SGA Campus

Taking a Stand: How Companies Have Been Thrust Into Current Events

Join James Shackelford, accredited in public relations and president and CEO of SomaComm, an integrated digital communications and public relations agency, to learn how to take a stand on social issues. James has extensive experience in reputation management, communications and marketing having represented a wide variety of NGOs, corporations, and initiatives throughout the United States and the UK. He has supported brands that include Salesforce, Westinghouse, Microsoft, Be The Match, UNICEF, and Sam’s Club and has earned national media coverage in outlets that include Good Morning America, ABC News, NBC Nightly News, FOX News Channel, People Magazine, The New York Times, and USA Today. A frequent speaker on the topics of diversity, inclusion, equality, and unconscious bias both inside the profession and broadly across brand communications and marketing campaigns, James served as Chair of the Public Relations Society of America’s National Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2018. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Irving Schools Foundation and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and is the President of PRSA Dallas (the Public Relations Society of America.) He is a member of the Dallas Arboretum Corporate Advisory Board and the National Press Club of Washington. Specialties: corporate development, strategy, corporate communications, reputation and crisis management, product marketing, public affairs, digital and social content marketing.

Meter Station Control Sizing & Selection

The energy environment is rapidly changing with push to reduce emissions reductions, tighter system controls with a reduction in MAOP excursions. These changes in policy are driven efforts to improve meter station control and sizing practices of regulators and control valves. This roundtable will explore all of the issues surrounding the installation and design best practices for regulators and control valves within meter stations and regulator stations.

5 Myths of Customer Experience Debunked

You've heard it before, “What’s the difference between customer service and customer experience?” To improve the customer experience, all you need is technology. The increased focus on customer experience has given way to best practices but also a few myths and misconceptions. Join this highly interactive session to look at some of these misconceptions and gain more clarity!

Training & Operational Adaptations for the COVID Era and Future Applications

A panel discussion on how companies confronted and handled the challenges of COVID-19 as it impacted Training and Operational functions. Three companies will provide their experiences, best practices and innovative changes over the past 5-months

Air Initiatives within the Beltway

Presentation will focus on recent policy initiatives and federal regulatory changes and provide insight on what is on the horizon from "The Hill" with respect to the natural gas industry.

API RP 1173: How Far Along Are We?

For pipeline operators, pipeline safety is essential and a commitment to safety implementation is vital. API RP 1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems) provides a guiding structure to manage activities with safety in mind while understanding how activities connect. Let's talk about what this means for pipeline operators and hear from those that are developing a safety management system based on API RP 1173.

Awkward Conversations Regarding Inclusion & Diversity

Lump in your throat. Clammy hands. Pit in your stomach. If you’ve experienced these very real and natural responses when a diversity topic is raised at work, know that you're not alone. Conversations about D&I can be awkward, uncomfortable, or downright scary. After spending time with your session hosts in Beyond the Awkward, you will walk away with tools and strategies that can assist you in becoming comfortable having constructive conversations about D&I. If you're interested in learning to become comfortable with discomfort, this session is for you.

Best Practices to Increase Customer Growth & Retention in Your Market

In this session you will hear from speakers regarding different programs they are utilizing to grow and retain customers in their areas. The programs will cover growth and retention utilizing various outlets such as: conversions, rebates, contractor incentives, retail relations, appliance purchases, developer relations, and trade ally relations.

Best Practices in Eminent Domain and Condemnation

Although eminent domain practice has been fairly predictable for decades, the condemnation cases for pipeline companies have seen the greatest upheaval in recent years as to what to expect. From state right-of-entry cases, to immediate access, opposition groups to pipeline projects are increasingly using the courts in their efforts – no more so than by using political pressure to have governmentally-owned properties decline to negotiate for land rights, In a recent decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal court ruled against PennEast Pipeline as to the condemnation of state-owned property by a privately-owned pipeline. This case was the third in a series of federal court decisions in three (3) of the eleven (11) federal circuits to rule similarly in the past few years, beginning largely with a federal case out of Texas, then-viewed as an outlier due to its odd facts. The Third Circuit was “not insensitive” to the disruption that its opinion would have to nearly 80 years of case law in giving its ruling. As such, pipeline companies need to shift focus on route selection, outreach, land rights acquisition, and legal strategy to focus on publicly-owned properties as high risk on project risk registers.

Build Your Company's Brand With Effective Corporate Citizenship Efforts

In this session, case studies will be outlined to help you develop a Corporate Citizenship Program that provides value to the community, your business, and your employees.

The Business of Leadership: Making Work Relationships Work

Assessment tools are important for leaders to use to better understand the different behavioral styles of people and how to best communicate with each style. Improving your communication effectiveness with others is about understanding them and learning how to flex your own style – it is not magic, but when you master it, WOW – the results are magical! Extended DiSC is a psychometric assessment, not a personality test. This session will unpack Extended DiSC as a model and will provide communication skills that you will be able to use immediately to improve your effectiveness as a leader.

COVID-19 and the Implication on Contract Obligations

As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to disrupt lives and businesses, it is important to consider how it may affect contractual performance obligations. Every situation and contract will be different, so it is important to consider a party’s exposure and know how to respond. Given the increased challenges in contract performances that have been affected or which may be affected due to the pandemic, analyses regarding force majeure clauses and related doctrines have been critical and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Looking to the contract’s force majeure provision is the first step in the analysis. Alternatively, in the absence of a force majeure provision, there may be other legal grounds triggering a possible suspension of performance or termination of the contract. Stopping performance or terminating the contract could be risky and, if decided incorrectly, could be a breach. Collaborative discussion and audience participation are encouraged.

Commercial Driver Liability

This course will discuss different areas of FMCSA Compliance with topics such as Driver Qualification Files, Hours of Service, Motor Vehicle Records, Medical Clearance, and other topics often associated with the Transportation industry, but some Oil & Gas companies may not be familiar with. The intent is to bring awareness and allow the participants to have a few areas to check to ensure their CDL programs are compliant.

Connection Point

Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) and Field Service Representatives (FSRs) share the same customers – but since they work in different environments with different roles, they may not understand how they interconnect. To be more effective, each group must discover more about each other and exactly how interdependent they are. Their goal is to discover connection points along the way. CONNECTION POINT is a training video series, masquerading as a reality TV show. In a 24-hour competition, a CSR and FSR are partnered to find the most connection points between them. To do so, they must learn the facts about one another’s jobs, solve problems, suspend judgement and hopefully overcome their differences. Who will earn the most Connection Points and be named the winner? Stay tuned to find out!

The Unintended Consequences of Electrification: Rising Costs to Consumers

Many of the proponents of policy driven electrification are pushing for these changes without consideration of the unintended consequences. Some of these unintended consequences can be increased costs to consumers, disproportionate cost impact to lower income groups, increasing emissions, and impacts on the environment and habitats. This roundtable will take a look at these consequences and how gas utilities can inform consumers.

Control System Commissioning Best Practices

Roundtable discussion on mechanisms utilized when commissioning control system projects in a high performance, time-constrained, and budget-limited environment. What are effective best practices to ensure a quality project turnover, while satisfying all stakeholders?

COVID-19 Lessons Learned: Current & Future Perspectives

For all-natural gas distribution and transmission companies Operator Qualification is paramount to conduct business safely on a daily basis. The basis for that qualification is a quality training, controlled hands-on instruction, coupled with on-the-job training and coaching in the field. This presentation discusses the importance of safely providing quality training and continued instruction in the new COVID -19 environment.

COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions Best Practices

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on best practices for supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Supply Chain Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions Best Practices!

Creative Payment Solutions in Unique Times

Providing payment options with automation, flexibility, and easier ways to pay during the new normal.

Control Room Management Inspections

Discuss PHMSA and state audits. Focus on CRM Training and Team Training, Alarm Management, and API RP1165.

Cultivating Innovation

We will share experiences in implementing new technologies for Dispatch and Field Resource Planning from inception to launch, how new ideas come about, and what considerations make for a more accessible roll-out.

Current Political Climate Toward Fossil Fuels

This session will explore the motives and tactics being used by organizations to limit the general public’s ability to choose the direct use of natural gas for their homes and businesses. We look at the origins of this movement and how it has evolved. We will also explain some of the strategies being utilized by the proponents of the natural gas industry.

Digitally Transforming your Integrity Management Program

Modern technology is reshaping every aspect of the pipeline industry, a shift that’s exciting and scary at the same time. Whether you're ahead of the competition or not, digital transformations, such as cloud computing and machine learning, are set to alter the industry’s standard approach to safety – we see the shift with the introduction of the new mega rule. The session will cover how pipeline operators can maintain regulatory compliance and save money on their integrity management program (IMP) with the power of data science and machine learning.

Document Work with MOC & Field Operations

The regulatory climate has made it clear that defined documentation of engineering review of projects may be in our future. Visit this session to see how some companies are proactively approaching this scenario. The presentation will include forms and software used to facilitate the documentation and review process.

Emergency Preparedness Panel: “All hands on deck” Incident Command Systems Best Practices

Emergency planning is complex. There are hundreds of variables to consider, and many internal and external stakeholders to satisfy. It is a daunting process, especially with the constantly-evolving nature of the external environment. Join Atmos Energy, Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy emergency planning experts to learn incident response best practices that emphasize how Legal, Operations and Communications department work together. Topics of discussion will include outages, evacuations, third party damage and maintaining service during community unrest.

Emerging New Technology - R&D

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on emerging new technologies. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s End Use Codes & Standards Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Emerging New Technology - R&D!

Emerging Research in Gas Forecasting: Metrics for Evaluating Forecast Performance

In this workshop Dr. Brown will present the concepts and mathematics behind commonly used performance metrics (MAPE, WMAPE, RMSE, mean, stdev, etc.). This will be followed by a group discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, which metrics are in practical use at various companies, how they impact business decisions.

Engaging & Connecting with the Millennial Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha Workforce

Pandemic & Beyond: Engaging our Millennials in the Energy Future. The pandemic has affected the entire world; but in North America, it has disproportionately affected millennials. Understanding and alleviating this disparity is mission-critical to the future of the natural gas industry. Tisha Schuller will present the findings of Adamantine Energy’s latest report describing how millennials have become the most important generation for our industry’s ongoing success and future engagement with a skeptical public. This presentation is designed for oil and gas leaders who are finding that millennials are increasingly relevant to us as civic leaders, regulators, elected officials, customers, and investors.

Environmental Permitting 101

Project permitting and design modifications are necessary for this evolving regulatory landscape. Successful air, biological, cultural, and other types permitting and adherence to these various permits take a team effort. This roundtable will present a general overview of the process to acquire and maintain the necessary permits to build and operate a natural gas pipeline and associated facilities.

ESG - Attracting investors looking for an environmentally responsible portfolio

Responsible investing (RI) has moved into the mainstream as more investors seek to create a better outcome for community and our planet through investment coupled with positive outcomes. Whether new believers or long-term adherents, many investors looking to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their portfolios limit themselves to either excluding specific industry sectors or adding a fund at the margin. How can the natural gas industry 

Establishing a Mobile Workforce

The natural gas industry is turning to mobile GIS to improve field operations. This session will showcase different avenues companies are taking to bring GIS to the field including discussion on hardware and software options, sample workflows, and how to measure success.

A Fireside Chat: A digital Series for Small Businesses- Providing COVID-19 Strategies and Beyond

In the midst of the current climate, supply chains have been disrupted, resources are limited and it’s important for businesses to be resilient. This fireside chat will uncover strategies for diverse small businesses to adapt to the current landscape with experts, leaders and small business leaders and owners.

First Responder Expectations

Understanding the immediate and ongoing expectations of emergency first responders and our gas company first responders in Emergency Response & Preparedness. A discussion between the Fire Department and Gas Company First Responders about the importance of relationships, collaborative response, training & exercises, and Lessons Learned. Stories of single incident gas response as well as complex emergencies where gas issues are only part of the story.

Forecasting the Unknown? - Curtailments (Operation System Impacts & Types of Controls)

Craig Smith will present the concepts behind system transient modeling using weather forecasts to predict hourly flows using linear regressions. The transient modeling will attempt to quantify the system’s ability to handle interruptible power plants’ gas flows. In addition, transient modeling will look at the operational impacts of storage fields that cannot supply their prescribed deliverability.

Formal ICS Structure: Integrating ICS Into Your Existing Emergency Response

Preparedness by the Whole Community of Emergency Agencies and Organizations & Our Coordinated Response has become the New Normal and the Expectation of our Governing Bodies, Communities, Customers, and Society as a Whole. API 1173 Recommended Practices include – “Recognition and Use of Unified Command/Incident Command Structure” & “Training and Drills, including Involvement of External Agencies and Organizations”. In 2019, American Gas Association Board of Directors approved a Resolution recommending that all members implement Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), or API RP 1173, within three years. Glen Boatwright will deliver a Presentation on Why you should want to adopt ICS into your Emergency Plans, but more importantly blend ICS into your Processes, Practices, and your Culture.

Gas Cavern Storage – Introduction to Critical Topics

This session will provide an exposure to the basic design aspects that needs be considered during the development of a salt cavern for gas storage operations. Information during this session will be particularly helpful for underground storage operators who operate depleted reservoir storage fields only. Major highlights on the differences in operating a cavern versus depleted reservoir will be discussed.

Gas Forecasting Roundtable on COVID-19 Impacts

Gas Forecasters were tasked with determining the impact of COVID-19 on their market demand. This workshop will detail how some member companies approached the problem and what they found.

GIS Applications & Solutions

GIS applications have made recent strides to support mobile data collection by pipeline distribution operators. This session focuses on applied solutions created and deployed by operators to solve distribution integrity management challenges.

GPS Barcoding: The Future of Underground Traceability

Discussion of the future of GPS Barcoding and how this can impact the industry (Digital Mapping, System Knowledge, and Damage Prevention)

Hazardous Safety! Flexible SOPs? Accurate Risk Assessments?

Safety practices can become the very hazard they are designed to control. When safe practice lacks timely and accurate risk assessment and is bound by rote check-box routine, safe practice becomes blind to actual hazards. Standardized safety practice may put personnel in harm's way. Over the last 20 years, the evolution of safety management has swung from being reactive and accepting of incidents to being proactive and preventing incidents. However, has this proactive pendulum possibly swung too far allowing safety management to establish far-reaching standard practices to operate where no hazard exists? This session approaches safety management from the perspective of Organizational Behavior and Anthropology. Corporate and business leaders can have their position enhanced by adopting a more inquisitive point of view for safety management rules and allowing pointed risk assessments where previously rote standards of operation existed. Those questions and assessments, formal or impromptu, will allow leaders to accurately apply safe practices and avoid hazards to personnel created by rote standards. Factors and variables such as geography, environment, technology, science, psychology and physiology may influence safety standards in finite situations requiring directed flexibility and risk assessment.

Home Agents - How Has it Evolved? A Panel Discussion

Hear directly from a panel of contact center professionals that have transformed their call centers by introducing home agent programs at their companies and evolving them to benefit the customer and employee experience.

Hot Topics in Safety

OSHA does not provide a roadmap on how to comply with all their regulations. Some regulations are even considered performance-based leaving implementation and adherence up to the company to determine how regulatory compliance will be met. This session will provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions regarding compliance issues and implementation on those hot safety topics that you have always wondered about.

Inclusion & Diversity 101: The Journey & Sustainability

Learn what I&D means and the scope of I&D work at member SGA companies as a subset of other national industries. Learn how this work benefits companies and its employees. Learn the challenges that companies have implementing I&D efforts. Learn about how I&D efforts can be helpful in these times of COVID recovery.

Considerations for the Successful Implementation of API 1173

The industry is focused on improving safety performance and strive to zero pipeline incidents. API 1173 “PSMS” was designed to provide operators a flexible, scalable approach to a “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle for continuous improvement. This discussion will provide considerations for application of API 1173 in Construction and Engineering Operations.

Journey Mapping

A critical first step in improving your customer experience is understanding and mapping your customer’s most common journeys (pay bill, start or stop service). Where do pain points exist that make it difficult for the customer to do business with you? Reducing this friction and identifying what your teams are doing well can help you create a positive customer experience and a more loyal, retained customer base.

Keep Me Informed

Isn't it wonderful to receive a text confirming a service appointment for your home and then additional texts to let you know the status of this appointment until it’s completed? This session delves into the project of Keep Me Informed and how our company is making prioritized investments to become more customer-centric in how we do business. Through agility, we’re combining technology, personalized care solutions and our people to deliver an exceptional experience that our customers deserve.

Management of Procedure Documentation

Discover ways to create, implement, and drive procedure documentation to ensure alignment with organizational practices. Presenters will discuss what is required to effectively centralize the creation, revision, and approval of company procedures.

Managing Up: Stop Work Authority

Companies agree that employees should speak up when they observe something that is unsafe. Empowering employees to speak up when they observe something unsafe, regardless of who is performing the unsafe act, is an essential component of a healthy safety culture. What happens when an employee observes an unsafe act by a supervisor? Don't let the barriers or hierarchy interfere with your values. Connect inclusion and safety cultures together by creating a "speak up" culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up and stopping work, especially when managing up. The Safety and Health, Inclusion and Diversity, and Regional Directors and Managers Committee partner together to bring you this important discussion about how speak up culture around safety can impact people different depending on other elements of difference (e.g. tenure, gender, generational differences). Panelists will share examples of situations when things went well and other times when it could have gone better.

Marketing in the Digital Age

There are various ways to use Geo Fencing to target a specific audience. Converting to online messaging can be intimidating but the return of data can help focus your advertising efforts. The advantage of Online vs Print Advertising - Using Geo Fencing provides the ability to target Affected Public Messaging and can also provide data analysis that print ads lack.

Material Verification and Traceable, Verifiable, Complete (TVC) Records

Part 192.607 of the Mega Rule requires operators to ensure adequate traceable, verifiable, and complete material records or implement a Material Verification Program. Within an operator's Material Verification Program, specific pipeline attributes must be confirmed: diameter, wall thickness, seam type and grade. Operators will be required to develop procedures and perform destructive (laboratory) or non-destructive testing to capture material property information. During this session, you will get an overview of the requirements of this new regulation and hear about options from industry professionals of methods to determine pipeline material properties. Essential considerations for statistical analysis of in-ditch testing to verify grade and to estimate the number of digs required will also be discussed. This session will also offer an opportunity for a Q&A with fellow Operators and industry professionals to gain insight into their approaches to implementing and maintaining a Material Verification Program.

Measuring Renewable Natural Gas

Methane vapors are up to 25 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. The federal government in an effort to reduce climate altering emissions is now requesting that landfills and other methane producing entities find a use for their methane. This has led to the developing field of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). RNG provides unique challenges in measurement mostly due to the quality of the gas produced. Join this roundtable discussion concerning strategies and challenges of measuring RNG.

Meter Station Control Philosophy

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on the topic of meter station control philosophy. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Gas Measurement Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Meter Station Control Philosophy!

Mobile Wallet Options

This session will share the journey and strategy for seeking alternatives to traditional paperless offerings in the utility industry. Participants will learn about multiple paperless options utilized at Southern Company Gas and the latest innovative solution implemented leveraging inherent mobile applications on Apple and Android mobile devices. Speakers will also share the results of the new techonolgy in the organization and next steps to optimize customer engagement.

The Ins & Outs of Modern Training Content Design

Training needs for our industry are shifting—a portion of the workforce has retired out, and the new workforce has different needs and expectations for training. Some companies have access to trained Instructional Designers, some don't. This session will cover some of the best practices in instructional design and how organizations can provide the best training content to their organizations.

Meter to Cash Crisis Management & Impact

A panel style conversation on managing the life cycle of going to remote work options and planning for the re-entry into the office during the COVID19 pandemic. Focusing on identified gaps, lessons learned and success stories along the journey.

New Federal Universal Waste Aerosol Rule and Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule Update

The EPA has published the Rule classifying aerosols as universal waste. This rule provides the definition of aerosol cans, identifies management requirements, and the option of puncturing and draining. The Rule was effective at the Federal level on February 7, 2020, and authorized states with approved RCRA programs can adopt this less stringent regulation. Several states already have aerosols in their universal waste regulations, and state differences will be discussed. Since the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule (HWGIR) became effective May 30, 2017, states have been adopting the rule, but full nationwide adoption is incomplete. The status of state adoption, as well as highlights from some of the states, will be reviewed.

You Are Not Alone: Utilizing External Data Scientists

In the You Are Not Alone ~ Utilizing External Data Scientist session, attendees will be introduced to an overview of how Southern Company Gas utilized a data scientist to enhance its field workload forecasts for above ground and below ground leak repairs resulting from leak survey grid activity. In the session, attendees will learn about the business drivers resulting in the company’s decision to utilize a data scientist; the approach the data scientist used to address the company’s business requirements; alternative methodologies and assumptions considered by the data scientist; the company’s effectiveness in achieving its objectives; and the company’s future data scientist utilization opportunities being considered.

One Future Coalition & Virginia Natural Gas - Case Studies of Methane Emissions Reduction

The ONE Future Coalition is a group of 26 Natural Gas companies working together to voluntarily reduce methane emissions across the Natural Gas value chain to 1% (or less) by 2025. Our coalition is comprised of some of the largest Natural Gas Production, Gathering & Boosting, Processing, Transmission & Storage and Distribution companies in the U.S. and represents approximately 15% of the U.S. natural gas value chain. From 2017 to 2018, ONE Future decreased its methane intensity by .52% registering a methane intensity of 0.326%, demonstrating that the natural gas industry can minimize methane emissions and increase production and throughput while supplying much needed energy to the U.S. and around the globe for years to come.

Operating in a Carbon-Neutral World: Conversation with the One Future Group

Combined session with RDM and Residential Sales and Marketing groups. Educate on environmental narratives on gas, and what are we doing as an industry to combat the narrative.

PHMSA Audit Review/Operator Feedback

This session will provide an overview of the PHMSA audit process for evaluating compliance with the new Reservoir and Salt Cavern storage rules. Action items necessary for a successful audit will be described and operators who have been through an actual PHMSA audit will share their experiences.

PHMSA summary of TIMP Mega Rule (Joint with RDM & E&CM)

The TIMP "Mega Rule" has already been passed legislation, with Phase 1 set to be in effect July 1, 2020. In this Roundtable presentation and discussion, you will get to hear from a PHMSA representative on the "why's" behind the rule. There will be time during the session for Q&A so that operators can gain better insight into the intent and the expectations behind the new rules.

Mega Rule Pipeline Integrity Overview Roundtable

Curious about integrity impacts of the Mega Rule? Perhaps the presentation from PHMSA in the opening sessions stirred some additional questions. Want to hear what other Operators have to say about the Mega Rule? Get an overview of the impacts the new regulations will have to the world of integrity and learn more about the upcoming sessions in which the PIM Committee will dive deeper into certain aspects of the rule. This roundtable will also offer an opportunity for a Q&A with fellow Operators and other industry professionals to gain insight to their approaches to implementing the new regulations.

Potential Impacts of New PHMSA Rule – Rupture Mitigation Valves

PHMSA is revising the regulations regarding rupture detection to shorten pipeline segment isolation times. and are necessary to reduce the consequences of large-volume, uncontrolled releases of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline ruptures.

