For many years, the idea of integrating Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) processes has presented the oil and gas industry with a list of technical, logistical, and security challenges. However, now that standards have matured, and IP devices on Industrial IoT networks have flourished, integrating IT and OT has become an affordable, feasible, and essentially critical transformation for the industry. This session will discuss how to overcome some of the unexpected challenges related to breaking down silos, controlling devices and programs at the network edge, efficient collaboration, working with standards and more. The session will also include strategies and tips from industry leaders and workforce specialists.

Digital transformation is bridging the gap between the physical worker and the digital world. New technology innovations such as Augmented Reality, wearables and IoT, enable workers to make smarter, data-driven decisions in the field. Learn how the energy sector empowers a digitized workforce with immediate access to remote experts, work instructions, and machine data through Ex-certified wearables and handhelds devices.

If you're looking for a grounded and hype-free conversation about automated industrial transportation, you've come to the right place. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning hasn't transformed industrial transportation as quickly as Uber and Lyft changed the taxi business, adaptive technologies are already integrated in common driver safety and crash detection systems. That said, a much more significant leap in AI technology for fleet management could be coming sooner than you think. This session will focus primarily on the question: What happens when we give fleets the ability to learn and self-organize? Learn the facts behind the self-managing fleet, including: realistic AI adoption timelines based on available and affordable technology; how vulnerabilities and risks would be addressed and managed in an automated ecosystem; how the driver and ship captain's roles would change; what automated fleets could (and should) learn that experienced operators don't already know; and more.

Space innovations are disrupting the satellite landscape, delivering high-performance connectivity, open standards technology and transforming the economics for energy communications networks.  There is a groundswell of innovation in orbit, on the ground, and in antenna technology. Intelsat and its service provider partners are at the forefront of this transformational wave.

Join us for an interactive discussion over lunch and learn how the leading service providers are harnessing the power of next generation satellite connectivity to enable new applications, real-time big data analytics and IoT applications for the markets they serve.

Reserve your spot now!

Speedcast COO and Executive Vice President Keith Johnson and CIO John Truschinger will provide their perspectives on what the market drivers are to meet the demands of customers operating in remote and challenging locations on a global basis. Keith and John will examine the key challenges faced by their customers in an ever changing market environment where higher bandwidth, resilient network, ubiquitous global coverage, local support, outsourcing needs, and remote automation are the demands. 
 

When an organization selects a vendor for a software solution, there are various characteristics that the resources on the selection committee may consider about the vendor. They may take these characteristics into consideration when making the selection thinking that it will help make a better selection for their company. An example is a large vs a small vendor. Many resources on selection committees believe that they may get better service or a greater chance of more experienced staff on their project with a larger company and this may not necessarily be true. The topic covers these myths, why they are myths and tips on how a company can avoid these and make a better vendor and subsequently a final solution for their software needs.

Surveillance Capitalism is a business model that supports surveillance and data mining business practices employed by companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and other tech giants. Products supported by surveillance and data mining business practices include any connected product supported by the android OS (Google), Apple iOS and Microsoft Windows OS. Products include smartphones, tablet PCs, connected vehicles, smart TVs/monitors, connected products in general and other IoT products. The products are intentionally designed by the developers to monitor, track and data mine the product user for financial gain posing huge privacy, cyber security and safety risks for anyone who works within government, the defense industry, enterprise business and within critical infrastructure (utility, public safety, oil & gas). This presentation highlights privacy, cyber security and safety issues posed by surveillance and data mining business practices associated with connected products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, lap top PCs, vehicles, TVs/monitors, connected products in general and IoT products.

Demand for connectivity will always outstrip capacity. Video has already hijacked the internet and the problem is getting worse by the day. Ericsson reports that mobile data consumption will increase over 600% from 2017 to 2023. This massive growth is driven by video which is forecasted to increase a staggering 830% during the period. The popularity of encryption and evolving protocols such as QUIC and BBR make it more and more difficult for of ISPs, OEMs and system integrators to manage QoS. To further complicate the situation, users strenuously object to throttling and blocking heavy traffic applications. More bandwidth is not the answer. It cannot come on line fast enough to satisfy demand. Better management is the solution.

The FCC's decision to unlock an additional 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band for mobile broadband and commercial users under the new Citizens Broadband Radio Service ("CBRS") is unprecedented. Known as the "innovation band" the spectrum available in this band will enable new business models for network service providers, mobile operators, wireless ISPs, energy companies, on both a licensed and unlicensed basis. Network infrastructure and service providers are actively exploring models that will permit the growth and development of private LTE networks for a range of potential uses. K.C. Halm will unpack the FCC's rules and framework for operations in the CBRS band, and explores how the resolution of the handful of remaining open issues before the FCC may dictate the various business models available to private LTE network developers.

Wallace Davis, CEO of DHI Telecom Group will describe the fast-track evolution of communication technologies, and highlight how cloud-based SIM technology is delivering real-time mobile connectivity on a global scale. How we stay connected is changing. The growing paradigm shift from viewing mobile computing as a luxury to a necessity has kept the telecommunication industry on its toes, prompting constant architectural redesign and countless solutions to quench consumers' insatiable thirst to stay connected anytime, anywhere. A 2014 study on SIM card virtualization by the Financial Times revealed that SIM activation differs from region to region creating a crippling factor that impacts the time, cost, security, and convenience for users on a global scale.A cloud-based virtual SIM card solution delivers connectivity with mobility, securely and seamlessly, freeing users from the confines, costs, and interruptions of country-by-country provider-based restrictions. Hardware and middleware that leverages virtual CloudSIM technology dramatically improves efficiency by working with the clients' iOs or Android smartphones, tablets, laptops and cell phones to create WiFi hotspots in over 110 countries.

