In light of the growing instability in the Middle East and the war with Iraq, this conference provides an opportunity for key industry players, government officials and academia to discuss the implications of heavy concentration on Middle Eastern oil. The conference will address the shift toward new energy resources beyond the Middle East, other alternatives sources of energy and the impact on the oil market. The conference will address these critical topics in depth.

1. What are the political and economic implications of a possible shift from the Middle East oil reserves to emerging market sources and alternative energy?

How will the structure and organization of the industry evolve?

• Will the industry be more competitive or form conglomerates?
• What impact will the evolution of the industry have on oil prices?

What strategies are being designed to guide large-scale investment in new emerging energy hotspots?

• What forms of foreign direct investment will work best?
• How can the interests of local governments and energy companies be aligned?
• What is the role of the energy firm in local economic development and sustainability?
• What are the most innovative models of infrastructure and technology investment in these emerging regions?
• How are oil companies coping with obsolescence bargaining in emerging markets?

2. What are the newest developments and applications of alternative energy in transportation?

• Do we have the imperative to move away from oil into alternative forms?
• Can new and alternative technologies continue to outpace resource depletion?
• How and under what timeline will these resources impact the energy market?

3. What will the energy firm of the future look like?