Predicted Failure Analysis of Crack like flaws

Crack-like anomalies, when found, must be assessed to determine their impact on overall pipeline integrity. A number of analysis methods have been proposed (including but not limited to ln-secant, Raju-Newman, CorLAS™, API 579, and MAT8), and each has strengths and weaknesses. This session will concentrate on analysis tool accuracies for real-world and machined defects, in both the pipe body and around seam welds. This roundtable will offer a Q&A session with fellow Operators and other industry professionals to gain insight into when a crack-like flaw is a threat to integrity, and when it is not.

Probabilistic Risk Models

This session will cover what a probabilistic model is, why they are beneficial, considerations when building/selecting a model, and potential factors.

Q&A Session – Standard Operations Practices

Join this interactive session to explore company practices across the industry. Be on the look-out for the polling questions prior to the conference by registering for the session.

Realities of Renewable Natural Gas: Trends Across the Nation

Renewable Natural Gas or RNG is a hot topic in many communities. In this session, we’ll take a deep dive into the fundamentals to give you the understanding you need to communicate the role RNG plays in today’s energy landscape. We’ll also explore current trends and how RNG can fit within a utility’s environmental goals and contribute to community resiliency.

Right of Way Challenges and Lessons Learned during Acquisition and Construction Phases of a Pipeline Project

This session will provide an overall view of a pipeline project and the critical role that land rights acquisition plays in the success of the project. This is a great opportunity for newcomers to the natural gas industry land rights acquisition to learn, and experienced right of way professionals to refresh their view of the way today's pipeline projects go from concept to in-service.

SafeStart: A Behavior-Based Approach to Safety

This will be an introduction to SafeStart. What it is, how it came to be, the product itself, and a personal testimonial.

Service Restoration After a Mass Outage

This session will cover key concepts related to Service Restoration after a Mass Outage. From a Leadership Perspective: The session will cover key elements in the management of a mass outage- Managing the Repair, the Employees, and the Relights. Best practices from Atlanta Gas Light’s Mass Outage Process will be shared, as well as lessons learned from working previous Mass Outages. From a Field Service Technician Perspective: The session will walk participants through general processes and procedures from start to finish and provide minor natural gas appliance repair and functionality.

Opportunities for Solutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic: From a Land Perspective

Right of way practices pushed to change amidst the pandemic leads to surprising innovations. Where adapting to this unpredictable world will become a part of your daily routine.

How Do you Solve a Problem Like "No Call" Maria

A review of Texas stats of No One Calls to present date. Information on a survey conducted by the Damage Prevention Councils of Texas on why Texas has the highest percentage of hit lines. Discussion of new ideas to take the conversation from awareness to changing behavior.

Spike Testing Case Studies

Are you getting ready to perform a spike test? This session will be an introduction to and discussion of spike testing. The panel of industry experts will provide a detailed road map for planning and executing a spike test, including lessons learned from previous projects. The panel will also provide a list of tips to help ensure your spike test is a success. Upon completion of the presentation, the panel will address the audience’s questions.

Station Design - City Gate Stations

Develop a base fundamental knowledge of how to effectively design pressure regulation stations. During this roundtable discussion we will review the basic principles for how to select and size the following station components: piping, metering, regulation, odorization and over pressure protection. Additionally, we will discuss ancillary equipment to optimize performance and operational costs.

Stress Testing Continuity Plans

Does your business continuity plan effectively cover all disaster scenarios? This presentation will show how dispatch specific tabletop exercises can be used to help stress test your continuity plan. There will be an emphasis on how to dispatch organizations that have adjusted to using a more remote workforce due to the recent pandemic.

Supply Chain Innovations and Research

This workshop will include content related to Data Collection & Automation for Inventory Control; Quality Auditing Program for LDC's.

Training Compliance vs. Competence: Panel Discussion

Merriam-Webster defines compliance as, conformity in fulfilling official requirements. When is simple compliance, and "checking the box" not enough As our industry continues to change—through increased regulatory pressure, changing workforces, new technology, etc.—the targets for both compliance and competence shift. Organizations know that they MUST be compliant; many organizations are striving to be competent. This panel discussion will explore the differences between compliance and competence, discuss how and why these targets shift, and offer insights on how to adjust/improve your training strategy.

Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on the topic of unconscious bias in the workplace. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Unconscious Bias in the Workplace!

Understanding End Use Codes and Standards and Their Importance in the Current Marketplace

New Policy-Driven Electrification initiatives are now moving to the codes and standards arena to expand their mission and harm natural gas applications. We will review the fundamentals of “End-Use Codes and Standards” and the increased importance of remaining aware of trends and shifts influencing codes and standards 

The War on Gas, Renewable Dreams, and 21st Century Terawatts

Despite an abundance of domestic natural gas, politicians and activists are blocking new pipelines and prohibiting the use of gas-fired appliances in new construction projects. At the same time, promoters of renewables believe they alone can meet our energy needs. In this talk, Robert Bryce will shine a light on how renewable and gas collaborate, and explain why natural gas will continue grabbing market share. As the need for affordable, low-carbon energy grows, Bryce will show why natural gas will play an outsized role in meeting energy demand in the 21st century.

Winter 2019/2020 Survey Results: Winter Experiences, Retrospective, and What Lies Ahead

In this workshop we will review of North American winter weather, forecasting results, industry weather experienced survey

Workforce Management (Contact Center Metrics)

You will dive into the workforce management and customer experience world of metrics to encounter how the  Atmos Energy contact centers oversee their successful operations. Meeting/exceeding customer expectations and executing operational efficiencies can be a very delicate balance of efforts, and you need to identify what and how to manage from the contact center level to the agent level and vice-versa. The ultimate goal is for you to determine how to duplicate or enhance what is working well and identify possible opportunities for continuous improvements.

Zero-Carbon Footprint: Renewable Solutions Focusing on Solar and Battery Storage

The global push for a zero-carbon footprint is already being felt in the United States and gaining ground daily. Our natural gas carbon-based product industry must accept this future reality now and make plans to remain viable and competitive in the long-term. This informative and interactive session will explore renewable opportunities at a high level, providing specific examples of solar and battery power applications.

The 21st Century Utility, Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Future

Consumers are seeking low carbon energy solutions. Yet, most utilities that have set net-zero carbon targets will be the first to admit they don’t entirely know how they’ll get across the finish line by 2050. How can natural gas LDC’s proactively embrace customers seeking clean energy solutions. This presentation will look at how natural gas and the operators that provide it are a vital part of transforming regulated utilities to the new twenty-first century model that drives adoption of clean, low-cost energy, while optimizing the grid to enhance reliability, resiliency and security.

The Essentials of Virtual Facilitation & Engagement

In any role in our industry, it is imperative that you must be able to engage with an audience, clearly communicate and get your point across. This training session will offer you an opportunity to share and practice the skills required for engaging facilitation regardless of your level of expertise.

Certified Gas

Learn about the birth, current status, and future of this growing market from the CEO of the company that started it. How did it start? What does it entail? What’s the current lay of the land? Where is it going? What are the challenges and how are thought leaders in the industry addressing them with innovation?  

Collection Strategies For Meter to Cash

Restarting Collection efforts after suspension will be covered along with: Challenge to restart collections after suspension. Working with regulatory agencies to restart. Determining appropriate health of both financial and physical in areas. Handling limitations of systems for collections activity . Conservative approach for safety inspections after turning on gas and not entering.

Perspectives on Project Planning: Effective Coordination & Communication - Part 1

A session exploring each stage of the life cycle of a project, incorporating perspectives from the engineering, construction, environmental, and legal realms. Hear from professionals in each corner of the industry to better understand what’s needed to plan and execute a project.

TSA Inspections & Drills

Discuss TSA’s evolving role in Control Room operations. What are operators doing concerning TSA inspections. Topics: What are the topics TSA focuses on during a control room audit? Are there any weighted topics? Typical advance warning? Early delivery package with detailed audit scope? What points would TSA suggest building a good-quality drill? What unexpected areas are exposed during TSA drills? Is there anything on the horizon for TSA to be more involved?

Changing the Public Perception of Natural Gas – Industry Initiatives Natural Gas Voices: Coordinating a Consistent Message

This session will present various messages and advocacy programs that exist today for promoting natural gas as a preferred energy source and explore how industry leaders can drive towards consistency in promoting natural gas.

Large Projects – Balancing the Load

Large Projects – Sharing ideas: Balancing the Load - Overwhelm One Call, Strain on resources, Renewing locate tickets for permits, Using Meet Sheets

Hot Air Topics & Activism

Environmental Activism gets a negative connotation due to the reputation of the perceived message bringers and political football that the subject brings. Not to mention, academia professors and institutions continue to push personal agendas through this subject. Regardless of an individual’s opinions on the subject, it is a real issue for those who feel it impacts them. This roundtable will explore the subject from multiple vantage points and take an approach from stakeholder prospective on how to tactfully address the issue with the sensitivity and caring to the protagonist yet, protect and advance stakeholders’ goals creating a balance and a win-win for all.

Integrated Habitat Management: Using Technology to Enhance IVM

With the green revolution continuing to gain momentum, energy companies and rights-of-way (ROW) managers are seeing the ecological and socio-economic value of their ROW. Traditional Integrated Vegetation Management has been helping energy companies to keep their ROWs in compliance. However, there’s more that can be done to increase the benefits of the ROW for native plants, animals, and humans through the use of technology. This presentation will present steps to be taken to develop, implement, and monitor a successful Integrated Habitat Management (IHM) program along with exploring third party certification opportunities.

Outreach to Municipalities

A review of Texas Gas Service efforts in reaching out to municipalities to bring down hit lines and increase safe digging.

Assorted Threat Reduction Topics

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on assorted DIMP thread reduction topics. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Distribution Integrity Management Programs Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Assorted Threat Reduction Topics!

PHMSA Updates

This has been a significant year for pipeline safety regulation and oversight, with a number of regulatory actions and more new developments on the horizon, particularly for the natural gas industry. In the face of continued criticism for delayed rules, PHMSA finalized several long awaited and significant natural gas rulemakings and proposed others. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a host of issues related to pipeline construction, inspections, and enforcement discretion. Further, last year Congress failed to reauthorize the federal Pipeline Safety Act by the September 2019 deadline, leaving a lingering uncertainty regarding reauthorization and funding for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that is now exacerbated by a possible change in administration and make-up of relevant Congressional committees in 2021. In this course, we will discuss notable PHMSA developments, pipeline safety legal issues, and trends impacting the natural gas industry. Collaborative discussion and audience participation are encouraged.

Air Permitting

The overall efforts involved to obtain the required air quality / operating permits have become extensive and tend to define the critical path for pipeline and compressor station projects. Additionally, there are many aspects of the air permitting process which have the potential to affect the overall design of the site area as well as the intended emission controls. This roundtable will explore various elements of the air permitting process as well as the issues related to air dispersion modeling.

Reshaping Procurement TO Succeed Now and in the Future

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on the topic of Amazon best practices. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Supply Chain Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Amazon Best Practices!

Cross Bores

This joint session with the Public Awareness and Damage Prevention Committee and the DIMP Committee will look at the risks of cross bore and risk reduction. This will include the role of Public Awareness, legacy system inspections including the development of risk models, and avoiding additional cross bores during new construction.

Tell Your Epic Story: Let’s Build a Sustainable Future

Telling the tale of his daring desert odyssey - Steve Donahue unpacks the secrets of the Epic Story as a leadership tool. His research reveals how to achieve epic results by energizing culture and careers with this classic narrative.Steve has an epic story from the Sahara. Leaders need one too. Learn to thrive on your shifting sands of change with the same story-based system that builds blockbuster films and packs sports stadiums to capacity.A spellbinding storyteller with a stand-up comedian's timing, Steve's Epic Conference ThemeWeaver program has transformed meetings around the globe. His high energy presentations feature a perfect blend of humor, inspiration and ideas to turn talented teams into high performing heroes.Steve is a bestselling author, filmmaker and business revolutionary in Narrative Science. His first two books, Shifting Sands and Follow Your Compass are international bestsellers. Tell an Epic Story will be published in 2018. Steve has addressed over 1,000 organizations on 4 continents including many of the Fortune 50.

Regulatory Update (401/NEPA)

Review of recent regulatory changes and litigation relative to WOTUS, the final Navigable Waters Protection Rule and the proposed Updating Regulations on Water Quality Certification Rule affecting state’s Clean Water Act Section 401 review process.

Emergency Preparedness & ICS

At one point or another, Operators across this country can identify and share examples of incidents that their Emergency Plans were not capable of handling the magnitude and scale of the incident before them. Development and broad awareness of the Incident Command System (ICS) has provided a scalable leadership framework from which to build a response upon, but, are your response, staffing, logistics, and communications plans robust enough to scale up and down to match the scalability of your ICS structure? In this session, we would like to discuss and review what scalable response plans might look like.

PR 101: How Corporate Communications Can Support Your Department

Public relations, as defined by Public Relations Society of America, “is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” Join Tim Enstice, Director of Communications for Atmos Energy, to learn how to tell your story, pitch to media, engage through social media and identify best practices when it comes to public relations in the utility sector.

TSA ICS Security Guidelines Compliance (Roundtable)

In general how closely is your organization matching up to the 2018 TSA Cyber Security guidelines. Is there a formal program with budget dollars assigned.Are there level of compliance based of site criticality?Security Staffing Are cyber security techs part of OT Automation, IT or a mixtureControl system inventoryDoes it cover IP connected devices or a broader scope Is it automated?Is complete inventory performed every year, or just changes entered Intrusion DetectionHow far do intrusion methods go. Is it just notification or does this include active response.What experience with vendors that has worked wellWhat group responds to alerts? Operations / IT/ specialized group How far does physical detection go? Individual PLC cabinets?PLC firmware/security patchesHow to manage with limited process outagesSecurity AssessmentsPerformed internally or externally?

Optimizing Asset Life and Making Replacement Decisions Using DIMP PRA (Probabilistic Risk Analysis)

With the distribution industry trending towards probabilistic risk models, the capabilities and output of those models facilitate predictive analysis and evaluation such as, asset life expectancy, risk and cost over time, mitigation options, and ultimately replacement decisions.

Protecting your Customer Data and Assets Against Cyber Attacks

COVID-19 changed how the world works overnight, amplifying the need for companies to conditionally extend their security perimeters, while maintaining continuity of business operations. Unfortunately, cybercriminals, including nation-state actors, are actively and aggressively taking advantage of the chaos and increased cyber threat vectors, exposing companies to massive financial, operational, high-value assets, and supply chain risks.  As a critical infrastructure provider, you are responsible to achieve the impossible, and ensure that all remote communications are 100% cybersecure, since DATA is now arguably your most critical asset across both IT & OT domains.  Your Businesses needs 4 critical cybersecurity elements without failure: i) hyper-secure remote connectivity, ii) a cybersecure supply chain, iii), complete segmentation of sensitive (IT) and critical (OT) data/assets, and iv) a Cybersecure Continuity of Operations Plan (“C-COOP").This webinar will provide the ‘know-how’ to completely and securely isolate and segment IT/OT operations over converged networks to cost-effectively protect you most critical assets, so your company can benefit from applying secure, “Made in USA” supply chains and classified-grade cybersecurity techniques and technologies. 

Sustainability

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on the topic of sustainability. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening 75-minute webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Environmental Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry. Please join us as we explore Sustainability!

Digital Field to Finish

DIMP guidelines created a significant challenge for natural gas operators. A solution was needed that could track DIMP Critical (DC) components from “Dock” to “Ditch”. Instead of viewing this requirement as a burden, Summit Utilities took a different position to address this critical task by changing its thinking from “how can we trace components in the field” to “how can we reinvent our entire project management life cycle”. This session details the journey of Summit Utilities to create a fully integrated traceability and asset life cycle management tool in its Work Order Field Application (WOFA) tool, the 2019 SGA Engineering Innovation Award winner.

Perspectives on Project Planning: Effective Coordination & Communication - Part 2

A session exploring each stage of the life cycle of a project, incorporating perspectives from the engineering, construction, environmental, and legal realms. Hear from professionals in each corner of the industry to better understand what’s needed to plan and execute a project.

6 Steps to Build and Maintain an Engaging Culture

Making Change Happen

In "Making Change Happen: Leading Change with Passion & Success", Joel Zeff talks about how it’s hard to have fun and stay passionate at work during stressful changing times. Joel will guide us through how easy it is to continue working creatively, effectively and productively while dealing with change. What allows everyone to be successful and deal with constant change? Could I apply the tools toward other situations? I think change, more than anything, allows us to be at our best. We all have different job titles, but we all have the same job: we deal with change. We just have to change our attitude. Presenter: Zeff, Joel

Workplace Culture: Chapter 2: Integrity/ Ethics

Workplace Culture: Chapter 3: Revenue/ Finance/ Growth

Workplace Culture: Chapter 4: Inclusion/ Diversity

Are You Ready for Leadership

Alan Price, author of “Ready to Lead?” will discuss what it takes to be a leader. His new book, “Ready to Lead,” centers on the questions, (1) Are you ready to lead? and (2) What is your vision of leadership? Presenter: Price, Alan

Assertive Communication (Broadcast)

Most people think of communication as the delivering of a message through speaking or writing while overlooking the equally important aspect of communications – the receiving. Receiving requires listening. Research tells us that we spend 45% of our time listening, but most of us are only 20% effective as listeners. Listening is the critical piece that can make or break your success. Many times the best solutions come from a collection of ideas from many individuals and that requires listening. This session will give the participant simple tools and behaviors to help them gather information effectively and enhance their communications/listening skills. Presenter: McCullough, Karen

Coaching for Success

In this broadcast, Patrick Sweeney will discuss Caliper’s approach to hiring and developing top performers. You’ll also learn how to clarify what drives you and each of your employees. . With this knowledge, you’ll be able to hire more effectively and coach to develop the potential of each of your employees. You'll draw upon each individual's untapped abilities. You'll ensure they feel valued. And you'll keep your best performers growing with your company. Presenter: Sweeney, Patrick

Coaching, Mentoring and Getting Results

These short programs are combined into one enlightening broadcast on three related and intertwined topics. 1. Coaching: Mina Brown, Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant and Public Speaker 2. Mentoring: Sydney McQuoid, Career Coach 3. Getting to Results: Jones Loflin, Writer, Speaker, Corporate Trainer  Presenters: McQuoid, Sydney ; Brown, Mina; Jones, Loflin

Communication - Listening Between the Lines

Russ Peteron provides tips for 3 critical elements of effective communication. First he shares insight that will help viewers gauge whether they are truly listening or merely hearing. The second segment focuses on how to effectively use body language to deliver the intended message. Finally, he shares tools for effectively resolving points of conflict. Presenter: Peterson, Russ

Conflict Management: Am I a Bully?

Conflict Management: How to Handle Bullying in the Workplace

Conflict Management: What is Offensive Behavior?

Conflict Management: Workplace Bullying Defined

Ethics Video Series Part 2: Conflict of Interest

Presenter: Jeff Havens

Creating a Positive & Innovative Workplace

Elaine Parrish and Joel Zeff discuss ways to create a positive and innovative workplace. Presenter: Zeff, Joel

Creating a Positive Image

Managing Your Competence We've learned how to "dress for success" and control our first impressions. But keeping on top of your personal traits is only part of the story of managing your professional image. People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace. Learn how to be the author of your own identity. Take a strategic, proactive approach to managing your personal image. Presenter: Kinzey, Ruth

Creating Pathways for Knowledge and Skills

Energy companies are bracing for an unprecedented challenge: losing valuable company assets – their most experienced & knowledgeable employees – to retirement & other workforce demographic changes. As the Baby Boomers reach retirement age en masse, energy industry organizations are scrambling to plan for the impact, to retain as much knowledge & technical skill as possible, & transfer this data to other workers. Brad Kamph, President, Interliance Management Consulting will be showing us how to identify what knowledge must be captured, how to prioritize the most important areas and strategies to use for each. Presenter: Kamph, Brad

Creating, Conveying & Owning a Vision

Vision is a picture of the future.... It is also its inspiration and the framework for strategic planning. A vision statement may apply to an entire company, a single division of that company or even to an individual. Regardless of whether it’s for the entire company or a single individual, the vision statement answers the question, “Where do we (I) want to go?” All employees should understand the process of creating, conveying and then owning a vision. Presenter: Shaha, Steve H. PhD, DBA

Critical Thinking: Leading Innovation and Value Creation

Both organizations and individuals profit from the ability to create value. High-value individuals have the ability to solve problems, make good decisions, and to create profitable ideas. In this video program, Andrew Urich will focus on the vital role that mindset and thinking play in the development of these skills.  Presenter: Urich, Andrew

Dancing with Difficult People

There are two ways to respond to difficult people: become even more difficult than the difficult person or... dance. That's right, dance. The approach of Dr. LeMon in this presentation is to get in step with the energy from a difficult person and then channel that momentum to do problemsolving instead of name-calling. Presenter: LeMon, Cal

Delegation

Mina Brown provides insight on the What, Who and How of delegation. She points out that while some managers may over delegate, the greater tendency to keep too much and not delegate enough. The What – as much as you can. The Who – the person who can be successful; the task or project must fit the individual. The How – is up to them; communicate the What and the Why with agreed upon check points, then get out of the way. Presenter: Brown, Mina

Ethics Video Series Part 3: Discrimination

Presenter: Jeff Havens

Effective Presentations & Engaging an Audience

How to give effective presentations and engage your audience. Presenter: Industry Experts

Embracing Change - The Cycle of Renewal

Hard work doesn’t guarantee success. Our lives are filled with surprises and increasing complexities. Companies and individuals transition through cycles of energized, focused and directed peak times; flat, down times; times of transformation and reinvention and times for exploring and preparing for the next chapter. Exploring the characteristics of these cycles and learning to understand how to deal with them will help us better adjust and make new discoveries for confronting change in a positive and healthy manner. Presenter: Schuster, John P

Embracing Change (Web Conference)

Peter A. Land discusses how the winds of change have been with us since the beginning of time, but never have changes been so rapid, far-reaching, and impactful as today. Tomorrow they will be even more so. One of the greatest challenges for companies today is to create a culture of not only accepting change but embracing it with confidence and courage. Doing so will require everyone mastering discreet change management skills, which will ensure survival of the enterprise. Presenter: Land, Pete

Employee Observation - CenterPoint

C-Safe Safety Observation. Safety Best Practices. Presenter: Employee Observation

Engaging and Retaining Talent Through Career Development (Web Conference)

The energy industry’s future prosperity depends on management’s capacity to create a development culture – one that engages and retains talent; one that promotes individual abilities over individual advancement; career resiliency over company reliance; and career empowerment over job entitlement. Organizations can maximize the contributions of all employees by providing them with skills, pathways for growth and learning, and the resources to increase their opportunities within the organization. This overview will be directed at laying the foundation for the career development conversation. Presenter: Kaye, Beverly

Getting to Results

A high percentage of people report that they have trouble dealing with their bosses, and few know what to do to better understand that individual and to improve the relationship. Learn where to go for advice and help and how to look at the boss from a different perspective and to play to his/her good points. Presenter: Loflin, Jones

Getting Your Employees Engaged

In an era of tight staffing, how can we get the best out of our employees, while making them feel valued? Dr. Beverly Kaye, Founder and CEO, Career Systems International, will address why developing, motivating, and retaining employees is critical for success. She will provide strategies and tools you can utilize to engage and retain your best and brightest employees within your organizations. Presenter: Kaye, Beverly

Handling Difficult Conversations Series

Difficult conversations are often uncomfortable, scary, & stressful. That’s why many of us put them off. But, in the work environment, we can’t ignore tough situations or take a detour around the complaints or problems. What we can do is manage these kinds of conversations for the best possible outcome. With the use of video scenarios, the team at Harmony Crew will introduce a unique new way to handle difficult conversations through effective communications created, with positive and open intentions, thoughts, and language. Video 1 – Introduction Video 2 – Difficult Conversations with Customers Video 3 – Difficult Conversations between Managers and Employees Video 4 – Difficult Conversations between Peers and Teammates Topics to be addressed: The science behind successful communication How the social brain works (remember the acronym SCARF) 2 types of difficult conversations - Planned and Spontaneous Understanding self and situational awareness 4-step structure for handling difficult conversations (Listen, Evoke, Clarify, Resolve) Tips & tricks for handling difficult conversations Presenters: Jenny Young, Beth Young and Kathy Cox

Hiring for Attitude

Attitude accounts for 89% of hiring failures. So how do you assess candidates’ attitude; including their coachability, emotional intelligence, motivation and temperament? Based on the bestselling book featured in Forbes, Fast Company & CNBC, Hiring for Attitude will show you the cutting-edge hiring practices that reveal if candidates have the right attitude to fit your culture. Author, Mark Murphy, discusses how to effectively hire the right people for the right job.

