The Summit which is jointly organized by Global Events Partners (GEP) from the UK and Lebanon’s own Planners and partners S.A.L., will build on the momentum and success of last year’s summit which was held in December 2012, attracting over 330 delegates and 35 speakers from 23 countries representing 150 local and international companies and organizations, including major international oil companies (IOCs).

“We are proud to be the only private event organizing team who is capable of delivering an event in this magnitude in Lebanon,” said Dory Renno, Managing Director of Planners and Partners S.A.L., “We have been able to show that despite what is called instability, if you do things right, the country is a great haven for business and a great attraction for investors.”

Paul Gilbert, Managing Director of GEP, said, “In the coming 2013 edition, we are committed to keeping the highly strategic nature of the event as we are in the process of putting together a very strong conference programme.”

“This year however we are planning to go more in depth in approaching the topics of the summit. This will require giving more time to our speakers, and to provide a bigger added value to attending delegates.”

Gilbert added that the conference may include two separate side track activities that will allow a deeper look at certain topics, and will be announced soon.

With huge international interest in Lebanon’s first exploration and production licensing round, an even greater participation from leading companies is expected this year. “The early response has been great,” explained Gilbert.

Renno highlighted the fact that “The event has established a solid position as a platform for the emerging oil and gas industry in Lebanon.”

“We believe in Lebanon and in its business climate, which makes it a great place for the conferences and exhibitions industry,” said Gilbert. “We also strongly believe that successful conferences like LIOG reflect a positive image about Lebanon as an attractive investment arena.

“Investors who want to be involved in Lebanon should come to events that are organized in Lebanon, experience the wonderful hospitality and the beautiful city of Beirut and importantly to understand first-hand the many opportunities that Lebanon has to offer.”

Following a continuously increasing demand, GEP and Planners & Partners are putting together another event on Lebanon’s infrastructure and the role of private investment. The event, “Lebanon Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition, LICEX 2013”, will be held in October in Beirut.

Lebanon has shown growing prospects of having sizable reserves of hydrocarbons both onshore and offshore. Last February the Ministry of Energy and Water successfully launched the pre-qualification phase for the country’s first bidding round. Over 52 companies have applied to be prequalified, including 14 International oil companies with over US $10 billion of assets each.

Global Events Partners is a UK company based in London, UK, and has organized a number of successful business conferences in various fields around the world. Planners and Partners S.A.L. is a Lebanese corporation operating in Lebanon and has organized and participated in the development of many business events. Officials and staff in both companies have many years of experience in creating industry leading events.

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To learn more about the event, how to participate and other details on the programme, participating delegates, speakers and sponsors, please visit: www.liog-summit.com