About events

We invite you to participate in a webinar on the topic: «Global gas markets in the times of instability: current trends and future perspectives» webinar will be held on July 23, 2020 at 1pm – 2pm, CET

In this webinar the invited experts will discuss and debate about the optimal role of conventional fuels, in particular natural gas and potential new business models in the future.

Moderator:

Leon Stille – General Manager of the Energy Delta Institute (EDI), over 15 year of experience in energy companies (Alliander, Frames) and in the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). He holds an MSc in renewable energy technology and BSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Utrecht.

Experts:

Andrej Pustišek – Dr. of Science at the University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart and the University of Karlsruhe (KIT), Germany. Owner of consulting company 2PI-Energy GmbH providing services to international natural gas and energy companies. Previously Senior Vice President International Natural Gas Sales and Senior Vice President Portfolio Management at E.ON Ruhrgas.

Tatiana Mitrova, PhD – Director, Energy Center, SKOLKOVO Business School, Senior Research Fellow in the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES) and Scientific advisor at the Energy Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ERI RAS). Non-Executive Director at Schlumberger NV and Novatek. Visiting Professor at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) Paris School of International Affairs.

Registration Iink

Webinar will be held in English with simultaneous translation to Russian.
Participation is free of charge.

Taking place within the series of webinars. More information on the web-site

Organisers: Energy Delta Institute (EDI), ExpoForum International

Sponsor: Gazprombank (Joint Stock Company)

Moderator of the webinar was Leon Stille, General Manager Energy Delta Institute (EDI). The speaker was Bert Stuij, Vice President Innovation at the Energy Delta Institute (EDI) and Manager National Programmes/Energy at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO, a government institution.

On this first webinar of a series organized together with the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, Bert Stuij discusses the implications and challenges that disruptive times, like the one we are currently experiencing for the last five to six months, present to companies and specifically to organisations in the energy sector. In particular, he tackles what does it mean for the organisation’s business models and how new models could arise from these new realities. Moreover, what are the current business models responses to time of crisis.

Bert mentions: “If you are thinking of redesigning your business model, it is not only the crisis you need to contend with, but you also have to realise about the underlying trends that will continue to shape the future”. He brings this into correlation with the fact that many companies where already adapting their models to these slow variables before the crisis. Therefore, companies are now dealing with a fast crisis, that could serve as a catalyst to accelerate an already undergoing energy transition. Bert emphasizes “the transformation in the energy sector can be perhaps also the catalyst to repair the world”.

With regards to the slow variables, he acknowledges five trends that have been – and will continue to shape the world: The Race to the Cliff (scarcity of resources leading to climate change, biodiversity loss, resource exhaustion), The Great Equalization (leading towards a convergence of the per capita demand of energy), The Trek to the Cities (one urbanized and connected megalopolis), Technological Acceleration and Pervasive Connectivity (calling for transparency, collaboration and responsibility). These should be seen as “a call for changeability and agility” and not as threats but as opportunities.

When redesigning your business models, there are several methods to choose from. Bert suggests three methods: SWOT analysis “Old SWOT tools are helpful again in redefining your strategy and rebuilding scenarios that can survive in a variety of different worlds. From global efficiency to local resilience? How can you position yourself in offering something that is of public necessity? It is now the moment to capitalize on the changes towards satisfying public interest and public necessity”. Secondly, building different explorative scenarios, which are not only utopias but also dystopias, and identifying the strategies to survive them, will most likely lead to a stronger and faster reaction when the times call for adaptation, providing more flexibility and responsiveness to the business models. As a third method, he proposes the effective use of charting a business model and strengthening your core business through innovation.

On the last note, Bert finalizes by stating “The table is turned, to keep us afloat” meaning the current situation is very much like a turned table, which should be seen as the rise of new opportunities.

Energy Delta Institute is the world’s leading energy business school founded jointly by the Dutch companies N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, Gasterra, Shell, University of Groningen and JSC “Gazprom” from the Russian side. We offer a unique range of programmes that cover all parts of the energy value chain and all aspects of the great energy transition. Our programmes are led by top academic researchers and senior industry experts and are fully up to date on the latest developments in the global energy sector. For more information about Institute please visit the website: www.energydelta.org.