How to Avoid a Lawsuit: Changing Behavior that Destroys Productivity (Web Conf)

Every workplace has employees who break the rules, perform poorly or cause disruption. But you can reduce the stress and frustration caused by these difficult employees. Presenter: Mirarchi, Michael J

How to Build a COMPETENT  Team Through Feedback

How can we more effectively manage a mobile, remote or virtual workforce?    *This is the 3rd video of a 3 video series on Managing Remote Teams   Join Cherokee Ballard, from ONEOK, as she learns from Michael Hoffman, www.IgnitingPerformance.com how we can How to Build a COMPETENT Team Through Feedback   Topics discussed: How do we get our team to be more effective?? Reinforcing feedback models? Be specific & know the impact     Follow-up this program and Watch the other 2 video shorts in this series Become the Master of the Tornado! Build a CONFIDENT Remote Team? Presenter: Hoffman, Michael

How to Build a CONFIDENT Remote Team

How can we more effectively manage a mobile, remote or virtual workforce?    *This is the 2nd video of a 3 video series on Managing Remote Teams   Join Cherokee Ballard, from ONEOK, as she learns from Michael Hoffman, www.IgnitingPerformance.com how we can Build a CONFIDENT Remote Team?   Topics discussed:   Difference between confidence & competence How can we instill confidence? Thank you & appreciation?   Follow-up this program and Watch the other 2 video shorts in this series   How to Build a COMPETENT Team Through Feedback Become the Master of the Tornado! Presenter: Hoffman, Michael

Influencing without Authority

Today’s work environment often requires us to accomplish our objectives by working through others. When we have no authority over them, influencing skills become crucial. In this program, Valerie will share tips on how to influence and delegate when you are in the position of authority and when you’re are not. Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

Leadership 2020: Part 1

Leadership 2020: Part 2

Leadership and Innovation

Presenter: Industry Experts

Leadership Basics: Critical Skills for New Managers

Managers are faced with the task of building teams, developing and coaching employees, rewarding performance, as well as communicating, prioritizing and delegating work. As new managers transition into their new role, they are faced with developing new skills and managing people and processes. To be successfully in this new role, it is imperative that a new manager focus on issues such as; Developing and managing their transition plan with a built-in feedback loop that includes input from their manager, peers and new team; Setting clear expectations for their team with checkpoints for follow up and Engaging and cultivating a resource network . Presenter: Damrow, Bruce

Leading Effective Meetings

Learn when to have a meeting; who to include; how to define purpose, establish process and rules, and gain agreement to process and rules; effective use of technologies; and to understand outcomes. Presenter: Hamilton, Susan

Leading the Next Generation of Workers

The new emerging workforce will lead significant change in the workplace. The job market in most industrialized nations is begging for workers, and Generation X and Y employees have opportunities never seen before. Hear how you can thrive in the new marketplace. Cam Marston will review the material from the successful CTN Program in 2005 “Managing and Motivating the New Generation of Employees” and give us some actions needed to "Motivate the New Generation of Workers: The Next Step" Presenter: Marston, Cam

Leading through Influence & Politics

Leading peers, employees, even bosses depends more on influence than on authority. To be effective, leaders need strong influence and political skills. People tend to react negatively to orders even if they agree with such directions. Most working individuals have a suspicious view of office politics and such activities have been blamed for most of the “bad” things that have happened to people at work. Negative characterizations of organizational politics are unfortunate and counter-productive. Effective political tactics can be effective influence techniques. In this session, we will discuss the misperceptions surrounding office politics and the techniques that will enhance your ability to influence the hearts and minds of others. Presenter: Eastman, Ken

Listen Up Leader!

Based on the leadership book by Ken Carnes, “Listen Up Leader!” this program will provide powerful insights into what employees want and need from their managers, supervisors and team leaders. It pinpoints the behaviors and attitudes necessary to be the kind of leader that they will follow to new levels of performance. When leaders take the time to understand what motivates and inspires their employees and what their expectations are for their leaders, and how to develop the interpersonal relationships with them, then they can be the kind of leader that employees are willing to follow. Presenter: Carnes, Ken

Management vs. Leadership

Managers tend to be analytical, structured, controlled and deliberate; leaders are experimental, visionary, flexible, and creative. It is important for anyone who manages others to understand the importance of using management skills, while developing their leadership capabilities. Leaders learn to apply influence, pursue unity, develop others, empower and inspire and find that wielding authority and applying control becomes less necessary as they grow their leadership capabilities. Provides meaningful tips that will help managers grow leadership capabilities. Presenter: Arnelle, Adcock

Managing a Virtual Team

Your face to face kickoff meeting has just been deemed nonessential travel by the powers that be. The project, however, is just as essential as ever. The team members are scattered in offices all over the country. They’ve never met, seen, or heard each other, but they need to work as a unit. Getting them all together is your challenge. Even managers who excel at teambuilding in a live environment can find themselves frustrated when faced with a virtual team; yet fostering a strong team dynamic among people who never meet face to face is fast becoming a necessary skill. Learn five essential best practices will help you do it. Presenter: Barrett, Kayla

Managing and Motivating The New Generation

Good talent is hard to find. And even harder to keep. With company loyalty increasingly considered a comedic punch line rather than a standard employee trait, knowing how to identify, attract, manage, and retain the very best talent may seem impossible. Generational DNA plays a huge role in the changing workforce dynamic. Understanding it unlocks the secret to selecting the right candidates, managing, motivating, and encouraging employee loyalty – all essential to business survival. Presenter: Marston, Cam

Managing and Supporting Change

Grubb, Mike : 39 minutes May 01,2014 Mike Grubb, President & CEO, Southern Gas Association moderated a panel including Caron Lawhorn, Senior Vice President, ONEGas, Steve Lindsey, COO, Laclede Gas Company and Bruce Narzissenfeld, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Service, Business Development and Fuels Operations, TECO from the SGA Managment Conference in Orlando, Florida. Learn perspectives from these industry leaders on managing & supporting change in today's natural gas operating environment. Topics discussed include:What is change management & how does your company prepares for, deal with, and responds to change?What change initiatives have you lead or are you currently leading?What do you expect from employees during change?How can employees be seen as early adapters?What is the leader’s role during change?Is it important to answer the ‘why’ question during change initiatives?Have any personal experiences aided you in the change adaptation process?

Managing During Economic Downturns (Web Conference)

Managing the company’s workforce and talent during economic downturn will be critical to a company’s survival and vitality. With scarce resources and an existing aging workforce that is not physically and mentally engaged (employees not retiring but are aging out), what creative strategies and tactics must be developed and nurtured to ensure that there is knowledge transfer. Presenters: Thoren, Jeff; Starbuck-Stamp, Sally

Managing Remote Teams: Become a Master of the Tornado

How can we more effectively manage a mobile, remote or virtual workforce?     *This is the 1st video of a 3 video series on Managing Remote Teams   Join Cherokee Ballard, from ONEOK, as she learns from Michael Hoffman, www.IgnitingPerformance.com how we can Become the Master of the Tornado!   Topics discussed:   Understand tactical communication skills Be aware, take ownership, it’s not genetic!    Follow-up this program and Watch the other 2 video shorts in this series   How to Build a CONFIDENT Remote Team How to Build a COMPETENT Team Through Feedback  Presenter: Hoffman, Michael

Managing-Engineering in Difficult Economic Times

SGA Operations Conference Presenter: Rieske, Jim

Mastering the Tornado of Change!

Everyone’s job description can be summed up in a word…Tornadic! Change is constant – from mergers & acquisitions, to learning new technologies, to adapting to new industry regulations.  The tornado impacts your attitudes and the quality of your communication when it’s most critical. When the tornado rises that’s when you need to be a Master of the situation. Learning how the tornado of business and life impacts our communication and the skill sets necessary to be an agent of influence can be a game changer in equipping and igniting your people to be the catalysts of progress. What can you do to stay flexible and adaptable in a changing workplace?   *This is the first video of a 3 video series on Flexibility & Adaptability. Join Cherokee Ballard, from ONEOK, as she learns from Michael Hoffman, www.ignitingPerformance.com how we can Topics Discussed! Understand what role you own Define Flexibility and adaptability skill sets Know the steps you can take to be a force of something positive Follow-up this program and Watch the other 2 video shorts in this series Tactical Communication Skills: Your Face is SCREAMING! Victim of Change or Champion of Opportunity Presenter: Hoffman, Michael

Mature Workers - Don't Let Them Get Away!

What is the answer to the challenge of the impending baby boomer exodus from the workplace? Jerry Haney, the highly acclaimed author of Making Culture Pay—Solving the puzzle of organizational effectiveness has developed a unique message concerning the value of maximizing the potential of the mature workers in your organization. He has spent over thirty years actually developing and using his unique model for understanding, building and rebuilding high performance organizations. Presenter: Haney, Jerry

Relationship Building

Retaining, Motivating & Developing Gen Y

Presenter: Dorsey, Jason

Setting the Standard: Employees Are Watching

Is “walking the talk” a tired old cliché or a bold new concept? According to a Gallup poll, 25% of U.S. employees would fire their bosses if they could. Why? Because many managers set high service standards for their employees, yet fail to abide by those same standards. If you are a manager, you are in an excellent position to lead by example. Your employees will only respect your authority if they observe your excellent “customer service skills” on a daily basis. Customer loyalty must be a top-down initiative. Learn how you can earn greater respect and increase employee loyalty. Presenter: Swindling, Linda

Time Management & Leadership

Delegating, managing your time and time in general, make sure you have time for your employees, when in leadership are you doing what is most valuable. When to do and when to delegate? Make time for employees. Today’s leaders have a difficult balance because not only leading but doing. Tools to monitor yourself and employees - work/life balance. Presenter: Thomas, Greg

Unconscious Bias (Inclusion & Diversity)

Understanding Nonverbal Communications

Jan Hargrave presented live at the SGA Sales and Marketing Seminar at the SGA Spring Gas Conference & Expo in March 2015.  This video will help you learn the importance of nonverbal communication. Topics discussed include: •       Learn how to tell if someone is lying to you. •       Recognize the hidden power of your handshake. •       Learn to develop articulate/positive body language during presentations. •       Turn a job interview into a job by recognizing positive body language signals. •       Identify power plays for successful self-selling. Jan Hargrave, Jan Hargrave & Associates March 25, 2015

What Do Employees Expect From Leaders

Ever wonder what your employees think about you, what they really expect from you? Would they be willing to do more for you if you gave them what they really needed? Get ready for some straight talk about what really counts. Presenter: Crossland, Ron

Building a Culture of Employee Engagement

Bob presented many strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. “From the start, it is important to understand that there is no silver bullet to achieve high levels of employee engagement," he wrote. "Instead, what’s needed is a silver buckshot — an integrated series of actions, specific to each government jurisdiction or agency, to measure and then improve engagement.” In this one-hour LIVE webinar, HR expert Bob Lavigna will help you understand empirically-proven approaches to improve employee engagement.

Building a Reputation for Success

Reputations play a significant role in developing a successful career. They tend to develop quickly, and the further removed people are from an individual, the more their perceptions are based on hearsay. Reputations can enhance or damage a career. This program will provide information on how reputations are formed, actions to help individuals build their desired reputations and a process for getting feedback. Presenter: Taylor, John C.

Building an Environment of Trust

Building an environment of trust is the absolute foundation of leadership. Without it no organization will ever achieve its greatest potential. Leaders and potential leaders will learn how trust impacts employees, culture, and customers. Making tough decisions, being discreet, honest, fair and consistent are the basic building blocks for building and sustaining trust. Discover ways to assure you are creating a culture of trust. Presenter: Frank C. Bucaro

Building Strategic Relationships

Building strategic relationships is achieved by making time to see, listen and learn from those around us. It's about taking what they have to offer and applying it toward our mission success. However, professional relationships are never just one sided, and should be looked at with an attitude of what we can do for each other as we move forward to achieve successful results in our work. This web conference will discuss tips and techniques for fostering relationships. Presenter: Fisher, Donna

Building Trust

Trust is the result of a combination of behaviors that are critical to success in every working relationship - regardless of your role the he organization. Join our webinar with Harmony Crew, a strategic engagement firm, to learn how to earn and maintain trust with others. In this informative session, partners Beth Young and Kathy Cox will share how to: • Identify key behaviors of trustworthy people• Develop trust in new and existing workplace relationships• Protect and sustain a trusting environment in times of rapid change• Apply key neuroscience findings to avoid eroding trust

Crucial Confrontations - The Next Step in Safety

Presenter: Allen, Mike

Crucial Conversations

Candace Bertotti discusses crucial conversations. Presenter: Bertotti, Candace

Diversity & Inclusiveness

Diversity extends beyond the original definitions from years ago and instead has evolved to a philosophy that focuses on valuing diversity far beyond culture. Diversity is about demographics, profitability, and values. In this interactive web conference you will discover how to improve your diversity programs with open communication, employee involvement, and awareness. Presenter: Hill, Hattie

Do it Well, Make it Fun

Presenter: Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP, CPAE, Author, Speaker, Humorist Description: If you've ever had a boss who was really good at what he or she did but was also fun to be around, you didn't mind arriving early or working late. In fact, you probably loved your job. That's the power of Do it Well, Make it Fun. It's about seeking excellence but making the process of life and work more fun. Based on Ron Culberson's book by the same name, this presentation shows people how to create a less stressful work environment where people want to work. It also helps them understand that excellence combined with fun and humor can improve productivity, create better working relationships, enhance creativity, change the workplace culture, and lead to the delivery of better products and services. Recorded live at the Environmental, Safety & Health, and Training Conference in Louisville, June

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the key to successful job performance. It’s a set of eighteen different competencies that distinguish people who are effective performers at work from those folks who are truly outstanding. This session will boost you on your way to achieving star performance through self-awareness, managing your emotions, understanding the emotions of others, and managing their emotions. The first step is to understand what EI is, learning how companies are using it, and seeing the concept of EI come alive. Presenter: Nelson, Debra

Facilitation Skills

Whether it's a meeting (big or small), round table discussion,  or a training session, someone has to shape and guide the process of working together so that you meet your goals and accomplish what you've set out to do. While a group of people might set the agenda and figure out the goals, one person needs to concentrate on how you are going to move through your agenda and meet those goals effectively. This is the person we call the "facilitator." In this 3 part video program, Frank Starkey, a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, will demonstrate how to develop excellent facilitation skills so that you can help people collaborate, innovate, and work productively together. Part 1 - Facilitate For Effective Collaboration Challenges you may face Types of participants to expect Part 2 - Communicate With Clarity Overcoming loss of productivity How can ‘LIONS’ help you communicate with clarity? Part 3 - Introducing a Speaker Using TIQS key points Formal and Informal Introductions Presenter: Starkey, Frank

How to Develop a Leadership Program Video Series

Curriculum Planning and Design: A Key to Impactful Supervisor Development Programs.  Learn best practices and common topics when designing a leadership development program as part of your strategic plan. Presenter: Amy Franco Presentation Date: March 10, 2015

How to Facilitate an Effective Meeting 2014

How to Plan and Facilitate an Effective Meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2014 9:30 am Mike Grubb, President & CEO, Southern Gas Association 35 minutes Learn best practices in facilitating an effective meeting. Participants will learn:• Effective meeting openings• How to introduce speakers• Best practices for engaging attendees in your meeting  

How to Plan and Facilitate an Effective Meeting

9:30 – 10:30 AM CT Meetings are necessary in any industry.  At SGA our volunteers plan and facilitate meetings that create an environment for peer-to-peer discussions. These discussions lead to best practices and lessons learned in the natural gas industry. Presenter: Grubb, Mike

Increasing Your Leadership Power: Servant Leadership

Have you ever had a negative day as a leader? How did you feel at the end of it? Tired, drained... Now, have you ever had a positive day as a leader? How did you feel at the end of it? Energized. What if you could create every day to be a great day for yourself? What would that do to your abilities and successes as a leader? In this program, well-known author and top rated speaker, Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz, will show you how to make every day that way through actual tools and techniques that will increase your energy level resulting in more effective leadership capabilities. Learn how to achieve unlimited leadership growth by unleashing the power of your mind! Presenter: Teplitz, Jerry

Interpersonal Communications & Interacting Skills

How we interact and communicate determines how well we can work with others and, oftentimes, how we progress within an organization. Learn about communication styles and how your own style affects how you perceive and are perceived by others. Learn how to read other styles of communication and how best to work with each style. Presenter: Swindling, Linda

Human Relations: Interviewing & Hiring Secrets

Hiring can be the most expensive operations cost in your company. Do you know how to attract, interview and ultimately hire and train the right people for the right job? Once you’ve hired and trained them do you know how to avoid an even more expensive lawsuit? This month we’ll feature several programs to help those in your organization that must hire, develop and retain employees to thrive in this challenging marketplace. Presenter: Rawles, David

Personal Leadership

This broadcast alters how people view their individual responsibility and elevates every participant to higher levels of leadership. Participants will learn how to take their performance to the next level and overcome inhibitions; the 3 laws of leadership and how they affect every area of life; what truly motivates people; skills that improve team communication; and the intangible quality that enables individuals to reach new levels of performance. Presenter: Dodge, Bryan

Personality Styles & Conflict Resolution

A great idea is rarely good enough. Sound, well-structured logic regularly loses out to mediocre ideas from people who really know how to influence. This enlightening, research-based session delves into the human condition, revealing that the true key to influence is not intelligence or logic but an understanding of what people really value. Through a collaborative toolkit, this program delivers the tips and strategies you need to make people see the value of your ideas so you're well positioned to gain agreement. Presenter: Lloyd Arnsmeyer 60 minutes December 09,2010  

Proactive Problem Solving & Constructive Conflict Communications

 November 17, 2015 The one-hour introduction to problem solving and conflict communications will build greater awareness of barriers to effective communication. You will learn approaches that increase understanding in the workplace and with customers, which can lead to do-able and durable problem solutions. After taking the training, participants will:•Understand the nature of conflict: impact, benefits and challenges.•Choose strategically how to respond to individuals in conflictual situations.•Increase capacity for collaboration and relationship building.•Mange emotions – yours and others.

Problem Solving/Decision Making: The Art of Creative Thinking

Problem solving and decision making requires a great deal of flexibility. There is no specific path to take to solve various and unique problems or to make informed decisions. Defining the problem or decision to be made is generally the first step that is followed by gathering information, exploring alternatives, implementing the solution or decision, and then being able to adapt and adjust as necessary. Guidelines for thinking creatively, understanding the process and living with the decision and continuing to move through new issues that may arise will be discussed. Presenter: Erickson, Kip

Process for Soliciting, Giving & Using Feedback

Mina Brown, founder and president of Positive Coach (www.positivecoach.com) presented an excellent program on how to give and use feedback. For many of us feedback is an unnatural process because our culture has taught us some rather ineffective ways to give, receive and then use feedback. This web conference offers guidelines to make feedback a more valuable tool in your organization. Presenter: Brown, Mina

Professional Presence - Boss Relationship

A high percentage of people report that they have trouble dealing with their bosses, and few know what to do to better understand that individual and to improve the relationship. Learn where to go for advice and help and how to look at the boss from a different perspective and to play to his/her good points. Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

Professional Presence - Comfort Around Higher Management

To be effective contributors it is important that we know how to gain the confidence and sharpen our skills to develop relationships with management. Discover a few tips that will help you relax and interact effectively with higher level executives and customers. Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

Professional Presence - Meetings

Valerie Sokolowsky suggests a few simple rules a professionals can follow to present themselves in a way that stands out and exhibits strength when in meetings.  Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

Professional Presence - Social

We present ourselves a certain way at work, but sometimes need some help with presenting our best selves in social situations. Viewers will learn how to prepare for social situations in a way that will make them stand out as true professionals. Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

Professional Presence - Visual

How we show up includes what we wear but also has a lot to do with our attitudes, energy and body language. Valerie Sokolowsky provides great tips for presenting our best selves while avoiding derailing habits. Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

A Military Perspective on Leadership, Mentorship, and Development

A Military Perspective on Leadership, Mentorship, and Development Wendy J. Moreno, Maj, USAF, MSC, FACHE, AFIA Medical Inspector, was a KEYNOTE speaker at the 2015 SGA Marketing, Customer Experience, & Communications Conference in San Antonio, TX In her keynote address at the SGA Marketing, Customer Experience, & Communications Conference in San Antonio, TX, Major Wendy J. Moreno discusses the employee development programs utilized by the United States Air Force. She offers a military perspective on the importance of mentorship and strong leadership skills. **Because of the sensitive nature of this topic, the presenter has requested that this be a private program.  It will only be accessible for viewing to SGA Network members through the campus.southerngas.org.   You will not be able to download or embed this program into your companies LMS. 

Continuous Process Improvement

Road to Perfection: Effective CPI training and CPI tools for advocates and team leaders. Presenter: Industry Experts

Industry Overview: Environmental and Safety Issues

This course is intended for all audiences and introduces the student to the ratemaking process natural gas companies follow to set rates charged to customers. Topics covered include regulatory agencies, cost of compliance/non-compliance, land, air & water issues and environmental myths and realities. As a result of taking this course, the student should learn the following. Gas industry environmental record Key environmental and safety regulations when constructing and operating facilities Consequences of failing to comply with regulations

Introduction to the Natural Gas Industry Certificate Program

Leadership 2020: Part 3

Career Development Resources for Employees & Supervisors

Don’t we all want an opportunity to work with our supervisor to understand how we can best contribute to our organization and the industry? Are you looking for something to help you and your supervisor walk through that? Already have a process – but want to look at other resources and strengthen your existing program? The resources made available here will help you with all of these questions!

Recruiting - The Rules Have Changed

There are new considerations for how companies recruit in the marketplace today. Our industry is facing a mass exodus of Boomers over the next five years; how do we begin now to prepare for it? The things that brought employees in ten years ago may not entice new employees to join the natural gas industry. How does a company market to Gen X’ers and Millennials? Are there creative ways to re-use the Boomers to keep them contributing their knowledge and experience? Presenter: Rothberg, Steven

The Leader’s Role in Driving Culture

Leaders have potential to make a significant impact on their organization’s work culture. It’s important for leaders to understand the qualities that they would like to see in their organizational culture in order to begin utilizing strategies to drive that ideal culture. Featuring questions such as “Are you representing the culture you want to have?” this brief webinar covers how leaders can drive culture that aligns with the organization’s core messaging.

