Registrations are open now for the Asia Pacific Fuel Industry Forum (APFIF) 2022.
Themed ‘Doing business in a post-Covid economy’ APFIF 2022 will be held in Adelaide on 6-7 September. Key topics to be addressed during the two-day event include the changing outlook for fuel supply in Australia, market developments in EVs and hydrogen vehicles, and the future of petrol convenience.
Presentations will also be provided by national regulators in areas such as wage compliance, unfair contract laws, and fuel measurement laws, which will be complemented by a suite of specialist insights about the key trends and market developments that are reshaping the Australian fuel industry.
“After a two-year break due to Covid-19, the 2022 Forum will provide a much-needed opportunity to discuss the way the world has been changed by the Covid-19 pandemic – and what that means in practical terms for the future directions of our industry,” ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie said.
“The goal of this year’s event is to provide delegates with actionable knowledge that will help them successfully navigate the future uncertainty of a post Covid-19 market.”
APFIF 2022 will be held at the Adelaide Conference and Exhibition Centre and will feature three major keynotes from captains of the Australian fuel industry, namely:
- Scott Wyatt, CEO, Viva Energy Australia, who will provide a perspective on the changing fuel supply landscape in Australia.
- Anna Vargas, General Manager Australia Downstream, Chevron, who will share the Chevron Australia story.
- Angus McKay, CEO, 7-Eleven Australia, who will discuss the changing face of petrol convenience and the growing importance of non-fuel offerings.
As always, the event will bring perspectives from outside the industry with discussions about the broader economy, developments in industry and business regulation, developments in alternative fuels, and the growing digital commerce opportunity within P&C. This year’s specialist speakers and regulators include:
- Anneke Thompson, Chief Economist, CreditorWatch, who will provide an expert view on the near-term economic future and likely inflationary pressures for businesses and households alike.
- Sandra Parker, Fair Work Ombudsman, who will discuss the growing focus on wage underpayment and the future directions of wage compliance and enforcement in the wake of a recent parliamentary report on the link between wage underpayment and unfair competition.
- Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, who will present a perspective on the changing landscape for B2B relationships (ie, fuel majors and dealers) in the wake of 2021 changes to unfair-contract laws.
- Michael Kaine, National Secretary, Transport Workers Union, who will present a perspective on the chain of responsibility in fuel industry transport and logistics, and discuss what it means for both fuel wholesalers and fuel retailers.
- Bill Loizides, General Manager Legal Metrology, National Measurement Institute, who will discuss observed trends in the rate of non-compliance with fuel measurement laws as they relate to the fuel industry, and the steps that can be taken to improve compliance to protect customers and the reputation of the fuel industry.
- Craig Hamilton, broadcaster and author, who will share a powerful and personal experience on mental health as our industry grapples with the rising importance of mental health and wellbeing for employees and business owners alike.
- Casey Hyun, Principal, Global Design Index, who will follow up his 2018 APFIF presentation in Auckland with an updated perspective on the near-term future for light vehicle and heavy vehicle technology.
- Brenda Mainland, Managing Director, Survey Matters, who will present the key findings of the 2022 ‘Monitor of fuel consumer attitudes’ and share a perspective on what the key findings mean for P&C in future.
- Alan Cadd, Managing Director, Informed Sources, who will shine a spotlight on the industry experience with EVs in Norway and share his thoughts on the key lessons for the Australian market.
- Ketan Kale, CEO, eFuel Systems, who will discuss digital developments and innovations as they relate to the petrol convenience sector.
- Paul Walsh, CEO, Australian Industry Standards, who will outline the new training standards completed for those operating in the petroleum contracting industry to create formal professional development pathways for those working in fuel design, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
- Anthony Lahiff, National Sales Manager, Nilsen Networks, who will explore the technical and economic challenges associated with the provision of EV fast charging infrastructure on service station forecourts.
The popular panel sessions will again feature at this year’s event together. The National Petroleum Contractors Forum (day one) will discuss training and skill standards as we begin to implement a national industry training and professional development program for those that build, repair and maintain the nation’s fuel assets.
Day two will feature a panel discussion with the newly established National Petroleum and Convenience Retailers Council, a joint initiative between ACAPMA and Convenience World. Council members will share a perspective on the issues facing the P&C industry as it continues to adapt to developments in digital commerce and prepare for reduced fuel revenues (as conventionally fuelled vehicles are replaced by electric and hydrogen powered vehicles).
The fast paced, knowledge focused conference program is complemented by a series of social and networking events designed to allow delegates to come together to discuss and explore what they have learnt, to catch up with colleagues and suppliers, and to simply enjoy each other’s company after a long break.
“With most of us having spent significant periods locked down in our own communities, a special effort has been made this year to provide meaningful opportunities for delegates to network in a relaxed social atmosphere over the course of the two-day program,” Mr McKenzie said.
The first of these comprises a welcome cocktail reception on the night before the conference begins (5 September), with a new Festival of Food function to be held on the Riverbank Lawns of the Adelaide Convention Centre at the end of day one (6 September). Day two (7 September) begins with a networking breakfast for all delegates. A business lounge will operate over the full two-day period to provide a place for more serious business discussions as required.
“Mindful of the challenges all businesses have faced over the past two years, we’ve almost halved our pricing for full event attendance and have designed an event that maximises the opportunity for suppliers to network with retail delegates – as opposed to being ‘chained to a booth’ in a trade hall,” Mr McKenzie said.
“If you’ve never been to the Asia Pacific Industry Forum before, then this is the year to come along – and join the 300-plus industry delegates and stakeholders that regularly attend this annual industry event.
“If you have been before, then we’d love to see you back, as we celebrate the achievements of our industry over the past two years and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Further event details, agenda and registration can be found at apfiforum.com.
Published with permission from ACAPMA.
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2022/06/apfif-2022-registrations-open/.