The event was sponsored by Gazprombank (Joint Stock Company).

Final Furlong – www.finalfurlong.it – Business Network specializing in events and innovative integrated communication for the whole world of the Horse. Hipposphere – https://horses.expoforum.ru/en/, a brand of ExpoForum International Ltd. the largest trade fair and congress organizer in north-western Russia owned by Gazprom. International Equestrian Exhibition Hipposphere has been held in St. Petersburg since 1999. Its framework program includes numerous seminars, conferences, horse shows and competitions.

Building networks, international relationships and collaborations was one of the primary objectives of the activities promoted by Final Furlong during the Lyric kermesse; an aim which, as demonstrated by the birth of this exciting partnership, has been fully achieved with the establishment of an Italy / Russia axis which, through the major events, aims to give an incentive to the economic and cultural development of the equestrian and equestrian sector between the two countries.

In the document signed by Maurizio Rosellini – CEO of Final Furlong – and Evgeniya Filippova – Director of the International Equestrian Exhibition Hipposphere – the premises and the agreements place at the centre of the partnership precisely the actions to put in field, already starting from the next weeks in order to best promote the reference fields in the industry object of the agreement.

Among the topics on the agenda of the agreement there is also a Destination Marketing Project linked to the economic performance that express racecourses in their own area of incidence. Breeding, environment, agribusiness, tourism are the areas in which, since millennia, the horse has been alongside the man building culture and history with him, promoting the encounter between different populations through the knowledge of their traditions and their folklore. To promote and support this development and the communication of these territorial values there is an assigned place: the racecourse. A prestigious stage within which can find space both those interested in racing and riders passionate about equestrian tourism and other sports related to horses.

Final Furlong and Hipposhere, constantly in dialogue and collaboration between them, will therefore bring the horse as a protagonist in the big events and in all occasions designed to promote, support and enhance its knowledge. 

Does not lack the attention to the economy: in these first three years of agreement between the two countries, objectives such as developing and strengthening economic relations are added. In fact, through meetings, forums, events and B2B meetings aimed at international operators of the sector, networking actions can be promoted and implemented in order to generate new business opportunities to be launched on the world markets.

Maurizio Rosellini commented: ‘Creating and promoting new business opportunities for the equestrian and equestrian sector is one of the main objectives of this collaboration with our Russian partners. We will work together to achieve international development projects to support all operators and all categories that work daily closely with the horse sector. Innovative events are currently being studied to give rise to new forms of communication in the sector to fascinate and attract new audiences. To support this operation there will also be the new Digital 4.0 Platform – Final Furlong Digital Network, close to its inauguration on the web.’

Evgeniya Filippova commented: ‘Successful promotion of horse business on international markets requires communication capabilities that we can implement together with Italian colleagues. Closer interaction and active participation in the main industry events of our countries will not only strengthen and build new business ties, but also influence the development trends of the horse industry as a whole and unite those who find it difficult to take part in offline format.’

Every encounter with the ‘Taurian’ orchestra offers a new theme with total immersion in the musical universe, lively interaction with the public and indescribable energy. Last Saturday, viewers became part of this incredibly sincere and touching story, the most beautiful of all time.

At the orchestra’s concerts, the music becomes literally tangible – you live every note, and you rejoice and cry along with the main characters! In the first act Oksana Chunchukova, a sand animation artist, brought to life the masterpieces of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev in her sand show, while aerial gymnasts added flamboyancy and diversity. It is as if you yourself are in Verona, a city of love and romance.

The characters of Romeo and Juliet always find a response in art. The second act of the show was accompanied by footage from two outstanding films by an American cinematographer. Guests of the evening heard musical pieces from the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Shakespeare, written by the legendary Nino Rota.

Particular excitement was caused by Leonard Bernstein’s melodies from the musical ‘West Side Story’, which is perhaps the most touching modern version of the Romeo and Juliet tale, transplanted onto the streets of New York.

Every rendition by the musicians was met with an ovation – a rich spectrum of sounds was released to the spectators through heartfelt and spellbinding performances.

We’ll see you at the next concert!

On a purpose-built elevated tower in the exhibition hall, experts showed ways of minimising risk when working at height. During the demonstration of techniques for safely climbing a tower using modern construction solutions, the expert quickly installed his equipment around the tower – with literally one flick of a carabiner. After this, he made a leg point of distance and showed how to move around the tower depending on the direction of movement.