Leader’s Guide to Managing Conflict

Situations of conflict are an everyday occurrence in most companies. How leaders respond to these situations will determine whether and how they get resolved. Creating positive outcomes from points of conflict is the mark of a true leader. This program will explore when and how to mediate, the leader’s responsibility, crucial conversations and managing emotions during conflict and how to monitor positive outcomes. Presenter: Coy, Frank

Industry Overview: Local Distribution Company Operations

This course is intended for all audiences and introduces the student to the local distribution company and its different functions. Topics covered include Industry role, the physical system, operations and maintenance. As a result of taking this course, the student should learn the following. How local distribution systems are designed and constructed How local distribution systems are operated in a safe and reliable manner The role of individual departments in providing service to customers

Recognize & React to AOC's

8/18/201:00 - 4:00 pm (central time)Provides ways to prevent accidental ignition on the job and reviews conditions, causes and possible hazards related to gas leakage, prevention of electrical arcing, ignition when welding and more. 

Emergency Response and Incident Investigation

8/19/20208:00 am - 11:00 pm (central time)Covers key concepts related to effective response to pipeline emergencies. Topics include an overview of the Incident Command System, effective scene size-up, tactical decision making and case studies of actual pipeline incidents as well as recommendations for coordination with public sector responders.

Gas Laws

8/24/20208:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Time Science interprets nature in terms of matter and energy. Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. This course covers the theory behind the Gas Measurement Law, which is the basis for how we as an industry correct for the effects pressure, temperature and supercompressibility on measurement to ensure accuracy.

Frontline Supervisor Training - Part I and Part II

8/19/20208:00 am - 12:15 pm (central time)15 minutes break: 10:00 -10:15 amProvides instruction and learning on essential core management fundamentals for managers and supervisors. From setting clear objectives, to monitoring performance, to motivating your team including situational leadership and more. Practice key management concepts and what was learned in a role play activity. This is a two-part session.

Beginner CP Corrosion

8/19/20201:00 - 4:00pm (central time)Discusses common types of external corrosion typically found on buried pipelines, ways to mitigate the corrosion, and methods to monitor the systems to validate whether external corrosion is active or not. The class is intended to build awareness of the corrosion types and common tools used in the industry; it is not a training class for any given tool.

Trench and Excavation Competent Person

8/19/20201:00 - 4:00 pm (central time)Designed to familiarize the participant with OSHA Regulation 1926. Topics include job planning, locating underground utilities, soil classification, testing for hazardous atmosphere, proper sloping, shielding, and equipment inspections and recognizing any potential hazards.

Meter Instrumentation & New Technology

8/25/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)This course is designed to teach the basics of electronic correctors and pressure recorders for all experience and expertise levels.  Best practices for troubleshooting will be combined with learning and understanding new technologies entering this sector of the marketplace. With natural gas systems of all sizes using instrumentation to accurately measure and record data, this course will provide additional information and useful insight for all attendees. For the more advanced attendees, this presentation will take you through the best practices that should be followed to safely deploy cellular based devices out in the field and through some of the latest trends that mobile technologies enable and how they can be applied to the gas industries.  Attendees will learn how to troubleshoot a corrector, what the latest cellular technologies bring to the gas distribution market and how to take advantage of the latest cellular radio technologies. 

Inspecting the Installation of Pipelines

8/24/202010:15 AM - 12:15 PM Central TimeThe tasks that are associated with being a Pipeline Inspector are vast and crucial. Learn proper installation procedures, best practices for safety and material handling as well as environmental concerns, documentation, and priority management skills. 

Hydraulic System Modeling (Session 1)

8/25/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)

PHMSA Gas Transmission Rule

8/25/20201:30 pm - 3:30 pm (central time)PHMSA "Mega Rule" o PHSMA published Phase I of the “Gas Mega Rule” on October 1, 2019 which includes new requirements for MAOP reconfirmation, the expansion of assessment requirements beyond HCSs and other items related to safety, risk and records.  Since these rules are mandated safety requirements, the session will discuss how pipeline operators are implementing new practices and expanding integrity management principals beyond HCSs.  The session will include the new requirements for MAOP, TVC and MCAs as well as a process to define objectives and create a plan.PHMSA Compliance Deadlines: An operator must develop and document procedures for completing the MAOP Reconfirmation requirements by July 1, 2021; complete all required actions on at least 50% of pipeline mileage by July 3, 2028; and complete all required actions on 100% of pipeline mileage by July 2, 2035, or no longer than 4 years after the operating condition of a pipeline segment changes subjecting the segment to the requirement to reconfirm MAOP, whichever is later.

Fundamentals of Rotary Meters

8/24/20201:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central TimeThe Fundamentals of Rotary Meters session will cover the basic operation and functionality of positive displacement Rotary meters.  We will also discuss the application, installation, and maintenance of rotary meters.  As time allows, a virtual hands-on teardown/rebuild of a rotary meter will be provided.  Attendees will understand the fundamentals of rotary meter measurement, review rotary meter designs, discuss factors that affect measurement/accuracy, review station design considerations and better understand ANSI B109.3 Standards.

Fundamentals of Ultrasonic Meters

8/25/20201:30 pm - 3:30 pm (central time)This session will discuss the operating principals of Ultrasonic Meter Measurement and designs (including the AGA 9 Standard).  Station designs and how that impacts measurement accuracy will be covered in detail.  A (virtual) hands-on demonstration will also be provided.  Attendees will understand the fundamentals of ultrasonic meter measurement, review ultrasonic meter designs, discuss factors that affect measurement/accuracy, review station design considerations and better understand AGA 9 Standards.

Safety – Driving, Ergonomics & Lone Worker

8/26/20200800 am - 1000 am (central time)This session will address health and safety best practices, lessons learned and operational experience. Focusing on driving safety, ergonomics and protecting the lone worker, this session provides several opportunities for participants to share best practices and learn from peers.

Inline Inspection and Piggability of Pipelines

8/26/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)Addresses determining piggability and discussion around records research and field verification to ensure pigs will pass through a pipeline.  This session covers considerations when setting Above Ground Markers (AGM’s), cleaning process and considerations to make when cleaning in-service pipelines and waste disposal, tracking cleaning tools, caliper and MFL tools and finding inspection tools in the event they become stationary, methods and processes for running inspection tools and considerations to make when running inspection tools on live lines with multiple feeds/taps. 

Project Management for Engineers

8/26/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)Provides a tour of three techniques of project management and a review of six central themes that can be applied regardless of methodology or technique chosen to manage the solution. 

Future of the Industry

8/26/20201:00 pm - 4:00 pm (central time)Looking at the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy, this roundtable discusses natural gas opportunities and impacts on key stakeholders, including energy consumers, infrastructure investors, and policy makers.  Learn about how natural gas and natural gas infrastructure will be needed and utilized in a lower-carbon economy as well as current and future technologies supporting automation and digitalization. 

Advanced CP Corrosion

8/26/20201:00 pm - 4:00 pm (central time)Highlights the innovative ways gas utilities are utilizing GIS to capture data, meet regulatory requirements, analyze and model their systems, and conduct daily operations more efficiently. 

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Refresher

8/25/20208:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Time The main role of SCADA system is to provide important measurement/control information timely, accurately and reliable. This course clarifies the definition of “SCADA”, as many interpretations exist today. Discussion will include relationships and differences between PLC, RTU, HMI, and MMI; block diagrams of typical SCADA solutions; typical remote monitoring/control; communication schemes and protocols; standards; supervisory computer platforms and features; enabling technologies; and, the future.

Fundamentals of Turbine Meters

8/25/20208:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Time This session will focus on the basic theory, operating principles, performance characteristics and installation requirements (AGA7, ISO9951) used in turbine meter applications.  The second half of the presentation will cover the construction and design features of turbine meters.  Attendees will understand the fundamentals of turbine meter measurement, review turbine meter designs, discuss factors that affect measurement/accuracy, review station design considerations and better understand AGA 7 Standards.

Natural Disasters: Are you Prepared?

8/31/20201:30 PM - 3:30 PMStructured with short presentations on various company approaches to natural disasters with the opportunity for the audience to ask questions of each speaker. This course will review processes, best practices and lessons learned from their response efforts when disaster affected normal operations in their service territories. 

Hydraulic System Modeling (Session 2)

9/1/20201:30 PM - 3:30 PMProvides an opportunity to network with peers in the industry on system planning and design philosophies. Participants will discuss system modeling best practices for planning/emergency scenarios and will gain valuable knowledge about building, verifying, and maintaining a more accurate hydraulic system model. This is a 2-part session.

Best Practices and Lessons Learned During a Hurricane Discussion

9/1/2020 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (central time)

Regulator & Relief Selection and Sizing

9/2/20208:00 AM CT - 10:00 AM CT

HDD: Trenchless Crossings Navigating Today’s Regulations and Agency Expectations

8/17/202010:15 AM - 12:15 PMThis session focuses on planning, risk identification and mitigation, and construction (including actions in the field during construction that can mitigate risk).  

Leading a MultiGenerational Workforce

9/1/2020 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (central time)An informative and practical workshop to build the leader’s ability to lead across generations. With a focus on self-awareness of our own generational mindset and any possible unconscious bias, leaders will learn how to leverage employee strengths across generational lines and how to foster knowledge sharing, information transfer and develop talent.

GAS 101 - Part 1

8/17/202010:15 AM - 12:15 PM Central Time High-level overview of a utility’s natural gas distribution system; a basic understanding of how the system is constructed, maintained and operated. 

Essentials of Virtual Facilitation and Engagement

9/2/20208:00 AM CT - 10:00 AM CTIn any role in our industry, it is imperative that you must be able to engage with an audience, clearly communicate and get your point across. This training session will offer you an opportunity to share and practice the skills required for engaging facilitation regardless of your level of expertise.

Erosion and Sediment Control

8/17/20201:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central Time Overview of construction stormwater management directly related to erosion and sediment control.  A broad range of topics and case studies will be covered with a detailed focus on protecting Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and the importance of identifying environmental risks early. 

GAS 101 - Part 2

8/17/20201:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central TimeHigh-level overview of a utility’s natural gas distribution system; a basic understanding of how the system is constructed, maintained and operated. 

DOT 192 Frontline

8/31/20208:00 am - 10:00 am (central time)Brief overview of 191 reporting and 192 Subparts A, H and N with a more detailed overview of 192 Subparts L & M.  This session is designed to give front line employees a basic understanding of the DOT guidelines for natural gas pipelines. 

Station Design Best Practices at Spring Gas

8/31/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)

2020 PHMSA UGS Final Rule Update

9/2/202010:00 am CT - 11:15 am CTThis session will provide an insight into the recently issued "Final Rule" for Reservoir and Salt Cavern storage operators by PHMSA. Highlights on what changed from the "Interim Final Rule" to "Final Rule" will be presented and discussed during this session. PHMSA presentation is expected to provide clarity to operators on what to expect during an audit based on the final rule.

Inside Leak Investigation

8/18/202010:15 am - 12:15 pm (central time)Inside Leak InvestigationLearn key concepts related to inside leak investigation and appliance basics from the perspective of the field service technician. Topics include general leak investigation procedures inside the customer’s home or business to ensure personal and public safety as a priority. Various aspects of locating/pin-pointing gas leaks will be reviewed with an emphasis on inside leaks. The session will walk participants through general processes and procedures from start to finish and provide minor natural gas appliance repair and functionality. 

Critical Path Permitting: Local, State, and Federal Best Practices

8/18/20208:00 AM CT - 10:00 AM CTJoin Pond's Engineering and Environmental permitting experts as they highlight the many critical path local, state and federal permits required for natural gas projects and how to navigate the complexities of each so that projects stay on schedule and within budget. The team will present case studies to discuss US Army Corps of Engineers, state and local requirements and lessons learned for efficiency and risk reduction. Attendees will gain understanding of typical permits required and schedule implications for each, as well as an understanding of recent changes to USACE Nationwide Permit 12. Best practices for permitting efficiency and risk reduction will also be discussed.

Pandemic Planning Control Room Discussion

8/18/202010:15 AM CT - 12:15 PM CTDiscuss the effect of the Pandemic Control Room environment. Discussion what has been implemented for your Control Room, including what has worked, what hasn't and adjustments made. What Pros and Cons or working from home have you encountered? Discuss a list of Best Practices and Lessons Learned.

Words Matter: Using Inclusive Language in Your Workplace

In this session, you will hear from industry professionals on the topic of unconscious bias and inclusive language in the workplace. Attendees will be able to participate in live Q&A during this engaging and enlightening two-hour webinar, brought to you by SGA’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee. Beyond professional development, this session offers an opportunity to stay at the forefront of the natural gas industry.

Natural Allies – Changing the Conversation on Natural Gas

Learn about Natural Allies, a national coalition that works to engage and inform policymakers and the public about the critical role natural gas plays in a clean energy future.   Campaign Mission Statement: Develop a new narrative in the public consciousness and fundamentally change the conversation related to natural gas. The challenges facing the natural gas industry are rooted in misperceptions, misinformation, and mistrust about the social and environmental impact of natural gas infrastructure. Although we begin at a deficit, we absolutely can and must fundamentally change the nature of the conversation with a robust, long-term multi-channel public affairs campaign to tell our story.   Natural Allies, a 501(c)(4) organization funded by leading natural gas companies and advocates, will develop a new narrative in the public consciousness and fundamentally change the conversation related to natural gas by: • Informing and educating the public and policymakers about the societal, technical, environmental, and health benefits of natural gas; • Supporting natural gas as a reliable, affordable, safe resource that promotes the welfare and quality of life of the American public; and • Conducting research and publicizing the positions of elected officials concerning these issues and encouraging current and future natural gas use.   Starting in late summer 2020, Natural Allies will launch a highly targeted public affairs and media campaign designed to positively impact the narrative of the natural gas industry, first as it relates to the 2020 election and then expanding in scope to address the array of threats the industry faces.

Piping Design Practices for Reciprocating and Centrifugal Pumps

10/13/202010:45 AM - 12:15 PM Central TimeDesigners of pump packages and the associated piping system are generally familiar with centrifugal pump best practices that ensure a safe and reliable installation. Reciprocating pump installations, however, require special design considerations beyond those typically included in a centrifugal pump installation design. An incomplete design basis for reciprocating pump installations can lead to costly remedial actions after commissioning, significant downtime or more serious problems which, if undetected, can lead to failures of pump components, requiring a major redesign of the pump installation.

Recip Diagnostics 101 – How to Read the Squiggly Lines

10/13/20201:00 - 2:30 PM Central TimeAn ever increasing number of reciprocating compressors are being fitted with monitoring and diagnostics equipment but there is a shortage of personnel who are able to effectively and efficiently interpret this data. This mini short course will kick-off by reviewing the fundamentals and governing equations of the compression process, establishing the foundation for all compressor diagnostics. The course will build upon these fundamentals, giving attendees the required background to successfully diagnose common reciprocating compressor faults. The course will also review the several different methods to collect diagnostic data and what can be determined with each system. By the end of the course attendees will be able to: • Compare measured data to the ideal condition • Read compressor pT and pV curves • Diagnose leaking compressor valves• Identify piston ring blow-by • Diagnose leaking packing cases • Review rod-load plots (limit and reversal)• Identify flow discrepancies

Advanced Topics in Acoustics and Vibrations

10/13/20201:00 - 4:00 PM Central TimeThis short course will cover advanced topics in pulsations and acoustics in piping systems that are beyond the scope of introductory level short courses. Topics in this short course include equations of state, wet gas compression and pulsation bottle design with liquid carryover from suction separators, valve noise and vibration problems; high frequency pulsation and vibrations from blade pass excitation, valves or instrumentation in centrifugal compressor systems; alternate methods of pulsation control for high pressure systems, advanced pulsation attenuation devices, pump pulsation mitigation, mixed compression, AIV, screw piles, and the impact of changing gas compositions for reverse direction flow on pulsations and horsepower requirements. Each topic will be presented with an overview of the topic, at least one case study and mitigation techniques or analysis methodologies.

Using Reciprocating Compressor Performance to Make Sure That Your Compressor is being Operated Safely

10/13/20202:45 PM - 4:15 PM Central Time “Power” and “Capacity” are the most commonly used performance terms when compressor performance is discussed. Power is important because we pay for that, and capacity is important because we obtain revenue from that. However, for the persons actually at compressor stations, and for those persons that care about us, the real power of compressor performance is knowing when a unit is safe to operate. When compressing gas with powerful, mechanical systems, many safety concerns are present. There are the obviously ones like high temperatures and high pressures, but mechanical equipment limitations impose other safety limitations such as rod loads, pin loads, crankshaft loads, bolting stresses, piston wall stresses, and lubrication. This course covers a variety of safety concerns based on compressor performance modeling (what, why, how performed, differences between OEMs, reasonable limits, consequences of failures) that need to be completed prior to purchase, prior to bringing unit online, during period of bringing a unit online, during normal unit operations, during unit/process upsets, and when stopping (non-ESD) a unit.

Is the Natural Gas Industry here to stay, or is it simply a short-term bridge fuel to 100% Renewable Energy?

Day: 10/5/20Time: 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm central time.Unfortunately, the title question will only be definitively answered by father time. With that said, this paper will present numerous facts and an abundance of data that might just help us make an educated and much more informed opinion as to the long-term health of the natural gas industry. Moreover, I will provide the natural gas industry with a to-do list of positive actions that could tip the scales in favor of a sustainable long-term future for the natural gas industry.

Turbochargers Fundamentals: Airflow and Engine Matching

10/14/20209:00 AM - 10:30 AM Central Time This workshop is fourth in the “Turbocharger Fundamentals” series. This workshop will focus on engine airflow. The role of the turbocharger in determining airflow in two-stroke engines is sometimes misunderstood in the industry, which can result in turbochargers not properly matched to engines, poor performance, and emission noncompliance. Likewise, the changes that should be made to correct mismatches also are not always well understood either. In this workshop, fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanics principles and how they determine turbocharger characteristics will be reviewed. These principles will then be used to show how turbocharger characteristics determine the airflow in two-stroke engines.

A Method and Apparatus for Direct Enthalpy Rise Measurement for Gas Compression, Phase 3

Day: 10/5/29Time: 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm central time.Equations of State are used to determine the performance of compressors and pipeline hydraulics. These are semi-empirical models that calculate various thermodynamic and physical properties of gas mixtures for known pressures and temperatures. Isentropic enthalpy head is a critical thermodynamic parameter that is required to accurately design and performance test compressors. A novel method and test apparatus was developed to measure enthalpy rise directly using a calibrated, near isentropic compression process. This paper will discuss the modifications to this test apparatus required for measuring hydrocarbon mixtures that include corrosive gas and water vapor, the measurement methodology, and test results.

Bigger isn’t always better - A case study comparing two 2500 hp rich burn engine driven packages vs. a 5000 hp lean burn alternative for a compression station expansion

Emissions permitting has long been a major consideration of midstream companies who are looking to build or update a compressor station, processing plant, or other critical piece of infrastructure. In an industry where the time to construct a facility is often as important as the financial terms of a midstream contract, major decisions are regularly made based on the time and cost of installing critical equipment, as well as the time, cost, and risk of getting emissions permits approved. Such decisions can often make or break the economics of a project. They could drive a customer to use electric driven equipment, which could cause project delays to install necessary transmission and distribution equipment, as well as increase their fuel costs. They could drive a customer to use a turbine to keep NOx and VOC emissions low, with the tradeoff coming in the form of reduced plant flexibility. They could also restrict the size of the plant below their desired design specifications in order to keep overall emissions below Title V limits or limit future expansion opportunities.This case study focuses on National Fuel Gas, who is expanding an existing NW PA midstream compression station, and compared the possibility of installing one lean burn 5000 hp or two 2500 hp rich burn engine driven compressor packages. Current emissions onsite are a consideration, as they are close to Title V limits on VOCs, but the installed and expected lifecycle cost differences of the two options are also a major consideration and will be discussed in the presentation. National Fuel Gas has extensive experience with a variety of driver technologies in their fleet and is therefore well-suited to present the tradeoffs of each option.This case study has relevance across the United States and the rest of the world, as midstream companies building new facilities can evaluate the emissions profiles of both lean and rich burn engine drive options and decide what option best allows them to move quickly on projects by staying under general permit or permit by rule limits, depending on various local regulations across the US. Companies can also explore what options may allow them to increase the throughput of existing facilities by adding newer low emission engines if the site has room in their permits or by replacing older higher emission engine packages with newer lower emission drivers.

Centrifugal Compressors: Principles, Design and Control

Day: 10/13/20Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm central timeCentrifugal Compressors are used in a wide variety of applications, many of them in the upstream and midstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Compressors have to be matched to the operating requirements of the specific application. Since these compressors have distinctly different operating characteristics from other compressors used in the industry, the goal of this shortcourse is to help the attendees to understand the function of the individual components, as well as the operational behavior and perfomance maps. The use of simple tools to size these machines is demonstrated. To provide the necessary background, the general working principles of centrifugal compressors are reviewed and explained. Lastly , control strategies, including anti surge control, and process control, are discussed, based on typical compressor applications, such as in pipelines, gas plant compression, gas gathering, and gas storage.

Resolution of Expansion Turbine Rotordynamic Instability at a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Facility

10/14/202010:45 AM - 12:15 PM Central TimeRenewables can provide economical carbon-free electricity, but due to inconsistent weather, power from solar and wind is intermittent. Technologies that can temporarily store electricity to firm-up the supply from renewables will allow electricity grids to meet energy demand with a lower carbon footprint. Hydrostor, a Canadian start-up that is storing energy by injecting compressed air into deep underground caverns, has designed systems that make compressed-air energy storage economically viable. Excess renewable electricity is used to run compressors that inject air into underground caverns. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is expanded through turbines to generate electricity. A water injection system moderates the pressure in the cavern and allows the machinery to operate at consistent operating pressures.This case study focuses on rotordynamic instability that was experienced on one of the expansion turbine stages during commissioning of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility in Ontario, Canada. The turbine which experienced the vibration is a two-stage, integrally geared, radial turbine powered by heated compressed air and coupled to an 1,800 kW induction generator. The turbine rotor is equipped with tilt-pad bearings and operates at 42,000 RPM.Broad-spectrum sub-synchronous vibration was experienced on the rotor during the initial runs, which was determined to be due to aerodynamic instability. The vibration caused the turbine to trip prior to reaching the full power operating condition. Swirl brakes, a flow straightener in the turbine exhaust, and reduced bearing oil supply temperature were implemented during commissioning with limited improvements to rotor stability. The thrust balance pressure and resulting thrust load also showed only a minor influence on rotor stability.The rotordynamics model was also used to design a squeeze-film damper bearing to significantly improve the stability margin. The new bearing was procured, along with an optimized swirl brake, and these items are available as a precaution to be installed if stability problems reappear in the future.

Ethical Decision Making - What Would YOU Do?

10/14/20201:00 PM - 4:00 PM Central Time Ethics are a system of moral principles that determine how one makes decisions. Some ethical decisions are easily made but others are more difficult and require careful consideration of ethical implications.Studying ethics is critical to the success of every decision maker. By studying ethics, one further develops skills in determining and expressing one’s values and moral principles. This course further develops these skills using real-world scenarios including office setting, engineering design, field operations, financial, and personal life cases. Simulating scenarios allows participants to evaluate what they would do when faced with an ethical decision via group interaction and discussion.

