For Damage Prevention
David Appelbaum, PHMSA

10:30 AM Federal Pipeline Safety Update
Erin Kurilla, APGA

11:15 AM Roundtable: Reflection
Moderator: Darin Yusi, City of Ellensburg, WA, and APGA Operations & Safety Committee Vice Chair

11:30 AM Conference Wrap-Up & Adjournment

Operations Conference Presentations

APGA will add the presentation materials from the 2024 Operations Conference in the Library Tab of our 2024 Operations Conference Community. The presentations will be available only to registered 2024 Operations Conference attendees and exhibitors.

2024 APGA Operations Conference Sponsors

Double Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Event Sponsors


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Questions?

If you have any questions on registering for the event, please contact us!

Contact APGA