Next he showed a simulation of climbing an antenna mast and demonstrated how to evacuate an injured person. The frameworks of antenna masts differ, but almost all of them are made up of angles or pipes which are wide in diameter, so ropes and carabiners are most often used to climb them. A safety harness is used for the climb and by pulling alternately, the climber climbs higher while ensuring their own safety.

The workshop ‘Recommendations for working in tight and confined spaces’ and the exhibition ‘Performing an evacuation from tight and confined spaces’ also used the elevated tower. Visitors had a chance to try out different pieces of personal protective equipment and personal safety equipment for the respiratory organs under supervision by experienced instructors.

The fourth St. Petersburg International Labour Forum and the fourth specialised workplace safety and staff development exhibition, KUB EXPO 2020 were held in the Expoforum convention and exhibition centre from 27 to 28 February.

In total, more than 250 sportspeople from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region, Moscow, Moscow Region and Yaroslavl launched their model planes towards the ceiling of Expoforum. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 70, and the challenges were separated into three age groups.

Competitions were held for model plane classes F4D, F1D and F1M on flight distance and there was an individual and team challenge using rubber-powered OP-500 models and projectile gliders called ‘Best Family Team’. The competitions were organised for Defender of the Fatherland Day in accordance with the requirements of international rules of the FAI.

The Sunday School Model Airplane Circle was the organiser: fasspbilo.ru

A press conference was held in the TASS press centre on 20 February to prepare for and host the St. Petersburg International Labour Forum.

Speakers talked about the programme and forum participants, new exhibitions and satellite events, touched on the topics of implementing national projects, improving labour productivity, professional retraining and improving qualifications, professional orientation for young people, as well as digitalisation of production activities.

In his welcoming speech, Dmitry Cherneiko, Chairman of the Committee on Labour and Employment of the Population of St. Petersburg, focused on the current topics that will be presented at this year’s Forum: “One of the main aspects of this year’s Forum is the personnel track. In an era of developing artificial intelligence and bigdata, we understand that the role and importance of human capital not only remains significant, but is growing every year. In the process of implementing multidirectional national projects, the selection of qualified personnel is of particular importance. We will talk a lot about productivity issues – the Forum will include input from the Federal and Regional Competence Centres, and we will open a process factory – a subject site where presentations and training events will be held. In connection with the fulfilment of global systemic tasks to create a single labour market for the Eurasian Economic Union, migration policy will also be widely covered at the Forum.”

Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General and Head of the Secretariat of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS, continued on the topic of labour migration: “We are delighted to host part of the Forum’s business programme. The discussions will touch on a wide range of issues related to labour migration policy in CIS countries: entry and exit rules, taxation, social protection for labour migration, adaptation and training of migrants.”

“Despite all the processes of automation and robotisation of production, the role of human beings in the context of labour relations is extremely important, and safety and labour protection continue to play a very significant role,” commented Natalia Serebrovskaya, Director of ExpoForum International’s own events. “As part of the 4th Forum, the specialist exhibition by CUBE EXPO “Personnel. Management. Safety” presents new personal protective equipment from the best Russian and global manufacturers which have proven themselves in the market. Within the Business Contact Centre, business negotiations will take place – Pulkovo International Airport, the Baltic Shipyard, Vodokanal State Unitary Enterprise, Metrostroy and several others have already confirmed that they will take part. Participants and visitors will enjoy master classes, presentations and demonstrations of safe working methods at height at a special training ground built in the pavilion.”

Marina Lavrikova, the first Vice-Chancellor for Educational and Methodological Work at St. Petersburg State University, spoke about what modern young people currently experience and what topics will be discussed at the satellite St. Petersburg International Youth Labour Forum. “The emphasis at the Youth Forum will be of its own choice: the number 1 theme will be managing human resources and self-fulfilment in the digital age. Taking into account the desire of young people towards self-employment, we understand that the topic of taxation of the self-employed is also important,” the speaker said. “In addition, the exhibition will present an interesting project called “Clinics”. Specialists in the field of psychology and sociology will conduct training and explain how to combat professional burn-out, fully resolve conflicts that arise within relations between staff and their superiors, and much more.”

