EPCA's Annual Meeting theme " The Power of Action " aims to create a dialogue between all stakeholders to explore crucial topics for the petrochemical sector. The program has a diverse range of topics and renowned speakers lined up for each day:
Tuesday (8-Oct-24): The focus will be on high-level discussions examining the environmental and social responsibilities of the petrochemical industry, exploring the challenges and opportunities it faces in the current uncertain energy landscape.
Wednesday (9-Oct-24): This day will revolve around talent and leadership topics. Experts will address important aspects of talent acquisition and retention in the petrochemical industry. Discussions will also cover leadership strategies and adapting to the evolving workforce landscape.
Thursday (10-Oct-24): The spotlight will be on the supply chain with a special focus on transport decarbonisation during EPCA's session. The keynote and panel discussion will delve into our industry effort, collaboration and solutions available towards net-zero logistics.
The sessions are taking place at the InterContinental Berlin on the Ground level in Room Potsdam I.
Searching a specific session or text, please press Ctrl+F (on your keyboard) to open the find box that lets you search for text, and phrases on the current page.
Access to EPCA activities listed below will be allowed only to people wearing #EPCA58 Delegate badges. Our policy is not to reprint badges or replace lost badges. Further info: Badge Policy
Monday, 7 October 2024
Supported by EPCA's TTLT Committee
Workshop description:
The chemical industry in Europe is at a pivotal moment, and unlocking the potential of greater gender balance is crucial for continued growth and innovation. This is why, with the support of the TTLT, Dow is partnering with Catalyst to host a workshop aligned to Catalyst's global research on engaging men and gender partnership including best practices from the immersive MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) program. The workshop is an exceptional opportunity for leaders and professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue and actions to promote gender equity in the workplace.
For more information and to register, please click here.
Attendance is not included in EPCA's registration and requires separate registration via this website.
SOLD OUT ❗ There are no more tickets available for this event.
Enjoy a delightful evening of gourmet food and wine at the EPCA Official Opening Walking Dinner. The event will take place at the Kulturforum, where you can also explore the work of Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals.
Location: Kulturforum, Gemäldegalerie, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin, Germany
A bus shuttle service will run between the five official EPCA hotels and the Kulturforum from 19:00 to 22:30.
NOTE: Only registered attendees who have signed up online for the dinner and are wearing the official #EPCA58 delegate badge will be granted access to this exclusive event. We kindly remind all participants that badge reprints or replacements for lost badges will not be provided as per our badge policy. Further info: Badge Policy
Tuesday, 8 October 2024
Welcome by EPCA’s President - Richard Roudeix
Keynote on trends and business implications by Per Klevnäs
Panel Debate (Leadership/CEO Forum)
Session description:
In this session, we will explore some of the most serious risks we may face over the next decade, against a backdrop of enormous geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, economic uncertainty and a warming planet. All of this has significant implications for us as we seek to overhaul our current system and adds to the complexity and uncertainty of doing business.
This session is designed to stimulate dialogue among thought leaders and provide a broader perspective on our ever-evolving world. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight and network with your peers. Prepare to broaden your understanding of the complexities shaping our future.
Presentation & Moderator: Per Klevnäs, Partner, Material Economics
Panelists:
- Ib Jensen, President & CEO, Perstorp Group
- Lauren Kjeldsen, President Smart Materials & Member of the Executive Board, Evonik
- Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO & Member of the Management Board, Brenntag
- René Höhnlein, Managing Director, Head of Energy Germany, ING
Presentation: not yet available
Replay Link: https://youtu.be/Ao2iMZEJ6zM






Session description:
The energy and chemical sectors in Europe are experiencing unprecedented transformation amidst geopolitical shifts, climate imperatives, and technological advancements. This presentation explores how these dynamics are reshaping the energy and chemical market landscapes. Despite the longer-term focus on energy transition and climate mitigation efforts, immediate challenges such as economic volatility, elevated interest rates, and capacity surpluses must be overcome.
This session aims to provide valuable insights into current and anticipated market trends for key sectors including energy, olefins, polyolefins, aromatics, methanol and chlor-alkali, & vinyls. Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS experts will examine critical challenges and expectations for the next five years, stakeholders will gain strategic perspectives essential for navigating the evolving European market and positioning themselves for long-term success amidst ongoing global transformations.
Explore key issues:
- Energy Market Outlook: Understand potential disruptions and opportunities in the energy landscape impacting chemicals.
- Olefins & Polyolefins: Analyzing the effects of excess capacity on producers and consumers.
- Aromatics Market: Gain insights into the recovery path and potential challenges during the energy transition.
