It was 13 years ago at the AAPG Annual Convention in Denver that the International Pavilion (IP) made its debut with 37 countries promoting exploration and investment opportunities.
The 1994 premiere was at first thought to be a one-time event. However the showcase attracted representatives from countries as diverse as Indonesia and Venezuela, which had extensive oil and gas operations, as well as exploration-wise obscure countries such as Equatorial Guinea and Belize.
The enthusiasm for the IP called for an encore the next year – and a redux after that.
The International Pavilion is now a staple at the AAPG annual conventions and has expanded its presence to the AAPG international conferences.
At first managed by AAPG volunteers and led by the IHS Energy’s forebear Petroconsultants, the IP has evolved into a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of the Association, with Gina Godfrey of PetroWeb as lead administrator.
Godfrey’s interest in the IP stems from her belief from the beginning that “the IP is a fantastic vehicle for anyone interested in getting involved internationally.”
Results have shown its effectiveness.
Ronald Equsquiza, marketing manager for Perupetro, the Peruvian government agency in charge of promoting and signing contracts, noted that since its involvement in 2004 the IP has “contributed to impressive results for his company.
“At the end of 2003, Perupetro had 27 E&P contracts,” Equsquiza said. “Now, at the end of 2007, Perupetro has 84 contracts – 65 of them in exploration and 19 in exploitation phase.
“We believe our participation in the IP program has contributed significantly to this success,” he said.
On the other side of the business equation are the sponsors, who through the IP stand to gain new customers.
TGS-NOPEC has been a corporate sponsor for the past several years.
“Through the IP we enhance our ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with high level contacts within NOCs and ministries to further our mutual business interests,” said company president Pierre Benichou.
Results – And What’s Next?
With the IP’s inauguration as a real-live company, opportunities to expand are being tapped, Godfrey said, making the IP a year-round player for promotion of international petroleum investment opportunities – including APPEX London.
Also, a recent partnering with the American Association of Petroleum Landmen will result in the IP exhibition at the 2008 NAPE in Houston.
Additionally, there is access to year-round marketing not only through the exhibitions but the online Web site, featuring an interactive map with news and data.
With all the marketing, the bottom line is still results.
Remember those “exploration-wise obscure countries” at the 1994 IP?
Consider:
- Equatorial Guinea’s economy has grown dramatically since the country began producing oil in 1995 and is now the third largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Also, Equatorial Guinea’s natural gas production continues to increase.
- Belize is now an oil producer (August 2006 EXPLORER). Interestingly, one of the players in the Belize oil discovery was Susan Morrice, one of the IP’s leaders at its premiere.
“The IP is a fantastic first step for information and contacts,” Godfrey said.
Equatorial Guinea and Belize might agree.