Reducing Methane Emissions from Centrifugal Gas Compressors

Day: 10/5/20Time: 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm central time.Centrifugal gas compressors, primarily utilized in midstream gas transmission applications, emit methane via the compressor seal systems and also through vented emissions (‘blowdowns’) during compressor or station maintenance activities.  Recent regulatory actions in Canada, the EU, and several US States associated with gas compressor methane mitigation are somewhat novel, particularly for centrifugal compressors equipped with modern dry-gas seal (DGS) systems.  Solar Turbines is a major supplier of centrifugal compressors with DGSs to the midstream sector worldwide and this paper summarizes current and developing regulations and policies aimed at reducing methane from these historically non-regulated types of emissions sources.  Applications and equipment used to reduce methane emissions from centrifugal compressor gas seals and compressor blowdowns are also discussed.

Condition Based Overhauls, Do you really know What Condition your Condition is In

10/13/20209:00 AM - 10:30 PM Central TimeThere is never enough time, people or money to blindly overhaul these units just based on run hours. That’s why our major repairs and overhauls need to be based on the unit’s true condition. The paper will mainly focus on data collected by the Equipment Analyst, and pattern interpretation of the data.We will discuss four major components of the large reciprocating engines, and the tools needed to evaluate the Unit’s True Condition. 

Trapped Equivalence Ratio for Air-Fuel Ratio Control – Review and Update

10/14/20201:00 PM - 4:00 PM Central Time This short course presents the Trapped Equivalence Ratio (TER) method of engine modeling for emissions control and demonstrates its use to create precise Air-to-Fuel (A/F) ratio for lean burn gas engines. The course has been updated to include the results of recent PRCI project on the effect of fuel variability on the TER and engine A/F ratio control. The course begins by presenting the fundamentals of trapped equivalence ratio modeling. It introduces a series of equations the are used in the non-dimensional equivalence ratio model. The modeling technique can be used to determine engine emissions performance under a wide variety of operation and varying fuel conditions. The attendee will gain a solid understanding of the importance of mass A/F ratio and its relationship to emissions. The authors will also cover the effect of scavenging and ignition timing. The second session of the course will focus on turning the emissions model around so that it can be deployed as an A/F control scheme. The details of equation development and implementation will be covered, as will the efforts required for commissioning. An example model will be used to show how the results from the TER model and compare them to the results from some of the common approaches in the industry. At the conclusion of the short course, the attendee will not only understand the basics of the TER modeling, but they also understand how this model can be used to develop a robust A/F ratio control scheme for lean burn engines under varying fuel quality conditions.

HBA Turbocharger Retrofit: Incorporating Scavenge Cylinders for Low Torque Operation

Day: 10/5/20Time: 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm central time.The Clark Brothers (Clark) BA series integral-engine compressor has, since the 1940’s, been a prominent asset for the gas transmission industry. To meet dynamic regulatory and operational requirements, many engines in this series have been retrofitted with turbochargers and automated controls to maintain compliance. In this extreme example, Siemens Oil and Gas (Siemens, formerly Dresser-Rand) and Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) Company worked together to retrofit their Blythe, California HBA fleet as well as critical station infrastructure to take the engine’s performance to new, previously unattainable levels.

Increase Reciprocating Compressor Wear Life: Seal System Optimization

Historically valves were the most common cause of corrective maintenance on reciprocating compressors; however, with recent advances in valve technology, rings, riders, and packing have become the number one headache. Over the past 60 years relatively little has been done to update the R&P design standards, with the majority of manufactures defaulting to antiquated selection charts for the pistons and another chart for the packings. The seal optimization process considers rings, riders and packing as one system, taking a holistic approach to extending component wear life. This holistic approach will build upon the previously presented high performance piston work by incorporating the packing case design considerations, increasing the sealing system wear life. Following this optimization process it is not uncommon to identify wear life increase potential in excess of three times (3x) the current configurations. The paper will highlight the design process as well as share some case histories using this approach.

How to Read Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Specification Sheets and Fan Performance Curves Properly

October 14, 2020 9:00 am- 12:15 pm Central Time The air-cooled heat exchanger data sheet is the most important source of information regarding your heat exchanger. It contains important thermal and mechanical performance information that fully define the capabilities of the unit. In a similar manner, the performance curves for the fan define the capabilities of the fan under differing conditions. Together, the data sheet and fan performance curves are an important tool to understanding the limitations of the equipment and what was provided in the original scope of supply by the equipment supplier. In addition, the information can be used to insure items providing support to the operation of the air-cooled heat exchanger are adequate, such as drives, etc. The purpose of this presentation is to familiarize users with a typical air-cooled heat exchanger data sheet and associated fan performance curves and define the items reported on both documents. This knowledge will be key to properly evaluating bids from vendors as well as maintaining the equipment over its lifetime.

Introduction to pulsation and vibration on reciprocating compressors

Day: 10/12/20Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm central timeThis introductory short course is geared to entry and intermediate level engineers, technicians and other staff involved in the field operations, maintenance and design of compressor systems.   Attendees will learn about: • Common sources of vibration problems on piping, foundation, skids, vessels, crankshaft and small-bore attachments • Pulsations and their impact on piping vibration • Techniques to avoid mechanical resonance • Design requirements for new and retrofit installations • Vibration guidelines • Basic commissioning and troubleshooting recommendations We will discuss several real-life case studies and use video clips to illustrate and reinforce the concepts.    The presenters encourage the audience to raise application- and vibration-related questions to ensure an interactive session.  This course is a primer to the popular two-day GMRC training course “Compressor station vibration and the impact on cost, performance and reliability”.  The authors have significant vibration design and field experience from a wide range of applications, including pipelines, gas storage, offshore facilities and upstream compressors. 

Renewables and the Use of Hydrogen Natural gas Mixtures in Pipelines

The increased use of renewable energy sources requires methods to handle the gap between available energy and required energy. The use of hydrogen- natural gas mixtures as a fuel, but also as a means of storing and transporting surplus electricity from renewable energy production has drawn significant attention. However, Hydrogen compression, transportation and combustion are challenging. In the lecture, the challenges from burning hydrogen natural gas mixtures in gas turbines are addressed, based on a review of the combustion process . The second issue, related to the transport of these mixtures in pipelines, and the compression of these mixtures is also discussed in detail, using an example of the impact of various levels of Hydrogen in the natural gas on the operation of the pipeline.

Testing Rod Seal Leakage of a 700 HP Reciprocating Compressor

Methane emissions from reciprocating compressors in the U.S. natural gas industry account for over 72.4 Bcf per year according to a 2006 statement by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Methane also has a global warming potential 50 times greater than carbon monoxide. Reciprocating compressors are the machinery type with the highest contribution to methane emissions at natural gas transmissions stations. The largest contributing factor comes from the sealing components in the packing components around the piston rod. SwRI, therefore, designed and setup a test loop to perform baseline packing leakage measurements on a four stage 700 HP JGT/4 compressor. The goal was to improve upon current packing leakage models and to compare new seals vs. worn seals.The test loop design is described including the limits of operation. The Data Acquisition System (DAQ), including data measurements, is also fully described. The project shows the results of the commissioning process that verified the operation of all the components. Once the loop was commissioned, SwRI performed baseline packing leakage for multiple pressure ratios on each of the four stages of the compressor. The data was collected to develop an analytical model of the packing leakage. Finally, similar testing was performed after replacing the typical rod seal packing with worn packing. The worn packing leakage was compared to the baseline packing leakage. 

GMRC Research update – fiberoptic strain pulsation measurements

October 7, 20201:15-2:00 p.m. centralDynamic pressure measurement in pipelines and pressure vessels is a common practice for vibration and pulsation troubleshooting. Data processing of dynamic pressure signals can reveal the root cause of vibration problems such as high pulsation-induced shaking forces, flow-induced vibration (FIV), flow-induced turbulence (FIT), or acoustic-induced vibrations (AIV). 

A Study of TER Control with Varying Fuel Reactivity and Proposed Control Modifications

October 7, 20201:15-2:00 p.m. centralThe corrected trapped equivalence ratio (TER) method for pipeline engine control allows for real-time control of exhaust emissions. While successful, this method currently lacks the ability to account for fuel reactivity effects on emissions formation. Changes in gas composition resulting in large amounts of non-methane hydrocarbons lead to higher reactivity which can result in increased NOx if otherwise unaccounted for. This work investigates the impact of composition on fundamental combustion properties and engine behavior. Findings are used to develop a correction for the existing calculation of corrected TER such that the method retains sufficient accuracy during periods of composition variability. 

Zero-Dimensional Exhaust Gas Temperature Model for Two-Stroke Lean-Burn Engines

October 7, 20202:15-3:00 p.m. centralThe engine exhaust temperature is one of the crucial parameters in developing a new air specification for engine emissions retrofit. The recent stringent emissions regulations require turbocharging implementation for leaner combustion operation. The correct sizing and matching of the new turbocharger depends essentially on the airflow requirements and the available energy in the exhaust gas stream. Accurate estimation of the exhaust temperature plays an important role in determining the energy available to the turbocharger. This paper reviews the previous methodology used to calculate the exhaust gas temperature and introduces the zero-dimensional physics-based model. This model is derived through energy balance and thermodynamics first principals. The model results are validated using field test data from several engine types.

Testing Variable Orifices For Optimization of Reciprocating Compressor Pulsation Control and Performance

October 7, 20202:15-3:00 p.m. centralThere are many challenges to removing pulsations from reciprocating compressor systems that are required to operate over a wide range of pressure and flow conditions. Reciprocating compressors commonly utilize pulsation bottles and fixed offices to reduce pulsation amplitudes. However, restrictive fixed orifices may impose large performance penalties, and the orifices may not be necessary at all operating conditions or compressor speeds. The current study investigates the use of Dynamic Variable Orifices (DVOs) on the 3rd stage of a 700 HP JGT/4 reciprocating compressor to evaluate and quantify how changing the effective orifice size can reduce the pressure pulsations in a reciprocating system. DVOs, which can be adjusted to different effective flow areas while the compressor system is operating, were installed at the cylinder nozzle and at the line connection nozzle of the 3rd stage suction bottle. High-speed pressure measurements were taken in the 3rd stage cylinder and in the piping between the 2nd stage discharge and the 3rd stage suction. The testing compares the pressure pulsations with orifice beta ratios varied from 0.4 to 0.7. The addition of the orifices showed a significant reduction in the peak-to-peak pulsations, with the largest reduction occurring in the interstage piping between the 2nd and 3rd stages. Additionally, pulsation amplitude reduction was measured in the 3rd stage suction bottle.The study also investigated adjusting the DVO to balance pressure drop with pulsation control. The DVO was adjusted to multiple orifice sizes for similar flow and pressure conditions. For each orifice size, the pressure pulsations and the pressure drop were quantified. The results show an optimal setting that minimizes pulsation amplitudes while maintaining an acceptable pressure drop across the stage. Finally, the DVO was set to its most restrictive setting that tended to choke the flow to the 3rd stage compressor cylinder. This test demonstrated how installing an overly-restrictive orifice at the cylinder nozzle flange can significantly degrade cylinder performance. 

DRY GAS SEAL RELIABILITY: A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF LIQUID CONTAMINATION ON SEAL PERFORMANCE, PHASE 3-4

Day: 10/5/20Time: 3:15 pm - 4:00 pmIn a previous GMRC project on dry gas seal failures, liquid contamination was found to be the most common source of seal failures. Liquid contamination can come from a variety of sources, including lube oil carryover and liquid dropout due to the Joule Thompson effect across the seal faces. The physical effect of liquids on dry gas seal performance is a topic of limited understanding, and conflicting theories exist regarding liquid-induced failure mechanisms. While some testing has taken place, there are generally no publications with test results, and very little analysis (e.g., Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT)) has been presented, given the challenges and complexity of two-phase CFD. CFD represents an economic option for design and analysis of fluid contamination in DGS; however, this type of modeling is complex and requires careful consideration of the submodels used to describe the underlying physical phenomena. The current study aims to better understand what occurs in a seal with liquid contamination during operation from a two-phase CFD/CHT perspective. The results of this analysis provide guidance on performing comprehensive two-phase modeling for future analysis.There are very few publications that discuss the underlying failure mechanisms from liquid contamination, operating data from liquid contamination in gas compressors are rarely available, and detailed measurements of the seal and surrounding environment are difficult to obtain for an in-compressor liquid contamination test due to difficulty of access to the seal cartridge (although in-compressor validation tests are important for replicating the actual operating environment and seal conditions). While tests have been performed on dry gas seal test rigs (primarily by seal OEMs), very little testing or analysis has been specifically aimed at studying the heat generation behind dry gas seal behavior following liquid injection, and test results or conclusions have not been published for use in industry. This paper presents experimental and analytical results for a dry gas seal subjected to liquid injection. Baseline results were obtained using dry nitrogen up to 1000 psi, and light oil was injected at rates of 1-3% of the gas flow by mass to observe any effect on the seal operation. The comparison between experimental and analytical results is presented with discussion of the differences and approaches to improve predictions.

CEPM for Turbochargers

Solving small bore problems for compressors and associated piping

Day: 10/6/20Time:  9:00 am -10:30 am central timeSmall-bore connections (SBC) on compressor packages and piping are prone to failure, and available guidelines are not widely applied.On new designs, standard practices can prevent failures but may be difficult to balance with varying client requirements.  In these instances, the application of guidelines and more advanced analysis can determine safe design solutions.On existing systems, the same techniques and processes can be applied to focus analysis and mitigation efforts to reduce failure risks.

Air Regulatory Update 2020

Day: 10/6/20Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm central timeThis annual update will focus on air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations and emission reduction requirements facing the natural gas industry, focusing on gas transmission.  Clean Air Act criteria that establish the basis for regulations will be reviewed.  Federal regulations and State actions that may establish national regulatory precedent will be discussed.  Recent actions have focused on methane emissions and those actions will be reviewed, including legal challenges to EPA rules.  Actions to reduce NOx emissions that may affect legacy compressor drivers will be discussed, including recent state regulatory proposals for reciprocating engines and turbines.   

Opening Session and Keynote: Natural Gas: Good Versus Great

Day: 10/5/20Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am central timeAlthough the natural gas industry has never had more advantages in terms of abundance, affordability, efficiency and necessity for American life, it has also never faced headwinds as strong as it is facing today. The industry has not had a unified message and this has allowed other groups to set an unfortunate and misleading narrative. Bill Cantrell explains how this happened and charts a course on how to regain the narrative through grassroots communications and visionary leadership. He focuses on crafting great messages and creating a proactive strategy for your company to reach and sustain a low carbon future.

Torsional Vibration Assessment and Mitigation

The Torsional Vibration Assessment and Mitigation case study showcases a reciprocating compressor that had elevated lateral vibration thoughout the package that was not the result of mechanical resonance or acoustical issues, rather it was the result of torsional vibration within the compressor crankshaft. This paper explains the solution path that led to analyzing and mitigating the torsional vibration and the effect it had on the lateral vibration within the package. This paper also serves to emphasize the importance of - and the effectivenss of - measuring torsional vibration in reciprocating gas compressors, as well as the methods to do so.

Using IIoT and AI to Augment a Reciprocating Engine and Compressor Analyst

The monitoring of reciprocating machinery has been around since the 1950s. From a machine that would draw a Pressure vs Volume curve with a pencil on a roll of paper as somebody pulled a string at the same rpm as the machine was running, to analyzers that stayed on a cart where one person would run the analyzer while another would move sensors from one location to another. Today’s common practice is using a portable analyzer where an analyst can move around the machine and take data such as cylinder pressure, temperature, vibration, and ultrasonic in a more timely matter. A typical day for an analyst is to check the condition of engines and compressors by going to the machine's location, reviewing relevant conditions and operating data from a DCS, and then spending hours manually collecting data with a portable analyzer. All this data is analyzed and reports are generated when issues are found leading to work orders being generated for repair. The future will bring more data being collected and uploaded to the cloud where reciprocating machinery analysts will have access to it. So what does this mean for the analyst?This tutorial seeks to overview how reciprocating monitoring programs and the analyst will be assisted from today’s cloud-based data commonly called IIoT and how Predictive Analytics, or AI modeling, will be used to assist the analyst in his day-to-day job.

Capacity Control of Reciprocating Compressors

Day: 10/06/20 Time: 10:45am-12:15pm Central TimeReciprocating compressors have a reputation for ruggedness and efficiency over a relatively wide range of speeds, pressures, and gas compositions. Being positive displacement machines, they have high compression efficiency but will always attempt to move the full charge of gas that was drawn into the cylinders on the suction stroke. As a result, reciprocating compressors have a fixed capacity which is determined by the unit’s operating conditions and cylinder geometry. Essentially- “what goes in, must come out”.

Reciprocating Compressor Lubrication – Oil Dilution with Natural Gas and the Impact on Lubrication Rates at Various Operating Conditions

Day 10/06/2020Time 1:15 PM- 2:00 PM Central TimeLubricants used in reciprocating compressors for natural gas transmission and processing experience harsh conditions. This is partially due to the high pressures and temperatures seen during operation. Another, less obvious, characteristic of the harsh conditions is the process gas. Previous research has shown that lubricants, when fully diluted with process gas, may not meet the design criteria for the compressor. However, some questions remain. First, what components of the process gas are diluting the lubricant and in what proportions are these found in the used lubricant? To answer these questions, samples of used lubricant were collected from the field at various operating conditions. These samples were subsequently depressurized in an enclosed chamber allowing for an analysis of the gas entrained in the oil. Results showed that the lubricants absorbed higher proportions of heavier components (C2+) than methane even when the process gas was mostly methane.Another lingering question is how much time is required for a lubricant to become fully diluted with process gas and how do changes in the process gas impact the dilution time? To answer these questions, an experiment was devised to measure the rate of lubricant dilution over time by monitoring the rate of viscosity drop of the lubricant as it was exposed to high pressure gas. The dilution rate and impact on viscosity was measured for multiple lubricants subjected to a range of gas compositions, temperatures, and pressures giving an indication of how changes in operating conditions can affect a lubricant’s properties. Ongoing work is utilizing these data to develop a compressor lubrication model in an effort to inform lubrication rates relative to the lubricant and operating conditions seen in a reciprocating compressor.

The Importance of Engine Performance, Packaging and Emissions for Midstream Gas Compressor Stations - Kinder Morgan case studies

Day: 10/06/20Time: 1:15pm-2:00pm Central Time:The Gulf Coast Express (GCX) pipeline played a pivotal role in increasing much-needed natural gas takeaway capacity to support drilling demand in the Permian basin when it came online in September 2019. The Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) is coming online closely behind it to take another 2 Bcf per day across Texas. An often-overlooked element of such large pipeline projects are the booster stations that take gas gathered from the shale plays and boost it to pipeline pressures before being sent down the pipeline. Kinder Morgan was responsible for the construction and operation of such booster stations for both pipelines and was able to implement best practices for their PHP stations, based on lessons learned from GCX. These included how to package for low vibrations, oil control, engine setup issues, etc. By using (cooled or in cooled?) cylinders and through careful engine section, Kinder was also able to utilize vertical coolers, which enabled a smaller footprint, lower install cost, and better bearing life compared with a horizontal alternative. Kinder may also share emissions testing experiences from their sites to show what modern rich burn air fuel ratio and three-way catalyst systems are capable of.Waukesha gas engines provided the engine drivers (VHP 7044GSIS5) for the GCX and PHP booster stations, which Kinder selected based on previous experience with Waukesha and after reviewing existing field data with that specific engine model. Waukesha will detail how modelling / testing enabled improvements to engine performance, including higher power output, increased fuel flexibility and better ambient temperature performance. This can include details around the new cylinder head, piston, and control system designs to yield higher reliability and reduced emissions. Waukesha can also share their lessons learned from packaging and commissioning experiences at GCX and PHP.

Development of a Robust Scrubber Level Controller – Part 2

Day: 10/06/20Time: 2:15pm-3:00pm Central TimeGas-liquid scrubbers rely on level control systems to maintain an appropriate liquid level within the vessel. A typical level control system consists of a level indicator (i.e., a level gauge or a sight glass), a modulating level controller, and a pneumatic control valve (often called a dump valve) for liquid release. In natural gas service, these control systems are subject to harsh environments, often characterized by the influx of liquid slugs, high-velocity gases, corrosive fluids, vibrations, and a chaotic gas-liquid interface. In these harsh conditions, level control system failures are commonplace and tend to lead to safety and environmental hazards, equipment damage, and lost production. A need exists to augment or replace the typical liquid level control system with an alternative solution that is cost-effective, robust, and can operate reliably in the harsh natural gas environment.

Dew Point Measurement Research

Day: 10/06/20Time: 2:15pm-3:00pm Central The accuracy of the equation of state (EOS) predictions for the dew point of natural gas process fluids with heavier hydrocarbons, CO2, and other complex gas compositions (such as in refineries and upstream applications) has a high level of uncertainty. This is due to various factors including insufficient data about the interaction of typical natural gas components with water, corrosive elements, heavy hydrocarbons (CH7+), CO2, hydrogen, and the properties of mixtures at supercritical pressures or near the critical point. Not knowing the temperature for the dew point of the process gas at operating pressures can lead to excessive liquid dropout or slugs during normal operation, which can negatively affect the system performance and longevity. It also creates error in calculating the amount of superheat required for the process fluid to avoid liquid dropout in gas turbine fuel systems and in the main process piping and support systems (such as dry gas seal supply lines) for compressor systems.The goal of this work was to create a variety of gas mixtures with different components and obtain the dew point of each mixture at a certain pressure using two different methods. The first method to obtain the dew point of a mixture is the standard procedure used by pipeline operators: take samples of the gas mixtures and have the components independently identified by gas chromatography or gravimetric analysis. The dew point at the range of operating pressures is then calculated through a software program for that gas mixture using an equation of state. The second method is an actual measurement of the dew point through the use of a chilled mirror device. The chilled mirror method utilizes a gas sample that flows continuously across the surface of a small mirror while the temperature of the mirror is slowly decreased. The chilled mirror operator continuously observes the mirror through an eyepiece to watch for condensation on the mirror surface. The purpose of this project is to understand the limitations and capabilities of gas sample analysis; compare the predicted dew point results from different analyses that use different software programs or equations of state; and compare the predicted dew point to the measured dew point (chilled mirror method).

Varnish Mitigation in Today's Modern Gas Turbines

Day: 10/06/20Time: 3:15pm-4:00pm Central TimeGas turbines today require advanced turbine oils which eliminate issues related to oil degradation and varnish formation. Turbine oil technology has advanced over the last 20 years. Today, there are turbines oils available which are formulated with gas-to-liquid (GTL) base oils. GTL base oil has excellent surface properties including very rapid air release, excellent anti-foaming behavior and minimizes varnish. This paper will discuss the formation of varnish and resulting operational problems and how pre-existing varnish can be removed. Used oil analysis will also be discussed to help extend the life of turbine oils and minimize the impact of varnish.

