The two main points I took away from the conference were... Graeme Bethune, EnergyQuest Chief Executive Officer: The world has more gas than anyone had ever imagined, due to the growth in unconventional gas worldwide. The world is likely to have an over-supply of gas for the next few years due to the fall in demand and increase in supply.

Belinda Robinson, Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Chief Executive Officer: That two of the key issues confronting energy policymakers in the future will be energy security and climate change. Natural gas is well placed to play a substantial role in both and the real strength of the gas message is that it is here, now, abundant, carbon-light, and the obvious fuel choice to take the world to a substantially lower greenhouse emitting future.

Grant King, Origin Energy Chief Executive Officer: The substantial increase in unconventional gas reserves, particularly in the United States, and the continued strong growth in LNG trade.

Barbara Jinks, GHD Business Development Manager Oil and Gas: The need for gas to be transported as LNG is increasing. Cross-border and geopolitical issues render LNG transportation more and more in demand. Australia's role in the global gas energy chain is significant and one that is becoming increasingly recognised.

A highlight of the conference and exhibition was...

GB: The Australian Embassy reception for the International Gas Union leadership, Asia-Pacific gas associations and the Australian delegation. Gazprom was also interesting: they’re the world’s biggest gas company and gas exporter and had probably the biggest exhibition stand. They have aspirations to grow in the US and UK.

BR: The plenaries, which were consistently must-attends: each and every one containing something of substance. In the exhibition, my prize for novelty value went to ExxonMobil for its simulated racing car, a much-needed destination for those needing a wake-up adrenalin rush to do justice to the next session of quality presentations.

GK: A chance to appreciate the scale and diversity of the global gas industry.

BJ: Speaking in front of such an international and specialist audience and being able to share information from Australia.

Benefits to members of the Australian gas industry attending a global-scale conference include...

GB: Gaining a global perspective as gas is increasingly a global business.

BR: A chance to ensure a strong Australian presence at major global conferences. The event presented a wonderful opportunity to catch up on how the rest of the world is talking about our industry; discuss common issues and concerns; share knowledge, information and approaches; learn something new; and provide the wake-up call for all of us with an interest in seeing gas seize its deserved place as the global fuel of choice, as this is unlikely to occur without a strong, unified, global voice.

GK: Getting an appreciation of industry issues from a more global perspective.

BJ: Having the opportunity to speak with and learn from representatives from around the world and to share experiences and information from Australia.

The future of the Australian gas industry is...

GB: As a gas exporter.

BR: On the cusp of a game changing shift as plans advance for the largest expansion of any LNG exporter over the next ten years, however, the global natural gas industry and Australia’s competitive position are not static, and many other new, as well as long-standing, jurisdictions are regularly refining their investment regimes so as to improve their competitive position.

GK: Bright, with many opportunities for growth.

BJ: Positive, exciting and dynamic, with major changes and challenges taking place right now.