- Methanol Market: Explore the evolving demand landscape and the potential of green methanol and marine fuel.
- Chlor-alkali & Vinyls: Uncover near and mid-term projections for the industry’s rebound amidst changing trade flows in Asia.
Speakers:
- James Williamson, VP, Financial & Capital Markets
- Carlo Barrasa, VP, Energy Markets
- Steve Lewandowski, VP, Global Olefins
- Kaushik Mitra, Executive Director Polyolefins, EMEA
- Duncan Clark, VP, Aromatics
- Mike Nash, VP, Syngas Chemicals
- Nick Kovics, VP, Inorganic Chemicals
Presentation: Request the presentation on this page.
Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/h9dh2m0rt-s
Session description:
The chemical industry has withstood a challenging two years. The EU 2030 climate targets are looming on the horizon. How can the European chemical industry achieve these targets at a time when the global economy – and the European chemical industry – is under intense pressure? Global overcapacity, tepid demand growth, and a challenged cost position in Europe, means reaching the targets is uncertain.
Argus will discuss the future of the European – and global - chemical industry and prospects of achieving a low carbon world, including:
- The prospects of Europe reaching the 2030 climate targets
- Increased usage of low carbon feedstocks and energy
- Competing demands for limited “green” materials -- biofuels versus bio feedstocks
- Long term availability of US ethane
- Growth of Chinese capacity and over-build on supply-side
Speakers:
- Christopher Flook, President, Expansion Markets
- Chuck Venezia, SVP, Chemicals
Panelists:
- Sarah Rae, VP, Olefins and Derivatives, Europe,
- Craig Barry, Lead Consultant, Ethylene & Derivatives, Americas
- Alan Williamson, Olefins Consultant - EMEA
Presentation: PDF
Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/FcIeVD_HfSE
Session description:
Rationalization, changing trade flows, circularity and decarbonization are all being tackled by chemical producers both in Europe and globally. However, the opportunities and challenges presented differ by market. In this session we will look at their impact across the chemical value chains, focusing on key commodities such as ethylene, benzene and methanol.
Key topics:
- Ethylene and feedstocks
- Aromatics and gasoline
- Methanol and shipping
- Decarbonisation and technology
Speakers:
- Andrew Neale – Executive Director, Aromatics
- Andy Orszynski – Director, Chemicals
- Katie Elliot – Aromatics Lead
- Yazmine Khan – Associate Director, Aromatics
- Aleksandra Zhagrina – Associate Editor, EMEA Chemical and Polymer Markets
- Olivier Maronneaud – Director, Chemicals
- Esther Beng Choo Ng – Senior Editor, Chemicals
- Luca Raffellini – Executive Director
Replay Link: https://youtu.be/Vg-HsrBB3NU
Presentation: Request the presentation on this page.
Wednesday, 9 October 2024
brought to you by EPCA's TTLT Committee
Session description:
In this session, Cedric will share his insights into how major organisations worldwide can grow leaders at all levels by doing things differently, showing that performance comes from purpose, passion and presence.
With a compelling mix of spectacular video footage and personal experience as an adventurer and High Performance Psychologist he will demonstrate that skills such as dealing with emotions like fear are very transferable to any kind of environment and most of the time, what lies between us and our dreams is that same fear.
Keynote: Dare to jump: Emerging trends in sustainable performance in times of disruption
Speaker: Cedric Dumont, Pioneer in Wingsuit flying and BASE-jumping, Performance Psychologist and Author
Presentation: PDF
No replay: Sorry if you missed the session. Find out more about Cedric's work on his website www.cedricdumont.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Session description:
Join North Sea Port, one of Europe’s leading industrial and logistics hubs, on its path to energy transition. In this session, you will learn how the port and its diverse partners are innovating to transform the chemical and petrochemical sectors towards sustainability.
Explore case studies on circular projects, renewable energy, and cutting-edge infrastructure that are paving the way for a greener future in the port’s operations.
