WEXFORD, Pa. — Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett will kick off the Eastern Oil & Gas Conference and Trade Show when the two-day event opens May 13 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Organized by the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, it is the longest-running event of its type in the eastern U.S.

The trade show will attract approximately 200 exhibitors and takes place in conjunction with a conference with presentations aimed at those working in the Marcellus and Utica shale along with conventional oil and gas producers from throughout the region.

This is the first time the event his being held at Heinz Field, home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. “This is an interesting time for the oil and gas industry here in Pennsylvania, to say the least,” said Louis D. D’Amico, PIOGA president and executive director. “Governor Corbett has been a strong supporter of the wide-ranging benefits of natural gas development, and we look forward to hearing what he has to say.”

Also on tap. Other presentations include:

• Panel discussion on proposed major changes to state oil and gas regulations.
• Update on federal and state issues, including proposals for a severance tax on natural gas produced in Pennsylvania.
• The status of Act 13 in the wake of the far-reaching Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision striking down portions of the oil and gas law.
• Coordination between the natural gas and electric generation industries.
• Weather, climate and energy risk management.
• Penn State’s Energy and Land Management Program.
• Capture of ethane from “wet” natural gas.
• Former Steeler scheduled. Conference attendees and registered exhibit staff will participate in a networking reception on May 13 in Heinz Field’s Great Hall, as well as meet former Steeler and current broadcaster Tunch Ilkin.

Event organizers also have built opportunities into the schedule for conferees to visit the trade show.

Those not interested in participating in the conference can still take in the trade show for an admission fee at the door. Exhibits are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The event page on www.pioga.org includes a list of exhibiting companies, the complete agenda, online registration, lodging and directions.