Transient Flow Modeling for Gas Compressor Systems

Day: 10/07/20Time: 9:00am-10:30am Central TimeGas compressors are utilized in natural gas transmission to transport gas from the source to areas of natural gas demand. The gas system includes sources and demand areas that are composed of gathering systems, main trunk lines, power generation facilities, LNG facilities, and distribution systems. Market demands often drive changes in operating conditions, flow directions, or target station throughputs that leads to new operating conditions for existing compressors, drive the need of constructing a new compressor station, or adding a new parallel train to an existing station. A transient hydraulic study can provide valuable insight to important operational concerns driven by either new operating conditions on existing equipment or to evaluate possible transient upset events for large capital investments, such as new centrifugal compressors. These operational concerns can include compressor surge, maximum pressure/relief pressure, maximum temperature, and other imposed operating limits. In this mini short course presentation we discuss the data inputs, modeling approach, control systems and their influence, and a few case study examples of transient hydraulic modeling.

Foundation design practices for rotating machinery

Day: 10/07/20Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Central TimeBackground: A well-designed foundation is essential for reciprocating and rotating machinery installations to operate in a safe and reliable manner for many years. Design of foundations is often focused on static design principles that are well known to many engineers. There is a general lack of appreciation and understanding of dynamic design principles for machinery foundations. Reciprocating compressor foundations are a particular challenge due to the high amplitude and complex dynamic loads resulting from normal operation. Based on Wood’s extensive experience in this field, a good foundation design requires consideration of static and dynamic loading, soil dynamics, machinery generated dynamic loads, and basic static and dynamic design principlesObjectives The goal of this short course is to provide insight into static and dynamic design considerations and best practices for different types of foundations supporting rotating machinery packages. Course outline1. Overview of vibration• Review of key terminology used in the industry• Overview of vibration causes of vibrations• The vibration equation2. Introduction to reciprocating and rotating machinery • Dynamic loads generated by centrifugal and reciprocating machines • How to consider dynamic loads to create a reliable foundation design3. Types of foundations• Over view of foundations types commonly used to support centrifugal and reciprocating machines• Concrete block and elevated (table top) foundation• Pile foundations including driven and screw piles • Gravel pad foundations4. Static and dynamic design considerations• Static and dynamic design principles for different types of foundation• Rule of thumb for foundation sizing• Basic static checks• Soil dynamic properties• Design goals such as resonance avoidance• Design principles for each foundation type5. Case studiesMultiple case studies will be presented to demonstrate the discussed design principles.

Introduction to Dry Gas Seals and Systems

Day: 10/07/20Time: 10:45am-12:15pm Central TimeDry gas seals are used as low-leakage shaft end seals for many centrifugal compressors and other turbomachines. This short course provides a comprehensive overview of sealing system and dry gas seals in various turbomachinery applications, addressing multiple topics including an overview of dry gas seal designs, operating principles, failure modes, standards, system requirements, components in dry gas seal systems, and current research and development efforts to advance dry gas seal technology.

MACHINE LEARNING AND IIOT ENABLING UNSUPERVISED ANOMALY DETECTION ON COMPRESSORS AND OTHER OIL AND GAS EQUIPMENT

October 7, 20203:15-4:00 p.m. centralEarly detection of issues within a complex system like natural gas compressors is necessary to limit disasters. While many disasters occur within moments of the initial indicators, many others are preceded by minutes, if not hours of indication. For this reason, there are many systems for performing issue analysis.Vibration is one of those indication systems. Vibration analysis on a continuous basis is very expensive and focused on defined areas. Additionally, many disasters within a compression system occur outside of the crankcase area of the frame. A leak that results in a fire, for instance, would be virtually impossible to pick up with vibration analysis both because of the nature of the issue and the location.Data collection of internal values and threshold analysis through SCADA are other areas of problem indication. Many issues never present for threshold analysis until it is too late. An example of this would be bearing pre-failure on a turbo. Deterioration warning signals such as sound would not change the intake pressure but would indicate a future disaster.Finally, human sound analysis is often very good at indicating future problems associated with a reciprocating machine. Unfortunately, the level of sound related to a compressor is such that human interpretation of audio feedback is significantly constrained. Often today, dual hearing protection is mandated, and hearing vibrations, rattles, clatters, and the like are nearly impossible until they become significant to the point of continual damage.Mass multi-value machine learning analysis using audio collected on the compressor would indicate the virtual “health” of a machine in a reciprocating environment. Sound analysis of normal and anomalies can provide feedback on the system elements that fall outside the typical data collection analytics and provide valuable early warnings. Audio analysis is achieved using a matrix of microphones surrounding the compressor and analyzing the audio against known “normal” operation rather than lab normals. The anomaly detection would then report a deviation from normal and a classification against known anomalies.The only necessary data for analysis is the “normal” values. Historical anomalies would help pinpoint the root cause of the defect, but it is not essential for identifying abnormal behavior.

Surge valve flow-induced turbulence in a centrifugal unit

October 7, 20203:15-4:00 p.m. centralDuring the startup process of a 40,000 HP centrifugal compressor unit, significant low-frequency vibration was observed on the piping and support structure. The shaking was significant enough that plant personnel shut down the unit after a few minutes. The highest vibration was observed when the hot recycle valve was open during unit startup. Several rounds of structural modifications were implemented to improve the stiffness of pipe supports, with little to no effect on vibrations. Further investigation revealed that the root cause of the problem was a flow-generated pulsation (turbulence) in the hot recycle valve. The hot recycle valve was put in reverse orientation and vibrations and dynamic pressure were significantly lower at all test points compared to the normal orientation of the valve. The valve’s normal orientation was in flow-to-open direction (flow tending to lift the plug), this configuration allowed the use of low-noise trims. The normal orientation of the valve maximized noise attenuation by allowing the expanding gasses to exit the valve trim and continue downstream. With this valve orientation, and under certain conditions, a low-pressure zone adjacent to the valve seat ring is created. This low-pressure region detaches from the valve body wall, enters the free stream, and forms a free eddy. The hollow cavity inside the valve plug can be another source of generating vortices and turbulence. Putting the valve in reverse orientation changed the flow stream, removed the vortices, significantly reduced dynamic pressure at low frequencies and allowed the unit to operate without vibration issues.

Reducing pipe strain to reduce vibration – application of a GMRC guideline

October 8, 202009:00-10:30 p.m. centralPipe strain and flange misalignment can lead to higher-than-normal vibrations on piping configurations. The problem of high vibration due to pipe strain is more common on reciprocating compressor packages due to several factors: high dynamic forces that are part of normal operation, compact designs for equipment packages, and improper piping assembly and installation processes. The case study in this paper will describe the evaluation process of vibration and pipe strain on several reciprocating compressor installations. Field testing found high vibrations at several locations even though proactive measures were taken to conduct API 618 design studies. Field assessments showed an excessive amount of pipe strain on different components. Removing the pipe strain led to a reduction of the vibrations to acceptable levels. The paper will present the field observations and analysis results as well as recommendations provided in the GMRC guideline to avoid vibration problems on reciprocating compressor installations.

Basic Thermodynamics of Reciprocating Compression

Thursday, October, 8th, 20209AM-10:30AMThis short course will cover the fundamental thermodynamic principles that govern reciprocating compressors. This will include discussions of pressure-time and pressure-volume diagrams, capacity, volumetric efficiency, power and compression efficiency. In addition, it will cover the effects of changing conditions, gas analysis, temperature, and pulsation. Mechanical design details will not be covered in any significant detail. An understanding of the basic thermodynamics and the pressure-volume diagram is vital and forms a good foundation for a deeper understanding of the mechanical aspects.

Ask the Expert: Reciprocating Compressors and drivers

Ask the Expert: Pulsation/Vibration/Rotordynamics/Thermal Topics

Ask the Expert: Centrifugal Compressors and drivers

Ask the Expert: Auxiliary/Support Systems (includes valves, coolers/scrubbers, emissions, software)

Influencer Outreach Initiative and Architects & Engineers Outreach Program Webinar

Presenters: Aleida Socarres - Florida Public Utilities Greg Anderson - Atmos Energy Description:Influencer Outreach Initiative, Florida Public Utilities FPU’s Influencer Outreach Initiative strategically targeted three different groups of influencers for their unique and valuable potential to promote three specific FPU programs: an existing community expansion, natural gas commercial rebates and the Company’s Economic Development Program. Then, through the ambassadorship of such influencers, the intention was to bridge the gap between the end users and the desired outcome in a manner that FPU could not accomplish alone. The three projects: PROJECT: Hypoluxo Island Natural Gas Expansion TARGET INFLUENCER: Municipalities PROJECT: Natural Gas Commercial Rebate Program TARGET INFLUENCER: Chamber Associations PROJECT: Economic Development Program TARGET INFLUENCER: Economic Development Councils (EDCs)   Architects & Engineers Outreach Program, Atmos Energy In late summer 2013, Atmos Energy launched an Architects & Engineers (A&E) program in its MidTex Division (North Texas including Dallas/Fort Worth).  The ongoing objectives: Establish / re-establish contact(s) with the design community Create awareness of the benefits of natural gas to those responsible for facility equipment / fuel selection Promote natural gas technologies as the best energy value in new and retrofit design The program has been very successful, as our initial target was conducting one (1) A&E presentation per month.  However, as of 2014 year’s end, we conducted 28 programs, engaging over 500 A&E’s in the process.

3 Things Sales & Marketing Need to Know About End Use Codes & Standards

7 Moments That Define Personal Excellence

How long does it take to build excellence? Just moments …defining moments. Defining moments might be positive or negative, but either way, we are never the same after experiencing one. These moments shape the leaders we are and the leaders we will become. The difference between average and excellent can be found in moments... literally. In this broadcast Dr. Lee J. Colan will introduce 4 final defining moments of excellence; Connect, Invest, Change, and Conquer. These final four will build upon the three moments he described in the October 30th CTN Web Conference. Presenter: Colan, Lee J.

9 Common Ingredients of Skillful Writing

A Funny Economist Delivering Real Insight In Very Challenging Times

Live from the Gas Machinery Conference http://www.gmrc.org/gmc, in Denver, CO Peter Ricchiuti (Ri-Shooty), A Funny Economist, Delivers Real insight in challenging times. Peter is the business school professor you wish you had in college. He teaches courses on the financial markets and his humor and insight have twice made him the school’s top professor.

A View from the Top

A View from the Top A panel of industry leaders was recorded at the SGA Management Conference.  In this program they provide their perspective on today’s natural gas operating environment. Perspectives from three different segments of the industry: Future of natural gas Long term fixed price contracts & Hedging Relationship with renewables Compressed Natural Gas and NGV’s Recruiting and retaining talent Moderator: Kim Cocklin, President & CEO, Atmos Energy Corporation Panelists: Caron Lawhorn, Senior Vice President - Commercial, ONEOK Distribution Companies, Roger Plank, President, Apache Corporation Greg Rizzo, Group Vice President, Spectra Energy Transmission Moderator: Kim Cocklin, President & CEO, Atmos Energy Corporation

Best Boss Series

This 5 part series will explore some of the top skills Leaders need to be Best.  The topics discussed are Accountability, Communication, Conflict, Problem Solving, and Team Building. 

Cyber Security-Best Practices for Remote Workers

We are in the middle of a gold rush for cybercriminals - a huge number of people working from home on their personal devices, a global health crisis, many people out of work and desperate to make money, tax season, government stimulus programs, the US census...all happening at the same time! There are endless opportunities for criminals to prey on this situation.In this webinar, we'll talk about the threats you need to be aware of, along with how to spot and avoid them. We'll go over some of the technology and tools that can help you stay safe. And we'll end with a Q&A so we can make sure all your security questions are answered.Learning Objectives:Learn to identify potential cyber threats Discover ways to avoid threats  Review available technological tools mitigate cyber threats  WHO SHOULD ATTEND Newly remote workers  Internet users who desire increased security   ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORReese Ormand , Founder and CEO, TechveraReese is the Founder and CEO of Techvera, one of the fastest-growing technology firms in North Texas, Reese’s career in technology spans two decades, opening his first IT business by 2005 while a full-time student at University of Texas. Techvera focuses on small business IT management and has evolved into a best-in-class, cloud-centric, security-focused company. Techvera’s emphasis on long-term business growth via strategic technology management has positioned them as a forward-thinking and respected IT provider.

Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines

Assessing PSMS Safety Culture

What goes into a proper Safety Culture Assessment?API RP-1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems - PSMS) calls for Pipeline Operators to complete assessments of their safety culture. Many operators already complete safety surveys but most of these focus on occupational safety and not safety culture, which includes management systems and controls to address major hazard risks. Successfully completing a “Pipeline Safety Culture Assessment” can be complicated and time-consuming.This session will introduce you to the three components needed to effectively assess your safety culture as envisioned by RP-1173. Learning Objectives:Learn about what “Safety Culture” means and why is it importantGain a better understanding of the differences between traditional occupational safety surveys and a safety “culture” surveyLearn the steps to take in order to assess your safety cultureUnderstand how the “Plan, Do, Check, Act” process can apply to safety cultureInstructor Information:Stephen Allen, Executive Director of Pipeline Safety, Energy WorldnetMr. Allen oversees EWN’s Pipeline Safety Division and advocates for the adoption of PSMS concepts and approaches across the pipeline industry. Prior to joining EWN in 2018, he was the Director of Pipeline Safety for the state of Indiana where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with pipeline safety regulations for all intrastate operators. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Transportation in 2016 to PHMSA’s Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) where he served until joining EWN. Mr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration from Butler University and is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant in the state of Indiana.

One Eye on the Present, One Eye on the Future

In this special “One Eye on The Present, One Eye on the Future” webinar for SGA, Tisha Schuller, Principal at Adamantine Energy, will explore strategies for natural gas operators who are in the midst of COVID-19.  There are risks and opportunities in this fluid environment.  Tisha will lay out how to minimize risks of a pandemic and maximize opportunities. Finally, she will frame a discussion for seizing this moment for individual and company leadership.Instructor Information:Tisha Schuller, Principal of Adamantine EnergyTisha Schuller founded Adamantine Energy to provide thought leadership to future-proof energy businesses against rising social risk. Tisha consults private clients from Fortune 500 energy companies to non-profit environmental organizations in energy policy, business strategy, politics, and community engagement. She also serves as the Strategic Advisor for Stanford University’s Natural Gas Initiative.In 2017, Tisha chaired Stanford’s symposium to reduce energy poverty in the developing world using natural gas. Previously, Tisha served as President & CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and as Principal and Vice President with Tetra Tech, a national environmental consulting and engineering firm. She has a B.S. from Stanford University. Tisha serves on many academic and non-profit boards including The Breakthrough Institute, The Energy for Growth Hub, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Institute for Science & Policy Strategic Council, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, and the Colorado Wyoming Red Cross. She is a member of the National Petroleum Council, an advisory board to the Secretary of Energy under both the Obama and Trump administrations. Tisha’s book, Accidentally Adamant was published in 2018. Tisha authors a weekly series entitled Both of These Things Are True. 

Leading Inclusively in a Virtual World

As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we must enhance our commitment to embracing, respecting, and valuing differences. Working during this uncertain time requires leaders to lean into inclusive leadership principles which support psychological safety and well-being. This webinar will discuss strategies to help leaders lead inclusively in today’s virtual world. You will learn:Ways to support an inclusive remote working environmentHow to manage unconscious bias and how to create communities of support virtuallyPractical tips for protecting mental healthInstructor Information:Tommi Paris, MPA, CDP, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Company GasTommi Paris is a Certified Diversity Professional, certified through the Society for Diversity, and has almost 10 years of work experience in D&I, employee communications, culture, and engagement initiatives.  Tommi is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Company Gas, which was recently awarded the Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award by the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity for fostering equal opportunity as well as exhibiting outstanding commitment to diversity. She has responsibility for 9 employee resource groups with 16 active chapters in 4 states. Through creative platforms and engagement activities such as D&I Talks, D&I Days and cultural heritage programs, Tommi creates workplace experiences for employees to elevate their D&IQ in an effort to continuously build an inclusive work environment.  Employees who work with Tommi can attest to her level of expertise as she enjoys creating workplace experiences that reveal and reinforce the fact that workplace diversity is an asset to the business; experiences that honor the richness of our stories; and experiences that inspire us to be better together by exploring and applying principles of workplace inclusion. Tommi believes that because you and I spend more than a third of our lives at work, we should spend our time in a place where we are valued for who we are and what we bring to the business. Tommi also referees NCAA Division I women’s college basketball, so she frequently practices conflict resolution and diffusing tension; she considers this one of her superpowers.

PHMSA Gas Mega Rule Phase 1

PHSMA published Phase I of the Gas Mega Rule on October 1, 2019 which includes new requirements for MAOP reconfirmation, the expansion of assessment requirements beyond HCAs and other items related to safety, risk and records. Since these rules are mandated safety requirements, the session will discuss how pipeline operators are implementing new practices and expanding integrity management principals beyond HCAs. The session will include the new requirements for MAOP, TVC and MCAs as well as a process to define objectives and create a plan. PHMSA Compliance Deadlines: An operator must develop and document procedures for completing the MAOP Reconfirmation requirements by July 1, 2021; complete all requiredactions on at least 50% of pipeline mileage by July 3, 2028; and complete all required actions on 100% of pipeline mileage by July 2, 2035, or no longer than 4 years after the operating conditionof a pipeline segment changes subjecting the segment to the requirement to reconfirm MAOP, whichever is later. Learning Objective(s): Examine requirements, define objectives and create a plan.Target Audience(s): Operating company associates at all levels of the organization will benefit from the presentation & interactive discussions. Speaker/Instructor(s): Jeff Wiese (former Director at PHMSA), TRC Companies; Mel Huey, Duke Energy; DeWitt Burdeaux, TRC Solutions

Natural Gas: Public Enemy #1 or The Key to the Sustainable Future

This session looks at the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy. Natural gas is positioned to continue to lead our nation into a better energy future. A critical contributor to environmental advances over the last 25 years, natural gas has also been a driving force in the best economic boom in generations. In addition, it has a significant role in national security.However, despite the facts, there is a growing opposition that is more organized than ever, inciting communities and even states to ban the presence of natural gas.Natural gas is not the enemy of a sustainable future; it is the key to a sustainable future.SGA Chairman Don Raikes will lead a robust discussion of the state of the natural gas industry and the role that natural gas has in a clean energy future. And how, now more than ever, Americans are seeing firsthand the critical role that energy plays in meeting our daily needs.You don't want to miss this opportunity to hear directly from the leaders in the 21st-century energy economy, and what to expect moving forward.

The Future of The Industry

This webinar considers the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy. We will look at natural gas opportunities and possible impacts on key stakeholders, including energy consumers, infrastructure investors and policymakers. Further, we’ll examine how natural gas and its requisite infrastructure will be needed and utilized in a lower-carbon economy.  Additionally, discussion of current and future technologies for the automation and digitalization of the industry. A. Gathering, transmission and distribution of natural gas are at the front line of the climate debate, and each sector must have a successful methane management plan to thrive in today’s operating conditions. The most critical tool in managing and reducing methane emissions is not technology - it is demonstrating a true commitment to environmental stewardship with three key elements: people, culture, and relationships. Methane management by definition includes engineering and best practices in operations – but to stop there may be short-sighted. A holistic approach including culture and leadership is critical to the success in reducing or eliminating methane emissions.  Gaffney Cline and Associates, an international global oil and gas consultancy, will share best practices in a successful methane management program, including:Creating and maintaining an employee and leadership culture that values environmental stewardshipDemonstrating methane management as a strategic priorityEstablishing positive, transparent working relationships with critical external stakeholders B. RNG enhances fuel diversity for natural gas utilities and provides a waste management solution and a new revenue stream for family farmers. Ryan Childress, Director-Gas Partnership Business Development, Gas Infrastructure Group Dominion Energy will discuss the Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods’ joint venture, Align Renewable Natural Gas.    C. Digital Transformation for the natural gas industry – Mosaic’s nation-wide benchmark study provides insight from senior electric, gas, and pipeline leaders concerning the workforce impacts of the continuous evolution the energy industry is experiencing. The study addresses significant changes industry leaders are experiencing and anticipate related to digital and technological transformations; as well as how to build and sustain a skilled and competent workforce.Instructor Information:Ryan ChildressRyan W. Childress is director-Gas Business Partnership Development, Gas Infrastructure Group.  He is responsible for sourcing, analysis, and execution of new business strategies for Dominion Energy’s Gas Infrastructure Group.  Childress was an intern with the company from 2008-2009 and joined the company full-time in 2013 as a Business Development Consultant in the Alternative Energy Solutions Group. He joined the Midstream Group in 2015 as a Project Manager, and was promoted to Manager-Midstream in July 2017. In January 2019 he became Manager-Gas Business Development and assumed his current role in October 2019.  From 2009 to 2013 he worked in the Investment Management Division at Barclays Capital. Prior to that, he served on the staff of former Governor Mark R. Warner.  Childress received a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team. He also earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.Jennifer Stewart Jennifer Stewart is the Director of Methane Management at Gaffney Cline and Associates, an international global oil and gas consultancy offering technical, commercial, and strategic advice to the oil and gas industry. Her expertise and focus is on a value and holistic approach to methane management.  She recently retired from the role of Senior Vice President Legislative and Regulatory Affairs of Southwestern Energy, an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration and production. Jennifer led efforts to identify, develop and implement methane reduction solutions. Under her leadership, Southwestern Energy led all North American producers with the lowest methane intensity under the EPA’s GHG Reporting Program and received recognition among environmental shareholder activist groups and regulatory bodies as the leading upstream producer for methane abatement practices and disclosures.  Jennifer was designated as a Houston Business Journal Women in Energy Leadership Woman to Watch and has been recognized twice by the National Diversity Council as one of the Most Powerful Women in Oil & Gas. She is an attorney licensed to practice in the state of Texas.  Joyce GorganJoyce Gorgan is Senior Director of the Central Region for Mosaic, a national consulting firm that focuses on the utility and oil & gas industries. During her tenure with Mosaic, Joyce has consulted with utilities across the US regarding workforce planning and enhancement, training program, and facilities development, as well as change management and user adoption for large ERP initiatives.  Joyce recognizes that a company’s workforce is its largest and most valuable asset, and she works with companies to help them realize maximum benefit from their workforces. 