Presentation & Moderator:
- Peter Geertse, Commercial Manager at North Sea Port
Panelists & Keynotes:
- How economic survival or growth can fit into sustainable goals: terminal of the future
Martine Union, Key Account Manager - Gadot Belgium - The Energy Transition: challenges and opportunities and how terminals can play a vital part
Jonathan Feys, Chief Commercial Officer - Ghent Transport & Storage - Alternative fuels in transport
Kristof Demeulemeester, Business Development - Mervielde - Sustainable fuel logistics
Georges Leysen, Commercial Manager – SEA-Tank Terminal
Presentation: PDF
Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/Qk7gjuD0Xuw
Session description:
The session will explore the various challenges facing the global and European industry, and what industry needs to do to transform itself in the short and long term. It will cover:
- Outlook for energy costs and its impact on European production
- Chinese oversupply and the changes in global trade flows
- European capacity consolidation
- Chemical recycling outlook in Europe
- Roadblocks that need to be overcome to reach sustainability targets
Presenters:
- Nigel Davis, Editor, ICIS
- James Wilson, Senior Analyst (Olefins), ICIS
- Egor Dementev, EMEA Analyst Team Lead, Plastics Recycling, ICIS
Presentation: PDF
Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/XVbawZ2pves
Thursday, 10 October 2024
brought to you by Gold Sponsor Ovinto
- 08:00-09:30 Securing the Resilience of Supply Chains (Logistics & Supply Chain)
- 09:30 Closing by EPCA’s President - Richard Roudeix
Session description:
During this session, a star panel will explore how Europe can remain a leader in the global supply chain, and how it can maintain or even regain competitiveness against petrochemical players in other regions of the world. What changes are needed to help Europe evolve? What is the role of intermodality, collaboration and digitalisation in this change?
Presentation & Moderator: Valerio Dilda, Senior Partner, McKinsey
Panelists:
- Virginie Delcroix, Executive Vice President, Sustainable Development, Geodis
- Yarellis Hernandez, Vice President Supply Chain Europe/AFMEI, LyondellBasell
- Roberta Chiesura, Global Procurement Manager, Infineum
Presentation: PDF
Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/byxJEDQoTZs





LEGEND | |||||||||||||||
Registration open | EPCA Session | Networking Breaks / F&B | |||||||||||||
Logistics Village & Meeting Rooms open | Sponsored Session |
Time Zone Berlin GMT +2 | CEST |
Set-up day | Tue 08-Oct-24 | Wed 09-Oct-24 | Thu 10-Oct-24 | Time Zone Berlin GMT +2 | CEST |
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Start | End | Mon 07-Oct-2024 | Start | End | |||||||||||||||
07:00 | 07:30 | 07:00 | 07:30 | ||||||||||||||||
07:30 | 08:00 | Standing Breakfast | Standing Breakfast | Standing Breakfast | 07:30 | 08:00 | |||||||||||||
08:00 | 08:30 | 08:00-09:30 Opening & EPCA Session: Leadership / CEO Forum | 08:00-09:30 EPCA Session: Leadership & Talent |
08:00-09:30 EPCA Session: Logistics & Supply Chain and Closing |
08:00 | 08:30 | |||||||||||||
08:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | 09:00 | ||||||||||||||||
09:00 | 09:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | ||||||||||||||||
09:30 | 10:00 | Coffee Break |
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Coffee Break | Coffee Break | 09:30 | 10:00 | ||||||||||||
10:00 | 10:30 | 10:00 | 10:30 | ||||||||||||||||
10:30 | 11:00 | 10:30 - 12:00 GOLD | 10:30 | 11:00 | |||||||||||||||
11:00 | 11:30 | Sponsor Session - CMA | 11:00 - 11:45 Silver | 11:00 | 12:00 | ||||||||||||||
11:30 | 12:00 | Chemical Market Analytics | North Sea Port | 11:30 | 12:00 | ||||||||||||||
12:00 | 12:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | ||||||||||||||||
12:30 | 13:00 | 12:30 | 13:00 | ||||||||||||||||
13:00 | 13:30 | 13:00 | 13:30 | ||||||||||||||||
13:30 | 14:00 | 13:30 - 14:15 Silver | 13:30 | 14:00 | |||||||||||||||
14:00 | 14:30 | 15:00-18:00 Workshop: Unlocking the power of allyship supported by EPCA's TTLT |
Argus Media | 14:00 - 14:45 Silver | 14:00 | 14:30 | |||||||||||||
14:30 | 15:00 | ICIS | 14:30 | 15:00 | |||||||||||||||
15:00 | 15:30 | 15:00 | 15:30 | ||||||||||||||||
15:30 | 16:00 | 15:30 - 17:00 GOLD | 15:30 | 16:00 | |||||||||||||||
16:00 | 16:30 | Sponsor Session - S&P | 16:00 | 16:30 | |||||||||||||||
16:30 | 17:00 | Global Commodity Insights | 17:00 Official End | 16:30 | 17:00 | ||||||||||||||
17:00 | 17:30 | 17:00 | 17:30 | ||||||||||||||||
17:30 | 18:00 | 17:30 | 18:00 | ||||||||||||||||
18:00 | 19:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | ||||||||||||||||
>19:00 | 19:30 -22:00 | >19:00 | |||||||||||||||||
Official Opening | |||||||||||||||||||
Walking Dinner |