The global telecoms industry is spending billions of dollars into private 5G infrastructure, driven by bullish market projections, developments in standardization, an endless list of game-changing applications, and a seemingly infinite supply of excitement from investors. As the OilComm/FleetComm community includes several key target markets for private 5G, we felt it was appropriate to bring everyone together for a chance to ask tough and direct questions directly to the 5G network builders. What capabilities can private 5G services truly deliver for industry? How will 5G be defined? How much will 5G cost both early adopters and latecomers? When will multiple options be available on the market? Will available hardware and connected devices be ready for 5G? Will 5G networks be secure and more flexible?

O’zapft is! Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Beers & Brats reception presented by Intellian and ITC Global! We’ll have beers and we’ll have brats. All that’s missing is you!

At what point does big data become a big liability? Let's face it - your company's cyber-security strategy is only as good as the weakest link. If your system admin has a weak password, you're cooked, no matter how sophisticated the rest of your system may be. And it's important to remember that the threats are constant. Just because you didn't get hacked yesterday, doesn't mean you won't get hacked today. With cyber-attacks becoming more and more sophisticated and dangerous, it has become essential to invest in a complete cyber-security strategy beyond just hiring another IT specialist, installing software and tracking hardware. Proposing a budget for a cyber-security battle plan isn't easy, especially since many of our industries are emerging from a downturn during which cyber-security budgets were actually cut. During this session, you will learn how to justify aggressive investments in cyber-security from experienced industry pros. Speakers will share tips on how to remain proactive against and adaptive to new threats, as well as how to implement a company-wide culture of responsibility for protecting networks.

Continuing the discussion about how to make corporate IT and OT processes more cohesive and efficient, OilComm's day 2 opening session focuses on how to deal with "Shadow IT." The term is used to describe solutions specified and deployed by departments other than IT that are used internally without explicit organizational approval. Shadow IT can create serious inefficiencies and expose networks to cyber-attacks. These issues quickly becoming more serious and widespread as unauthorized technologies are being marketed and sold directly to the engineering levels of companies. So, how should industries deal with Shadow IT? Is it worth attempting to eliminate altogether? Or, is it better to simply control it? Our speakers will discuss best approaches and practices for dealing with Shadow IT.

Every year, OilComm/FleetComm hosts a conference session highlighting the innovative new products being featured on our exhibit hall floor. This year, we want this session to address the question - How will the physical assets of mobile communications networks evolve alongside more powerful and integrated connectivity services and applications? Learn how hardware manufacturers are adapting to the Industry 4.0 era and preparing for the possibility of merging connectivity services. This session will explore how hardware manufacturers are trying to make the integration of their products more seamless and adaptive on their own, and why manufacturers are increasingly investing in acquiring innovation through new startups - a perfect prelude to our very first Startup Space Entrepreneur Pitch Contest at OilComm/FleetComm!

This informative session will discuss the evolution of microwave technology to support traditional energy industry requirements as well as new applications and technologies such as LTE, automation, and 5G. The presentation will review the evolution of network applications and their requirements and delve into methods for optimal migration, operational simplicity, and network longevity as well as best practices to plan for long-term network expansions. We will discuss the newest technologies and network design trends and how best to prepare for next-generation networks. This session is ideal for engineers who are interested in effectively designing long-term, modern networks and for anyone in a management role that has to consider CAPEX and OPEX planning for network deployments.

Negligent entrustment cases have repeatedly generated multi-million dollar verdicts against oil company fleets, often for issues related to either cell phone use, intoxicated driving, or failure to properly qualify drivers. The important point is that defending against negligent entrustment must occur prior to the accident with adequate policies and procedures. After the accident, there is nothing the company can do to bolster their negligent entrustment defenses. Another common mistake is to ignore non-commercial drivers and allow sales and technical staff to drive without being qualified and without restrictions on cell phone use. A sales employee can cause an accident just the same as a commercial driver. I strive to use real world examples to hammer this point home. The ultimate philosophy of this presentation is that a lawsuit avoided is better than a lawsuit won.

Lunch with WEN Houston! Join us for an invigorating panelist lead discussion on topics such as career paths, unconscious bias, and authenticity, which are directly impacted by diversity and inclusion.

The Startup Space entrepreneur pitch contest makes its debut at OilComm/FleetComm! Entrepreneurs from startup energy and mobile industry tech companies will be selected to compete in a quick-pitch contest for a chance to win a prize package including guaranteed investor meetings, free access to conferences and other prizes.  Similar to "Shark Tank," each Startup Space contestant is given five minutes to pitch their company or product in front of a panel of judges. Following the pitch, the judges will ask the contestants questions about their business model and score the presentations based on a standardized set of various categories. The single contestant with the highest overall score overall will be named the contest winner and receive the grand prize at the OilComm/FleetComm closing reception.

Contestants:
Ted Gutierrez, CEO & Co-Founder, SecurityGate
Joe Meadows, CEO, OpsLock
Richard McKinney, President, US Operations, RebelRoam
Scott Rose, CEO, Tunnel Radio
Page Heller, CEO, Endpoint Security


Judges:

As OilComm and FleetComm comes to a close, it’s time to say your goodbyes to old friends and new. What better way to do it than to celebrate on National Vodka Day at our Titos & Tacos reception? We’ll have taco food trucks lined up and Tito’s signature margaritas on the menu. Cheers to a wonderful conference and to new and old connections at OilComm and FleetComm!