Sustain Through The Pandemic: Supply Chain Best Practices

When a pandemic strikes, the entire supply chain is impacted. This lack of access to crucial materials often results in panic buying, which then compounds the crisis. In this webinar, Sustain Through the Pandemic, you will learn supply chain best practices for future planning related to supply chain logistics during a crisis, as well as lessons learned through the impact of COVID-19 upon natural gas companies.This webinar will discuss recent hot topics including:delays in shippingproject interruptionsthe need to refocus prioritiesEach are considered from a supply chain optimization perspective and the very real post-COVID-19 reality.  Learn how to improve communication within the organization and to skillfully manage the impact of a scarcity mindset versus the reality of adequate supplies.  You will learn:The impact COVID-19 has had on natural gas companies related to maintaining a functional supply chain during the pandemicCommunication strategies for internal audiencesBest practices for future planning related to supply chain logistics during a crisisWHO SHOULD ATTEND Supply Chain professionalsExecutives who supervise supply chainPlanning and analysis, finance professionalsInstructor Information:Gwen MitchellGwen Mitchell, founder and managing partner of 3rd I Business Solutions, (dba VertiSales, Incorporated) has a 20+ year record of transforming mission-critical legacy supply chain processes into state-of-the-art operations delivering on-time, budget-positive outcomes that have a direct impact on the bottom-lineGwen Mitchell has previously held executive leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies including Air Liquide, Ernst & Young, General Motors, and Upjohn. In addition to corporate achievements, Gwen has a strong commitment to community service:Serves as current President of the ISM-Houston “Institute of Supplier Management”The Co-founder and Advisor to "Real Initiative Giving Help Today" (R.I.G.H.T), which focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable youthChairperson of the "Houston Minority Supplier Development Council" (HMSDC) scholarship fundraiserBoard member of the "Texans for Dental Reform", an advocacy organization for consumer protection in the dental industry Academic and professional designations include:BS in Management Information Systems from Bowling Green UniversityBA in Marketing from Bowling Green University.Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) from the Project Management Institute,Certified Process Professional Champion (CPPC) from the BP Group. The Goldman Sachs 1,000K Small Business Program Certificate in Conversational-IQ from the CreatingWE Institute The Dartmouth University Tuck School of Business Executive ProgramCertification in Narrative Coaching by Dr. David Drake Member of the Industry Leaders Group (ILG) Presentation Power Program 

Direct Use of Natural Gas vs. Electrification

The emerging push toward electrification has gained traction in many areas, but is it really a beneficial alternative to the direct use of natural gas? This webinar reviews the background of electrification and examines the impact it would have on efficiency, carbon emissions, and the cost of energy in the U.S. The participant will learn how to communicate in a positive way about the role of natural gas in the future. You will learn:History of electrification in the U.S.Why various groups are pushing for a different type of electrificationWhat electrification would mean for consumers and energy companiesAbout the impact on carbon emissions and energy pricesHow to communicate effectively about this subjectWHO SHOULD ATTEND Any industry employees interested in improving their knowledge of the industry and their communication skills, particularly those that are engaged in any way with the public.Instructor Information:Bill Cantrell, Executive Liaison at Southern Gas Association (SGA)William N. (Bill) Cantrell is the Executive Liaison at Southern Gas Association (SGA). With more than 40 years of experience, he has become a trusted leader across the energy industry and developed a passion for working to advance the field. Before joining SGA Bill was president and chief executive officer at SourceGas, now part of Black Hills Corp., an SGA member company. In 2009, he led SGA as chairman of the board of directors. Bill worked for TECO Energy for over 34 years, with the last 12 years serving as President of Peoples Gas. He received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. 

Natural Gas Station Design Best Practices

While various natural gas operators have standard ways of designing and constructing gas metering and regulating assets, applying best practices and improvements to standard approaches will increase safety and resiliency in each system. Station Design Best Practices will discuss many design considerations and philosophies that inform many areas of best practices including site layout, launchers & receivers, piping design, filtration, tank storage, metering design, heaters, pressure regulation, piping supports & equipment foundations, odorization and site security.WHO SHOULD ATTEND Natural Gas Operators, Engineers, Project Management, Construction Management, Distribution Operations and Maintenance professionals.Instructor Information:James Culbertson, Pipeline Engineer, Burns & McDonnellMr. Culbertson graduated with B.S. in Engineering from the University of Akron in 2011. He spent 2 years working as an Operations Engineer and 6 years as a Facility Design Engineer with NiSource before joining the Pipelines Department with Burns & McDonnell in 2018. He presently serves Burns & McDonnell as a Pipeline Engineer providing design services for transmission and distribution pipeline facility projects.  Mr. Culbertson has experience in planning, designing, managing and constructing Metering and Regulating Stations which typically include the installation of launching and receiving traps to support pipeline in-line inspection, gas conditioning equipment to include filter/separators and natural gas-fired heaters, flow measurement, overpressure protection and natural gas odorization equipment. He has experience with natural gas systems and is knowledgeable in CFR 49 Part 192, AMSE B31.8 and API regulations. C. David Slavin, P.E., Project Engineer, Burns & McDonnellMr. Slavin graduated Magna Cum Laude with B.S in Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. He started with Burns & McDonnell in 2011 where he presently serves as a Project Engineer providing design and project management services, while specializing in Transmission and Distribution Pipeline Facilities, specifically related to measurement and overpressure protection facilities. Mr. Slavin has experience in planning, designing and managing a multiple discipline team to execute the engineering of various Metering and Regulating Stations ranging from 6 MMSCFD to 1BCFD which typically include overpressure protection, flow metering, launching and receiving traps, electrical and control buildings, manual and remote operated valves, odorization, filter/separators, water bath heaters and natural gas analyzers.

Contractor PSMS and Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Why Should Operators Engage their Contractors on PSMS and QMS?API RP-1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems - PSMS) requires operators to define, document, and measure multiple processes and activities where they use contractors. In many cases, contractors constitute a large percentage of an operator’s workforce and play a big role in ensuring the quality of new pipelines constructed and the identification and mitigation of threats identified during contracted O&M activities.In this session, we will identify and discuss the various reasons why operators should engage their contractors to help ensure the quality and integrity of new pipelines constructed and their ongoing safety. Learning Objectives:Learn why it is important to engage your contractors in your PSMS programLearn how you can involve your contractors in your PSMS programLearn about Quality Management Systems for pipeline construction and why you should embrace itWHO SHOULD ATTEND Natural gas operators, engineers, and contractors Instructor Information:Stephen Allen, Executive Director of Pipeline Safety, Energy WorldnetMr. Allen oversees EWN’s Pipeline Safety Division and advocates for the adoption of PSMS concepts and approaches across the pipeline industry. Prior to joining EWN in 2018, he was the Director of Pipeline Safety for the state of Indiana where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with pipeline safety regulations for all intrastate operators. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Transportation in 2016 to PHMSA’s Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) where he served until joining EWN. Mr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration from Butler University and is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant in the state of Indiana.

DOT 192 Compliance Workshop for Natural Gas Pipeline Operators

When people hear the word "regulations" they grow concerned about weaving through the maze of Federal Register documents to find what they are looking for. In addition, there is the challenge of reading and really understanding what the regulations say and more importantly what they mean. That is no different than understanding and applying what is commonly referred to in the industry as the "DOT Regulations". More specifically, those in our industry must understand 49 CFR Part 190, 191 & 192. Just looking through the table of contents can be daunting for a newcomer to the industry or those who are transitioning into positions within their organization that require them to understand the regulations. This workshop provides attendees an opportunity to learn from subject matter experts in the industry with the instructors, but also allows them the opportunity to network with one another and develop connections to reach out to upon your return to your office. This workshop will address the upcoming Mega Rule Changes including discussions of the new requirements, and a review of situations when the new requirements would be triggered. In addition, what is TVC (Traceable Verifiable and Complete) and the newest technologies available to meet requirements.Instructor Information: John S. Zurcher, Principal, P-PIC John has spent 30 years in the gas pipeline industry, actively involved in pipeline safety. He served as vice president of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, Pipeline Group, consulting to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators, trade associations and research organizations, Previously, he worked for Columbia Gas Transmission Company as manager of field services, responsible for company compliance with federal regulations, management of capital budget programs, and development of the corporation's risk management program. At Tenneco Energy, he was director of pipeline services, where he oversaw corrosion control, geographic information system development, applied systems, and pipeline rehabilitation, integrity, and safety projects. With PanEnergy Corporation, Coastal Corporation, and Colorado Interstate Gas Company, his duties included design and operations, codes and standards, corrosion control, telecommunications, geographic information systems, and facility design and construction.John is presently a member of NACE\ and ASME and serves on the B31.8 Section Committee. John has been chair of the INGAA Pipeline Safety Committee and the GRI System Integrity and System Operations Committee. He was a member of the DOT Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, the DOT Risk Management Quality Action Team and their Mapping Quality Action Team. He has testified on behalf of the industry before the U. S. Congress on several occasions on matters relating to pipeline safety.  John is presently a member of NACE and ASME and serves on the B31.8 Section Committee. John has been chair of the INGAA Pipeline Safety Committee and the GRI System Integrity and System Operations Committee. He was a member of the DOT Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, the DOT Risk Management Quality Action Team and their Mapping Quality Action Team. He has testified on behalf of the industry before the U. S. Congress on several occasions on matters relating to pipeline safety. John is presently a member of NACE and ASME and serves on the B31.8 Section Committee. John has been chair of the INGAA Pipeline Safety Committee and the GRI System Integrity and System Operations Committee. He was a member of the DOT Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, the DOT Risk Management Quality Action Team and their Mapping Quality Action Team. He has testified on behalf of the industry before the U. S. Congress on several occasions on matters relating to pipeline safety.

Combustion Stabilization in Reciprocating Engines and Its Impact on Reliability

Legacy reciprocating engines are critical assets to all pipeline companies.  The method in which they are monitored and maintained significantly impacts each asset's overall life cycle.  Combustion stabilization within this equipment has the potential to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions, extend mean time between failure (MTBF), improve fuel economy and extend its useful life. This course is a continuation of the GMRC Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines course (available on-demand) in which deeper concepts will be explored.  Attendees will be educated through presentation, virtual interaction and demonstration by use of a simulator built by the instructor.  Join us in exploring a unique perspective on Combustion Stabilization in Reciprocating Engines and its Impact on Reliability.    You will learn:Combustion and Fire Triangle ReviewWhat is Fuel Balancing?Importance of Fuel Balancing/Combustion StabilizationSteps to Complete Fuel BalancingAir/Fuel Ratio vs Trapped Equivalency RatioFuel Balancing Components (Mechanical Breakdown)Impact of Balancing/Stabilization on EmissionsBalancing Utilizing a Windrock PA SystemIntroduction to Equalization LinesFull 'Virtual' Demonstration Utilizing a Fuel Rail SimulatorWHO SHOULD ATTEND All level Engineers, Analysts, Technicians, Mechanics, FSRs, Project Managers and Reliability Engineers interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of Fuel Rail Balancing and Combustion StabilizationInstruction Information:Mary Savalle, PMP, RECA passionate and unapologetic advocate for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) educational opportunities, Detroit native Mary Savalle attended Wayne State University and completed her final year of undergraduate studies at Polytechnica Universidad de Puerto Rico.Her multi-faceted career began with DTE and includes experience with large natural gas engines and compressors, diagnosing engine/compressor defects, leadership at the largest gas storage facility in Michigan, supporting the Continuous Improvement Department, Reliability Engineer, Principal Reliability Engineer, and Capital Project Manager.Mary’s professional credentials include:BS in Mechanical EngineeringLean Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)Reliability Engineering Certification (REC) through Clemson University.  She has published industry papers, travels nationally teaching courses on internal combustion engine concepts and has developed training devices for kinesthetic learners. She has worked with companies around the world in research, analysis and training activities.Mary’s passion for STEAM and community has resulted in partnerships with a local art store and elementary school to teach children STEAM concepts. Utilizing art and artifacts to create an interactive and engaging experience for 50 students each month, Mary is striving to ignite the STEAM movement in the next generation.

Environmental Compliance During Pipeline Design

This two-day virtual workshop takes you through the pipeline construction and inspection process—from a general overview of the environmental inspection program to revegetation activities after construction is complete. Attendees will gain an overall understanding of elements of a pipeline construction project and how the job of an environmental inspector fits in with the overall inspection team.Instructor Information:Stacey Attella, Scott Rowland, Steve Riggs, Tim Drake, Chris Cable

Technical and Business Writing

Tips, tools and successful techniques for Technical and Business writing.It has never been more important to have good, efficient writing skills!Join our web conference to learn tips, tools and successful techniques for technical and business writing. With the vast amount of information communicated in today's corporations, business professionals need to write in a style that conveys information succinctly and efficiently. Presenter: Industry Experts 

Looking to the Future: Understanding the Economics of Natural Gas

Timely topics from the SGA Fall Leadership Conference, Dr. Stanaland has the ability to make a complex subject such as economics understandable and entertaining. Dr. Stanaland is now the president of GSE Inc., an economics and management consulting firm. For twenty years, he was a member of the Economics Department at Auburn University in Alabama, and he was the head of the department for the last eight of those years. He is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, and his business involvements are far-reaching. Dr. Stanaland is on the board of directors of several institutions. Presenter: Stanland, Gene PhD

Post Election Political Climate - What Can We Expect?

In this presentation, recorded live at the November SGA Executive Conference, Karen Alderman Harbert describes what the natural gas industry can expect from the post election political climate. Harbert breaks down the November election results, she discusses the fiscal cliff and gives an in-depth outlook of the new energy reality. Presenter: Harbert, Karen Alderman

Pipeline Safety Road Ahead

In this presentation recorded live at the November SGA Executive Conference, Andy Drake discussed the road ahead with regards to pipeline safety and Integrity Management and Continuous Improvement. He addressed the expectations of new regulations and what can operators do to position themselves to succeed in the future. This video is from a presentation given by Andy Drake, Vice President of Engineering and Construction, Spectra Energy at the SGA Executive Conference held on November 12, 2012. Presenter: Andy Drake

Post Election Economic Outlook

In this presentation, recorded live at the November SGA Executive Conference, Nariman Behravesh, discusses the post election economic outlook. He advises that the most likely outcome remains continued, moderate growth in 2013, followed by faster growth in 2014 and 2015. Behravesh states the biggest risks remain Europe and that the American people have voted for compromise and moderation. Presenter: Behravesh, Nariman

Regulatory Compliance Update 2012

2012 Update on Regulatory Compliance issues.Jeff Wiese will talk about the just released PHMSA Strategic Plan. He will provide an overview of how PHMSA works with Congress, promulgates regulation, and creates final regulations through the stages of auditing operators on regulations. Presenter: Industry Experts

Improve Your Personal Internet Security

Improve Your Personal Internet Security Webinar: Learn how to prevent malicious internet issues on your computer and make sure your company does not get infected by a virus from you! Presenter: Carver, Bill

Training Best Practices: Learning Trends

This web conference sponsored by the SGA Technology Training Committee will take an in-depth look at how organizational learning is CHANGING and NOT CHANGING. Several committee members / Natural Gas industry professionals had the opportunity to participate in general learning conferences including Elliott Masie’s Learning Directions seminar and the Annual ASAE Meeting (The Center for Association Leadership). We will review lessons learned from the sessions and how to apply those best practices to the natural gas industry. Presenter: Industry Experts

Post-Election: Looking to the Future

Website Viewers - anytime beginning at 8 AM on December 13. Post-Election Political Climate In this presentation, Karen Alderman Harbert describes what the natural gas industry can expect from the postelection political climate. Harbert breaks down the November election results; she discusses the fiscal cliff and gives an in-depth outlook of the new energy reality. Topics to be discussed include: • What does the election mean for the energy industry? • Fiscal Cliff? • New energy reality • Need for realism in the US strategy – NO Silver Bullet! Post-Election Economic Outlook Overview: In this presentation, Nariman Behravesh, discusses the post-election economic outlook. He advises that the most likely outcome remains continued, moderate growth in 2013, followed by faster growth in 2014 and 2015. Behravesh states the biggest risks remain Europe and that the American people have voted for compromise and moderation. Topics to be discussed include: • Are we in another “soft patch” or is this something worse? • Will we really fall off the “fiscal cliff?” • How vulnerable are we to the European mess? Presenter: Industry Experts

Culture of Compliance in the Natural Gas Industry

In an effort to keep our members up-to-date on a number of ongoing regulatory compliance issues that operators have to deal with on a regular basis, Clifton Phillips with the SGA DOT Compliance Program is hosting this webinar for SGA Network. Topics will include: Update on the Traceability Roundtable Update on GTI Efforts Regarding Traceability Recordkeeping for Mechanical Fittings, Pipe, etc. Enhancing Relations with Emergency Responders Presenter: SGA Industry Panel

Customer Service (Web Conference)

Techniques are taught and reinforced for setting and implementing a plan for improved Customer satisfaction. Presenter: Henry, Vickie

Damage Prevention and Public Awareness

This first section of the SGA News Update from the 2012 SGA Operating Conference and Exhibits is on damage prevention and bringing awareness to the public. Some companies are taking a new and different twist promotion. Features include: the 811 One Call Concepts custom chopper, the Texas Pipeline Awareness Alliance (TPAA) and the Chesapeake CNG chopper.  Presenter: Industry Experts

Transmission Integrity Management

The Second segment of the SGA News Update from the 2012 SGA Operating Conference and Exhibits takes a closer look at Transmission Integrity Management and how INGAA is working to build trust with neighbors and regulators. Features Keith Leewis, P-Pic and Larry Hjalmarson, Williams. It also focuses on how we build trust with the public and emergency officials through crisis communication. Features Glen Boatwright, Nixon & Associates. Presenter: Industry Experts

Overview of Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)

This session took place during the Gas Control Roundtable at the SGA Operating Conference and Exhibits in Fort Worth, TX on July 24th, 2012. Charles Alday, from Pipeline Performance Group presented this web conference as an Overview of FRMS. Presenter: Alday, Charles

Leadership for the Natural Gas Industry Certification

Natural Gas Ambassadors - Abundant

Helping employees engage our spheres of influence to understand the benefits natural gas can play in energy and in the future of our country. Presenter: Industry Experts

Natural Gas Ambassadors - Affordable

Helping employees engage our spheres of influence to understand the benefits natural gas can play in energy and in the future of our country. Presenter: Industry Experts

Natural Gas Ambassadors - Clean

Helping employees engage our spheres of influence to understand the benefits natural gas can play in energy and in the future of our country. Presenter: Industry Experts

The Power of Partnership

Tisch’s leadership philosophy, explored in his best-selling book, The Power of We: Succeeding Through Partnerships, provides a blueprint for achieving enduring success through partnerships that empower employees, satisfy customers, contribute to communities, and improve the bottom line. At its core, The Power of We is about putting aside differences to work together for a greater good. In today’s complex world, no one person can solve all problems; we must work together. The Power of We is collaborative, not competitive and is an idea that is timelier than ever. Presenter: Tisch, Jonathan M.

Rating Midstream Energy Companies

Michael Grande, Standard & Poor’s, shares Rates that Natural Gas Companies are experiencing across the Value Chain.  He also discusses recent Credit Actions on Natural Gas Pipelines and M&A Transactions.

Sharing Our Experiences with Social Media

Natural gas companies are now using social media for recruiting, brand building, crisis management and community relations. Marketing, Communications, Legal and IT are partnering to get social media channels launched. This panel of industry executives provides some real life case studies that are sure to spark discussion.  Presenters: Jones, Chris; Pike, Arthur; Seitz, Jim; Womer, Scott

What Do World Class Innovators Do That Others Don't Do?

One of the world’s leading global futurists, trends and innovation experts with a massive blue chip client base, Jim Carroll is a frequent keynote speaker at major events and conferences, dinners, awards presentations and PR launch events worldwide. Presenter: Carroll, Jim

Natural Gas Plays in the Future of Energy

At the 2012 SGA Management Conference, The Honorable Barry T. Smitherman discusses the role Natural Gas plays in the future of energy. Including discussions about Texas supply predictions, Future shale projections, Environmental leadership, Hydraulic fracturing study. Presenter: Smitherman, Barry T.

Is Natural Gas in a Bubble or is History Repeating Itself?

Tom Ruck with Conoco Phillips, an advocate for the natural gas industry, shares strategies of success for price risk, crisis price management & outlook and Natural Gas Fundamentals Presenter: Ruck, Tom

Lowe's Utility Partnership Program

Christa Osswald, Lowe's Utility Program Manager, shares information about Lowe's utility partnership program. Presenter: Osswald, Christa

Safety Culture Part 1 - David Prewitt

Former CEO of Rotocraft and Managing Director of Safety for FedEx Worldwide Aviation Operations David Prewitt presents during the 2012 SGA Management Conference at Barton Creek in Austin Texas. Presenter: Prewitt, David

Safety Culture Part 2 - Alan Mayberry

Presenter: Mayberry, Alan

Safety Culture Part 3 - Christopher Hart

National Safety Board Vice Chairman Christopher Hart presents during the 2012 SGA Management Conference at Barton Creek in Austin Texas. Presenter: Hart, Christopher

SGA Learning & Developoment Community

This is a place for SGA members responsible for Learning and Development to gather and share ideas.

Distribution Integrity Management Update 2012

This LIVE web conference from the SGA Spring Gas Conference & Expo will focus on "what's next" for compliance with the DOT 192 Distribution Integrity Management rule. Several regulators from PHMSA and Public Service Commissions are confirmed to share their perspective on compliance. Operators who have been audited will share their experiences and lessons learned. Presenter: Industry Experts

The Smell of Gas

Dr. Economides, the keynote speaker at the SGA Supply Chain Management Conference, in San Antonio, Texas shares his expert opinion on the future of Natural Gas. Natural gas, at prices significantly below BTU parity with oil for a long time to come, will certainly play a pivotal role in world energy supply and will move towards becoming the premier fuel of the world economy. A significant feature of future gas prices is that they are likely to be technology driven, similar to oil prices, rather than resources driven. Shale production and widely available LNG facilities will unify the price of gas internationally and reduce its seasonality in the not too distant future Presenter: Economides, Michael J.

Personal Branding Interview

Valerie Sokolosky will discuss: How strong is your Brand? Why is Personal Branding so important? How do you CREATE a brand? Presenter: Sokolosky, Valerie

US Economic Outlook: Waking the Economy Up from a Bad Dream

The nature of the presentation is an analysis of the current economic condition. Dr. Stanaland was the keynote speaker at the SGA Executive Conference in November 2011. Presenter: Stanland, Gene PhD

Professional Image: Life Looks Better When You Do

Life Looks Better When You Do: What you wear, how you accessorize and how you comb your hair IS your business. It also impacts those critical first and lasting impressions that are critical to business success. Creating a professional presence that projects self-confidence, personal style and business competence doesn't happen by accident. This month, we will share tips on how to identify your personal style and how to create an image that conveys the message that you are competent, confident and capable. Presenter: Deborah O'Connor

Developing Skills for Renewal (Web Conf)

SGA Network’s July video broadcast/webcast delved into embracing the cycle of change both personally and professionally. We learned the characteristics of the cycles and how to deal with them. This live web conference with Kim Woodward takes change to another level. We all have pasts and one of life‘s secret commands is for each of us to use our individual set of yesterdays well so that we can be renewed. Using our pasts creatively and well is a secret because no one tells us how important this life task is for our futures. Presenter: Woodward, Kim

Trust and Ethics: Standing Up for What You Believe

A company’s or an individual’s VISION is generally tied to its core values. Unless that vision and those core values are maintained and upheld on a significant basis, trust falters. There is a direct correlation between ethics and trust. A presentation on how to engage others, exhibit and elicit passionate participation in your vision. As a leader, manager, and employee you must stand up for what you believe. You must model the way with integrity, openness, and accountability. Presenter: Barrett, Kayla

Knowledge Transfer & Succession Planning (Web Conf) copy 1

Are you concerned that soon your workforce will face the impending, and recently stalled, talent exodus? Whether you’re an employee looking to grow into another role or a manager leading - this live web conference will help you understand the importance of measuring outcomes, not processes; and how to keep succession developments simple and realistic. Presenter: Collins, Jane

Value Alignment: Setting Goals (Web Conf)

Effective goal setting strategies. Goals must serve both the needs of the company and employees to be effective. Goals must contribute directly to short- and long-term business strategies and corporate vision. For employees, goals must be clear, objective, and understandable. Bryan Dodge teaches a powerful, step-by-step program for goal-setting. Presenter: Dodge, Bryan

Increasing Productivity & Quality In Your Work

This broadcast featuring Frank Coy will provide principles of individual and organizational efficiency and productivity, as well as practical ideas you can implement today to streamline your work, eliminate non-value-added tasks, including rework, and improve your processes. Presenter: Coy, Frank

Interpersonal and Technical Skills

Part 2 of the Customer Communication Skills Principals and Practices series. Presenter: Debra, Ballard

Knowledge Transfer

Training Professionals Roundtable Presentation Presenter: Cook, Judy; PSNC Energy

Individual Learning & Development Opportunities (Web Conference)

Are you responsible for your professional development? A new generation of employees will pursue a balanced approach for their continual development - making use of the most innovative teaching methods, from Web-based learning techniques, computer simulations, case stud- ies, lectures, social networking, role-playing experiences, to team and individual projects. This kind of learning stimulates the demanding, high-energy environment that is rooted in everyday business reality. Presenters: Bragg, John; Corey, Natalie; Hinkle, Doug; McElearney, Bonnie; McDonald, Lex; Ramsey, Dori

The Carrot Principle

Presenter: Gostick, Adrian

Brilliant Service is the Bottom Line

I’m NOT a salesperson...or AM I? We all have customers - internal and external. So what is good customer service? This web conference will explore how to build better relationships, listen, deal with complaints, and take the extra step to provide excellent customer service. Presenter: Bailey, Simon T.

