2012 Mid-Con Agenda

Powering Progress


Bryan Durkin, CME Group COO, will explore the role of natural gas in energy supply and discuss managing risk and volatility through market based instruments, as well as give his perspective as a global exchange leader of the impacts of regulatory reform, product innovation including the new CME Direct platform and on the broader changing dynamics of the gas industry.

Supply and Demand ~ Way Out of Balance or Not ~


The shale revolution continues; therefore we continue to have an over supply of natural gas…..But for how long? What is the impact of the Utica Shale Play on the region? How much will Power Generation demand continue its increase to take up supply? What about exporting LNG? What about NGV’s ? How many operators are shifting to a focus on NGLs? How will these factors and more impact supply? Hear from the experts ~

OpenLink Networking Reception - at Buddy Guy's Legends - located at 700 S. Wabash. Just a short cab ride from the hotel!


All LDC attendees are invited! Join your peers Monday night at one of the nation’s premier blues club for music, drinks, appetizers, and networking.

Enabling Economic Progress: The Role of Natural Gas

• Natural gas is becoming a key enabler of economic growth and revitalizing industries across the United States.


• Technological advances are making it possible to safely and economically produce more cleaner-burning natural gas than ever before.

2012 is a pivotal year and the political landscape could dramatically affect the pace of regulatory action, and potentially the supply of shale gas for the market. Hear how the possible electoral scenarios at both the executive and legislative branches could impact the natural gas business and what you should expect and plan for in 2013.


Dodd-Frank -There are still so many questions to be asked and answered regarding the sweeping legislation of this Bill. How will it continue to mold the future of Natural Gas? What are the political ramifications of the Dodd-Frank Bill and how will it affect the industry? How will prices be affected as it relates to power generation factors for the nation? This panel will integrate regulation, financial, & political issues, and will work to make sense of what’s coming next.


Existing Regulation & Potential Election Outcomes - With recent activity on emissions regulation and the changing environment around environmental legislation, there are several scenarios which can affect the natural gas market. Explore different scenarios of emissions regulation, green tax credit implications, and water pollution concerns.

Natural Gas Markets: Recent Changes and Future Drivers


Dr. Gruenspecht’s keynote address will include an overview of recent data and a short-term outlook, as well as focus on key drivers that affect:

• the balance between natural gas supply and demand


• their respective time horizons


• implications for natural gas prices and price volatility

Hear from our panelists regarding updates on Pipelines and transportation designs in the region, along with an analysis of storage and hedging for the greatest efficiencies for your company! These could be the missing pieces to the puzzle ~ you won’t want to miss it!!

The Era of Natural Gas


Hear a timely overview about America’s abundant supply, growing demand, and prospects for the future, including:

• The promise of growth in America’s demand for natural gas through NGVs and electric generation.


• Why America now leads the world in CO2 reductions.


• How gas provides the most efficient use of America’s energy resources, and the challenges and threats to America’s growing use of natural gas.

Our gas buyer panelists will give you solid and valuable insight into what is currently working and what they will do differently next time.