The main programme of the St. Petersburg International Labour Forum and the CUBE EXPO exhibition “Personnel. Management. Safety” will run from 27 to 28 February at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. The St. Petersburg International Youth Labour Forum starts a day earlier – 26 February.

Vadim Permyakov, executive director of the All Russian Federation of Dancesport and Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll, congratulated those present on the first all-Russian competition of the year: “The athletes performed outstandingly in the 2019 season and we hope that this and all future competitions will help us to discover Russia’s most commendable representatives.”

At the end of the ceremony, the competitors took the athlete’s oath, and the jury took the arbitrator’s oath.

The competition traditionally represents Russia’s vast geography: representatives from 25 Russian regions came to St. Petersburg. More than 1,500 athletes competed in 14 different disciplines and categories.

The competition is highly rated and helps to form Russia’s national team. It aims to popularise and develop acrobatic rock’n’roll in Russia, to increase professionalism and to pick out the strongest athletes.

The All-Russian Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll Competition 2020 was held from 14 to 16 February on the Expoforum convention and exhibition centre.

The Nevskiy Larets exhibition was honoured by a visit from the consul general of the Republic of Turkey, Yunus Belet, who came to Expoforum to establish business contacts and get acquainted with Russian culture, which is undoubtedly original and unique.

The Association of Craftsmen of Ingushetia, headed by Adam Galayev, presented its team’s works on a joint stand. Carpet weavers demonstrated the whole process of creating a carpet, involving gathering and rolling the wool, colouring the felt, cutting out a tessellated pattern and stitching the lace. The ‘Residents of the Tower’ enthusiastically introduced visitors to their stand to paintings, woodcraft, flowers from foamiran, toys and ornaments, since every piece has its own story. The blacksmiths, for their part, presented a machine gun, a praetorian helmet and candlesticks, and explained the technology involved in casting. The association held workshops on making bracelets out of natural leather and on carpetmaking.

A specialist from the Republic of Buryatia shared information about the technique of fusing coloured glass at high temperatures in a kiln. A producer of jewellery from natural stones discussed the purpose of stones and their energy – every talisman has its sacral significance. At the joint stand, bracelets with bead embroidery, intertwined earrings and Buryat tea.

In the exposition section were live trees with cetraria tops, not only a unique healing plant and a living natural antibiotic, but also an original gift idea. Masters from Arkhangelsk’s RemSvarStroy, working under the slogan ‘we make your ideas a reality’, demonstrated their metal souvenirs. The professionals brought with them creations like: ‘Gromozeka’, ‘Kidney stones’ and many more.

Within the exhibition was the Centre for Business Contacts, a meeting place for ambitious and successful business actors who aren’t resting on their laurels. There were more than 20 business meetings.

The winners of the Nevskiy Larets – Look to the Future competition, were awarded prizes in a number of nominations: pieces from traditional dough, folk costumes, woodwork, textiles, pieces from bone, decor, metalwork, ceramics, pieces from leather and more. The International Association of Promotional Products selected its favourites in the competition and gave them gift certificates.

Over the three days of the exhibition, visitors had the chance to not only buy exclusive pieces, but also to create something themselves. More than 50 different workshops were held at the trade fair: from gingerbread painting in the Russian folk style to handmade wire wrap art.

The pottery workshop, led by a master from Belgorod Oblast representing Starooskolsky Pottery Craft Group PC, fascinated visitors. From time immemorial, potters, like blacksmiths, have been held in high regard and deeply respected. They create something so important for humans, using all the well-known elements: earth is mixed with water, while air and water dry and bake the vessel. Guests tried out this type of handicraft for themselves and made their own pitchers, bowls and other souvenirs.

The Nevskiy Larets International Trade Fair of Folk Arts and Crafts was held in St. Petersburg for the third time. The project’s main goal was to unite the producers, suppliers, consumers of the industry with the bodies of state power at an exhibition forum. Masters have the opportunity to show their own works to visitors and their workshop colleagues, and to put their products on the market.

The event was held with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Government of St. Petersburg, the Government of Leningrad Oblast and the International Association of Promotional Products.

The event’s sponsor is Gazprombank JSC. The organizer is EF-International LLC.