Creating a Performance Culture: How You Can Contribute (Broadcast)

Too many businesses lose sight of the importance of a coherent company culture, or they have limited knowledge about how to develop and sustain it. This program will address why culture is so important and how employees are the greatest assets to setting and driving corporate culture. Learn how you can be a positive force for culture. Presenter: Jones, David

CONFLICT: Fair Fighting (Broadcast)

This program will explore the importance of dealing with conflict in a healthy, win-win manner and the tendencies and pitfalls of conflict avoidance. Viewers will be provided critical steps for dealing with conflict and managing their own emotions and behaviors during times of conflict. Presenter: Swindling, Linda

The Buck Starts Here

Take responsibility Presenter: Vrla, Kelli

When Turtles Fly

Competencies: Problem Solving, Initiative Presenter: Stone, Nikki

Improve Knowledge Transfer through Peer Mentoring

Mentoring is a process where one person facilitates the development of another by sharing known resources, expertise, values, skills, perspectives, attitudes & proficiencies. It allows the learner to build skills & knowledge while attaining goals for personal & career development. It also provides the opportunity for the more experienced person to further enhance his or her skill & knowledge areas by continuously reassessing & building on those areas. This web conference will explore ways to use mentoring as a technique for capturing & transferring knowledge in organizations. Presenter: Trautman, Steve

Success Without Getting Squashed (Broadcast)

The intention of this program is to help individuals effectively deal with their own time/resources. Some topics of discussion may be: how and when to say “no,” how to prioritize, how to combat procrastination, use of Outlook or other time organizational tool. Presenter: Jones, Loflin

Build Consensus - Managing a Project

Presenter: Samuel, Mark

Overcoming Buffaloes - Keeping Skills Fresh

In today’s changing marketplace how do we keep our skills fresh and maintain personal relevance in our organizations? In this broadcast, Dr. Kituku will help you discover tips on how to become multifunctional, assume nothing, use network and teamwork skills, stay in school and balance and blend relationships. Presenter: Kituku, Vincent

What Are You Really Saying

Frequently people misunderstand what someone else has said to them, especially when it comes through a memo or e-mail. This can lead to a great deal of turmoil at work and affect morale. Learn tips on how to overcome barriers to communication. Presenter: Hargrave, Jan

Workforce Planning - Hiring Top Talent

There are 3 keys to building a top performing company—selection, selection, and selection—so HIRING is your most important job! In this program you'll learn practical techniques to maximize your recruiting horsepower while avoiding costly hiring blunders. Participants will learn NEW recruiting "take-aways" on bridging strategy into realistic implementation. Presenter: Abramson, Daniel

Failure Is Not Final

Against the advice of his lawyer ... against the direction of the Navy ... Scott Waddle followed his conscience. When the U.S. nuclear submarine collided with a Japanese fishing boat in February 2001, the story made international headlines. Navy Commander Scott Waddle, captain of the USS Greeneville, was at the center of the controversy. Scott tells the compelling story about his tragic ordeal and the choices that followed. It's a lesson about integrity, faith, and resilience. Presenter: Waddle, Scott

Power of Purposed Performance

The Power of Purposed Performance will open your eyes to the need for a foundational operating system for human performance in the 21st century. “Philosophical fitness” will be presented as the greatest challenge we face in this information age. Because of a lack of fitness with regard to thinking skills, the majority of us operate from a “victims” vantage point. Allen Tappe, President of The Tappe Group, will share his insights. Presenter: Tappe, Allen

Knowledge Management

Our newest release offers select thought-provoking segments from the most top-viewed SGA Network video programs focusing on Knowledge Management. In this 30 minute bundled video highlight, we’ll showcase what knowledge management is, and how you can start organizing knowledge within your own organization, thereby saving money and increasing productivity. In this collection you will view the best elements from the following videos with Brad Kampf, Interliance Consulting Inc. 1. Future Workforce—Preserving Our Legacy: Every day the challenge of managing a workforce seems to be changing.  Many companies have begun to develop plans to address their retirement issues but retirement is not the only issue companies will be facing with regards to attrition. 2. Creating Pathways for Knowledge and Skills—Energy companies are bracing for an unprecedented challenge: Losing valuable company assets, their most experienced & knowledgeable employees, to retirement & other workforce demographic changes. Learn how to identify what knowledge must be captured, how to prioritize the most important areas and strategies to use for each.  Presenter: Kamph, Brad

Regulatory Compliance: Focus on LNG

Presenter: Helm, Charlie

Training Best Practices Roundtable Discussion "E-luctance"

In this webinar learn from your peers how they embrace technology at their companies. Whether it is training new computer systems, integrating Kindles in the field or effectively using SharePoint, we are all reluctant to change in one way or another; it is just not always the way you might think. We all assume that younger folks will embrace technology and older folks will shun it. This session takes a look at the reality that is often quite different. We will explore what each company has experienced and learn what your peers have done to capitalize on the findings. This will be a roundtable discussion. Moderators will pose questions and panelists will talk about specific projects that involved implementation of technology and the reluctance, challenges, barriers and/or resistance displayed. Panelists: • Jean Lowry, Information Technology Training, Energen • Sally Kania, IT Support, Lewisburg Gas Department • Beverly Scruggs, Scana Moderators: Doug Hinkle & Natalie Corey, Southern Gas Association In this webinar learn from your peers how they embrace technology at their companies. Whether it is training new computer systems, integrating Kindles in the field or effectively using SharePoint, we are all reluctant to change in one way or another; it is just not always the way you might think. We all assume that younger folks will embrace technology and older folks will shun it. This session takes a look at the reality that is often quite different. We will explore what each company has experienced and learn what your peers have done to capitalize on the findings. This will be a roundtable discussion. Moderators will pose questions and panelists will talk about specific projects that involved implementation of technology and the reluctance, challenges, barriers and/or resistance displayed. Panelists: • Jean Lowry, Information Technology Training, Energen • Sally Kania, IT Support, Lewisburg Gas Department • Beverly Scruggs, Scana Moderators: Doug Hinkle & Natalie Corey, Southern Gas Association Presenter: Industry Panelists

NGV Update: Natural Gas As A Transportation Fuel

The two presenters on this archived program on NGV Updates include Frank Chapel with Apache Corp and Ana Hargrove with CenterPoint Energy. Frank Chapel – Apache Corp - Frank is the Co-Chair of the Drive Natural Gas Initiative (DNGI) will provide an update on the recently released TIAX LLC study sponsored by ANGA  examining the key technological, economic, regulatory and political drivers and challenges shaping the NGV market. He will also provide an update on the Apache NGV program and share their experience with operations and growth. Ana Hargrove – CenterPoint Energy - Ana will provide an update on the CenterPoint NGV program and dealing with operational and growth challenges.  Presenters: Hargrove, Ana; Chapel, Frank; Hargrove, Ana

Updates and Lessons Learned in Response to the PG&E Incident in San Bruno

From the Public Awareness and Damage Prevention Roundtable This session was webcast live from the SGA Operating Conference & Exhibits on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013.  The Public Awareness and Damage Prevention Roundtable focused on lessons learned presentations and a panel discussions examining the use of email to reach emergency responders. Ms. Cowsert’s presentation, featured in this video exert from the live webcast, highlighted lessons learned in response to PG&E incident at San Bruno. Topics discussed include: Gas pipeline public awareness Setting Targets and Strategies Increasing Awareness Improving Response Readiness Preventing Damage Presenter: Christine Chapman Cowsert

Secret to Happiness

Presenter: Urich, Andrew

Planning for Retirement

How to best prepare for your retirement with the changing financial landscape. Learn how retirement considerations have changed including the new role of healthcare and social security. Make sure that you are planning to cover your essentials, ensure your lifestyle and prepare for the unexpected.  Get valuable take away tips they will allow you to begin your planning or revise your existing plan immediately. Presenter: Les Myers

Kids KNOW that Natural Gas is Good!

What do kids know about Natural Gas? Do they understand the benefits? When they grow up there WILL be LOTS of jobs in the energy industry. What is YOUR future in Natural gas? Presenter: Kids 

Your Future in Natural Gas

Our industry looks to attract new talent and retain key employees to keep us moving forward. What better way for employees to learn how they can continue to climb the natural gas ladder than from their industry leaders. • How did you get your first job? • What was your first day on the job like? • What was your most interesting day on the job? • Do you have any advice to give to someone looking to start their career in NG or looking to advance their career? • What kinds of leadership training offer at your organization?

Economic Insight

One of the country’s most in formed economists, Alan Beaulieu is a principal ofthe ITR Economics where he serves asPresident. Since 1990, he has been consul?ng with companiesthroughouttheUS, Europe, and Asia on how to forecast, plan, and increase profits based on business cycle trend analysis.Hemakes up to 150 appearances each year,and his keynotes and seminars have helped thousands of business owners and executives capitalize on emergingtrends. Presenter: Alan Beaulieu

The Business of Natural Gas

Learn how we make money in the Natural Gas business through this five minute animated video short.

Joint Session Roundtable "Creating a culture of safety" Session 2

Moderator – Tommy Kilpatrick, NiSource Panelists: Gary Close, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Jerry Forest, Celanese Timothy J. Logan, Southwest Airlines, Co  Topics Discussed: • Culture – How do we know when            we have it? Reporting Culture Voluntary Disclosure Safety over Blame • Strategic Planning Human error investigations Safety handbook • Lessons Learned • Other follow-up discussion Presenter: Tommy Kilpatrick, NiSource

Panel on Safety Culture Implementation Part 1 – Nuclear Power Industry

How do you instill a culture of safety in your organization? What works well? What does not work well? This is 1 of 3 sessions recorded live from the SGA management Conference on April 2013 in New Orleans, LA. These sessions were jointly sponsored by: Transmission Operating Executives and Midstream Operating Executives. This is one of three presentations delivered during Session 1: Panel on Safety Culture Implementation moderated by Tommy Kilpatrick, NiSource.   This session focuses on the Nuclear Power Industry and is presented by Gary Close, Director of Site Services, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Diablo Canyon Nuclear Generating Station.   Topics discussed: Understand how principles of safety culture have been incorporated into day to day activities. Grasp the role leaders must play in understanding and creating a strong safety culture Presenter: Gary Close

Panel on Safety Culture Implementation Part 2 – Petrochemical Industry

How do you instill a culture of safety in your organization? What works well? What does not work well? This is 1 of 3 sessions recorded live from the SGA management Conference on April 2013 in New Orleans, LA. These sessions were jointly sponsored by: Transmission Operating Executives and Midstream Operating Executives. This is one of three presentations delivered during Session 1: Panel on Safety Culture Implementation moderated by Tommy Kilpatrick, NiSource.   This session focuses on the Petrochemical Industry and is presented by Jerry Forest, Global Process Safety Manager, Celanese.   Topics discussed: What is Culture? What are the principles, key elements & essential features of a process safety culture? How do you measure it? What are some practical actions you can take? Presenter: Forest, Jerry

Panel on Safety Culture Implementation Part 3 – Airline Industry

How do you instill a culture of safety in your organization? What works well? What does not work well? This is 1 of 3 sessions recorded live from the SGA management Conference on April 2013 in New Orleans, LA. These sessions were jointly sponsored by: Transmission Operating Executives and Midstream Operating Executives. This is one of three presentations delivered during Session 1: Panel on Safety Culture Implementation moderated by Tommy Kilpatrick, NiSource.   This session focuses on the Airline Industry and is presented by Timothy J. Logan, Senior Director, Safety Risk Management, Southwest Airlines, Co  Topics discussed: History & Future of Southwest Safety culture change Safety Management System Presenter: Logan, Timothy

Network News Live Reviewing Switch

On Friday, April 19, the SGA Network was proud to work with the producers of the documentary, "Switch" to simulcast (LIVE satellite broadcast and Webcast) the movie to our members.  Following the program, the documentary's author and producer, Dr. Scott Tinker, from the University of Texas, and Harry Lynch, joined our members live (via technology) to answer questions. This short webinar shows you how you can recreate the event in your office. You can view the 30 minute archived recording of their Q&A session with SGA members here on the SGA Network's video library. If you still have questions regarding "Switch" and the natural gas industry, you can email Harry Lynch directly switch@arcosfilms.com

Technology Etiquette: Making Technology Work for You

A full email inbox, countless text messages, meetings running over and your cell phone keeps ringing. The explosion of communication technology in the workplace is designed to make us all more connected and productive. So why does it often seem we are working longer and harder, while accomplishing less? In this course, we will look at how the thinking that happens before you power on your device, make a request or manage a meeting, often determines the outcome. Presenters: Fisher, Doug; Teter, David

The Fine Art of Small Talk

Presenter: Fine, Debra

Gas Control Activity Plans: Developing & Managing Activity Plans & How to use in CRM Plans

Developing & Managing Activity Plans & How to use in CRM Plans Presenter: Industry Experts

Natural Gas Vehicles

2011 SGA Operating Conference Presenter: Yborra, Stephe

Conversations in Conflict (Web Conf)

What are you talking about? Have you ever asked yourself this question when talking to a colleague or customer? This live web conference will share tips on how to resolve points of conflict in conversations. Participants will learn the 5 strategies for responding to conflict and communication techniques to deal with difficult situations. Presenter: Peterson, Russ

Data Integration and Management

2011 SGA Operating Conference Presenter: Purgason, Bob

Pipeline Integrity Update

2011 SGA Operating Conference Presenter: Rosenfeld, Mike

Gas Quality - Past and Present

2011 SGA Operating Conference Presenter: Poellnitz, Hank

Ethics and Safety: Compliance to Commitment (Web Conf)

Integrating ethics and compliance at all levels is important, especially with regards to safety. In this live web conference discover tools and effective practices for ensuring that the message of trust and ethics gets imbedded into all layers of the organization. Learn the skills you can use to ensure that the unsafe act is stopped and changed sustainably.Based on timely research this web conference will help you understand what is happening in industry now and the skills necessary to avoid pitfalls. Presenter: Ragain, Phillip

Project Management: Assessing the Risks (Web Conf - Session 3)

Session 3:Develop contingency plans Presenter: Jones, Milt - Web Conference

Natural Gas in the Transportation Fuel Market

SGA Management Conference Presenter: Galbraith, Carl

Update on INGAA Pipeline Safety Initiatives

SGA Management Conference Feedback: Helms, Chris

Driver Observation - CenterPoint

C-Safe Safety Observation. Safety Best Practices Presenter: Centerpoint Employees

Focus on Safety - NICOR

Focus on Safety. Safety Best Practices Presenter: NICOR Employees

Power Hungry - The Myths of Green Energy

SGA Management Conference  Presenter: Bryce, Robert

Project Management: Setting the Scope (Web Conf - Session 2)

Supervisor Observation - CenterPoint

C-Safe Safety Observation. Safety Best Practices Presenter: Centerpoint Employees

Natural Gas Emergencies - SCEG

Eye on SCANA Emergency Safety. Safety Best Practices. Presenter: SCE&G Employees

Gas Control Schedules & Survey of SGA Members

Presenter: Industry Experts

Hydraulic Fracturing: The plain facts…Hold the Hysteria!

In November, the Southern Gas Association, ESC and several utility companies, partnered as an industry to host a LIVE Virtual Conference for Architects and Engineers.  The webcast helped to build stronger relationships with architects, engineers, builders and key customers This 30-minute video is a portion of that LIVE webcast.  Are you wondering “What the Frac(k)?” about hydraulic fracturing?   In this segment, George King addresses the many questions around hydraulic frackuring.  Topics to be addressed include:   Facts of frequency and environmental impact Well failure rates Reasons behind the anti-frac hysteria King, George E.

Personal Accountability (Broadcast)

In today’s business culture, the lack of personal accountability is a problem that has resulted in an epidemic of blame, complaining, and procrastination. No organization – or individual can achieve its goals, compete in the marketplace, fulfill its vision, or develop people and teams without personal accountability. The solution is an entirely new approach – characterized by new thinking and behaviors – where we no longer give lip service to teamwork, but ask, “What can I do to contribute?” and “How can I make a difference?” Presenter: Samuel, Mark

Crafting Messages to Effectively Tell Your Story

Presenter: Hillard, Fleishman

Lighten the Load - LG&E

Lighten the Load - Save the Twist. Safety Best Practices Presenter: LGE Employees

Uncrapify Your Life!

Competencies: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills Presenter: Havens, Jeff

What Does it Take to be the “Best Boss?”

Over the past 25+ years The RAD Group has asked thousands of supervisors and managers to describe the “Best Boss” that they have ever had. They were asked to identify the skills and characteristics that made them their best boss. Analysis of their responses indicates a consistent and predictable set of skills that are both observable and learnable. In this program we will examine what was found and the specific actions that can help all of us improve our leadership skills and the impact that we have on our organizational results. Presenter: Ragain, Ron D.

The Trust Edge

What Top Leaders have & 8 Pillars to Build it Yourself Presenter: Dave Horsager

Delighting Customers

Delighting customers is a culture building experience that helps organizations establish that all of your employees are responsible for serving either internal or external customers. Participants will learn how to create a common customer-focused language to streamline and focus crossfunctional collaboration and have a common set of effective interpersonal communication and service skills. Presentation: Cohn, Steve

Keeping Customers at Any Price

Moderated by Bonnie McElearney Presenters: Henry, Vickie; Sokolosky, Valerie

Pandemic Influenza

Public health experts warn pandemic influenza poses a significant risk to the United States and the world—only its timing, severity, and exact strain remain uncertain. International, Federal, State, local, and government agencies are diligently planning for the public health response to this potential pandemic. The disease could be severe and could affect our critical infrastructure and our nation’s economic and social security. Successful pandemic preparedness demands full participation from private sector businesses of all types and sizes. James Caverly, will highlight the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Guide which is a positive first step toward achieving this essential outcome. Presenter: Homeland Security Panel

Victim of Change or Champion of Opportunity

Everyone’s job description can be summed up in a word…Tornadic! Change is constant – from mergers & acquisitions, to learning new technologies, to adapting to new industry regulations.  The tornado impacts your attitudes and the quality of your communication when it’s most critical. When the tornado rises that’s when you need to be a Master of the situation. Learning how the tornado of business and life impacts our communication and the skill sets necessary to be an agent of influence can be a game changer in equipping and igniting your people to be the catalysts of progress. What can you do to stay flexible and adaptable in a changing workplace?    *This is the first video of a 3 video series on Flexibility & Adaptability. Join Cherokee Ballard, from ONEOK, as she learns from Michael Hoffman, www.ignitingPerformance.com how we can Topics Discussed! Understand the difference between the two How can you be a champion What are the attitudes as a skill set Follow-up this program and Watch the other 2 video shorts in this series Tactical Communication Skills: Your Face is SCREAMING! Mastering the Tornado of Change! Presenter: Hoffman, Michael

Transforming Our Nation's Transportation Sector

Presenter: Kathryn Clay, Ph.D.

Is There a Safer Tie-Down? - Williams Gas Pipeline

Safety Best Practices Presenter: Austin, Chuck

Wellhead to Burner Tip

Presenter: Gumm, Joe

What is Natural Gas

Industry information. Presenter: Gumm, Joe

Perfecting Your Customer Service Performance (Web Conf)

Ruth Ellen Kinzey, president of The Kinzey Company, presents this program which examines how you can improve your customer service performance. Learn why knowing what you are selling and understanding your customers are keys to delivering excellent customer service on a daily basis through communication, collaboration, and engagement. Presenter: Kinzey, Ruth

Ethics at Work

No Rain ever thought itself Responsible for the Flood: Ethics & Integrity (Web Conference)Ethics from the board room to show room and every step in between. How do you make ethical choices in a world full of gray and pressure to produce results? In this web conference learn tips to face the tough decisions between rights. Presenter: Howe, Jack

Take Control of Your Career

In this broadcast, Dr. Beverly Kaye will help you develop effective career strategies. Her program will expand upon Marilyn Greist’s July 26th CTN web conference, “Tips & Tools for Career Development”. Participants will be able to identify initiative they can take to be in charge of their careers, understand their professional competencies and skills, and prepare for career development discussions. Presenter: Kaye, Beverly

Mission Control - Are You Controlling Events

Mr. Oncken will be presenting an edited excerpt of one of his leadership programs, Managing Management Time™ (MMT). MMT deals with the political realities of getting the active support of “who you know” in the face of conflicting priorities, limited available resources, and not enough time to handle everything on your “To Do” list. Presenter: Oncken, William

Adapting to Change (Broadcast)

Our market place is changing and will continue to change, so we must continually improve our methods, product and service to meet or ex-ceed the challenge. This program will help you understand the stages we go through as change occurs, and will provide ways for you to tap into your resilience and not only cope but excel. Presenter: Ransleben, Randy

Business Communication - Make Your Message Clear (Web Conference)

Responsible communication is critical to professional success. This program will provide participants with information about looking for the win-win in all business communications and making responsible decisions about what to communicate, when to communicate it, how to select the best tool, (e-mail, one-on-one conversation, phone and/or new technologies) and how to close the loop. Presenter: Hawk, Richard

SGA Operations and Engineering Spring Web Conference Series

Calculating MAOP for Plastic Pipelines

Calculating MAOP for Steel Pipelines

Presenter: Miller, Lane

Code Green

Presenter: Floyd, Anthony

CP Test Point Readings

Presenter: Natural Gas Technicians

Damage Prevention

Presenter: Berry, Joe; Selig, Bernd; Kipp, Bob 

Exothermic Weld

Fall Protection

Presenter: Natural Gas Technicians

Fire Extinguisher Use

Presenter: Natural Gas Technicians

Fit for Duty - Washington Gas

Presenter: Washington NG Employees

Gas Emergencies - Gas Emergencies

Presenter: SCE&G

Got Ethics?

Watch humorous situations that stretch ethical and integrity boundaries. Are we acting ethically and honestly doing what we say we will do - both as individual employees and as a company? Presenter: Havens, Jeff

Hazard Communication

Presenter: Natural Gas Technicians

Hot Work Permit

Presenter: Natural Gas Technicians

How to Delegate Effectively Without Losing Control

This program will discuss the importance of and how to delegate, as well as what should or should not be delegated. Explore the difference between delegating and abdicating and to understand readiness of employees, and your role in the process. Understand the obstacles to effective delegation and how important true delegation is to knowledge transfer. Presenter: Land, Pete