The event organizer EITEP is demonstrating its innovative strength by holding a digital version of the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc), Europe’s most important pipeline conference and exhibition. The alternative offer makes a virtue out of necessity and enables the secure exchange on the latest pipeline technologies even in times of the rampant corona virus. The digital alternative will take place at the scheduled time of the original event, from 30.03 – 02.04.

The annual Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) will be held online this year. This was announced by the organizer EITEP, immediately after the cancellation of the annual event. The rampant corona virus has made it impossible to hold the event safely and has led to the cancellation of numerous well-known events worldwide. The ptc is Europe’s leading pipeline event and at the same time an event with a very high degree of internationalization: over 70 percent of the participants come from abroad, from all continents of the world. A total of 55 countries are represented at ptc, making it the most international meeting point of the industry. The event was about to be held when the corona problem dramatically became more acute.

„We deeply regret this step, especially as we are proud that the ptc has enabled so much professional exchange and personal proximity for people from all over the world. For 15 years we have been the central platform for pipeline operators and technology providers when it comes to pipeline issues along the entire pipeline life cycle. But the safety of our participants is our top priority, especially since we are a conference focusing on safety,” says Dr. Klaus Ritter, President of the organizer EITEP.

Unlike many other events cancelled due to COVID-19, the ptc will not simply be cancelled without alternative. „We’ve been thinking about how we can present the numerous high-quality technical presentations, that reached us, to the public after all. And above all, how we can provide the opportunity for talks and discussions. As a solution, we have developed our own app,” explains Dennis Fandrich, Chairman of ptc, „In addition, all technical papers will be published in our Pipeline Technology Journal”.

Registered participants of ptc can install the app free of charge. The app will include a wide range of networking opportunities for speakers, participants, exhibitors and sponsors and will offer a variety of interactive features.

„In this way, we would like to give our long-standing participants and exhibitors the opportunity to present their findings and participate in the expert discourse – despite coronavirus and travel restrictions,” says Marian Ritter, who is responsible for the accompanying trade exhibition. „Our sponsors and exhibitors will receive advertising space within the app to present themselves to our visitors. Of course, this is not the same as a real stand in a hall, but it nonetheless generates benefits for our partners.”

This alternative format could establish itself as a stand-alone offering in the future, as pandemics such as COVIC-19 are more likely due to globalization. The online ptc will take place from 30 March to 2 April 2020, and registered participants can download the app free of charge and participate in the event.