Southern Gas Association welcomes you to this year’s 2021 Technical & Construction Conference on Environmental Permitting in Austin. To help you prepare, we have put together this Know Before You Go so you are ready for a successful event.
General Information
Agenda
The conference agenda is available to view and download here.
Conference Highlights
Keynote Address:
An Industry in Transition – Angela John, Director of Business Development; Williams Companies
Stakeholders and communities alike are asking oil & natural gas producers and operators to “think outside the box” and develop new ways to approach our shared sustainable future. Williams Companies is actively seeking ways to integrate renewable energy sources into conventional natural gas transportation and processing operations. Williams was the first North American midstream company to commit to actionable climate targets. In 2020, Williams set a measurable goal of 56% absolute reduction from 2005 levels in companywide Scop1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, creating a path to reach net-zero by 2050. Ms. John is developing Williams’ strategic implementation plan to achieve net-zero and grow new business to enable our low carbon future.
Closing Keynote Address:
Catching up with FERC After a Year of Masking and Vaxxing – Dave Swearingen, Branch Chief, Office of Energy Projects, Division of Gas – Environment and Engineering; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
In this discussion, FERC staff will present several notable changes, challenges, and policies within the Commission as well as within other government agencies that affect how the FERC’s Division of Gas — Environment and Engineering reviews applications for natural gas projects. Topics will include the Division’s recent and ongoing environmental oversight taking into account COVID restrictions; an introduction to the Commission’s new Office of Public Participation; the new regulations concerning Clean Water Act permitting and NEPA processing; FERC’s NEPA reviews that include augmented greenhouse gas, climate change, and environmental justice discussions; the implications of FERC’s “Rule 871”; and current construction and compliance issues, including requests for nighttime construction.
Conference Sessions:
TCEPC 2021 offers an additional 15.25 hours of leading-edge, peer-curated learning content covering the following topics: ESG, Restoration, Stakeholder Engagement, Data Requests, Pipeline Replacements, HDD Permitting, MBTA, NEPA, Drone Technology, WOTUS, Restored Crossings, Alternative Mitigation, Protected Species Planning, Methane Compliance, NEPA, and Historic Landscapes.
Activities & Events:
Please register in advance.
Scramble-Style Golf Tournament at Falcon Head Golf Club
Airport Ground Transportation/Parking
Hyatt Regency Austin is about 9 miles/14 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) with several travel options:
An Uber or taxi will be about $21 – $35 each way without a tip.
Parking at the Hyatt Regency Austin (Subject to Change)
Overnight Self-Parking (World of Hyatt Member Rate): $35/Overnight
Overnight Self-Parking (Non-Member Rate): $40/Overnight
Daily Self-Parking:
0 – 1 hour: $7
1 – 3 hours: $17
3 – 5 hours: $22
5+ hours: $40
Overnight Valet Parking (World of Hyatt Member Rate): $45/Overnight
Overnight Valet Parking (Non-Member Rate): $50/Overnight
Valet Parking:
0 – 4 hours: $15
4 – 8 hours: $25
8+ Hours: $50
App Information
Get on-the-go updates at the conference, navigate the venue, network with others, and keep on task. You will receive a link to download the GoMobile@SGA app in your registration email.
Attire
Conference/Business Casual – Please no jeans, t-shirts, or flip flops. Dress in layers as temperatures in the meeting rooms can fluctuate.
Conference Venue
208 Barton Spring Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-477-1234
Experience Austin and the Hyatt Regency Austin
Internet at the Hyatt
You will have complimentary Wi-Fi in your sleeping room. You will receive your login credentials at check-in.
Name Badges
Must be always worn during the conference function. No exceptions.
On-site Registration
Registration will begin on Monday, September 13 at 10 am in the Zilker Foyer 1 on the first floor.
Registration Hours
Monday, September 13: 10 am – 6 pm
Tuesday, September 14: 7:30 am – 5 pm
Wednesday, September 15: 7 am – 4 pm
Professional Development Hours (PDH)
PDH Hours – 11.65 hours per person
Safety Information
The nearest pharmacy is CVS. It is open from 7 am – 10 pm:
500 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
512-474-2380
Hospital with 24-hour emergency services near the hotel:
St. David’s Medical Center
919 E. 32nd Street
Austin, TX 78705
512-476-7111
If an emergency occurs on-property during the conference:
- Remain calm.
- Contact the hotel operator on a house phone by dialing 0. If you cannot find a house phone call 911.
- Report the location of the emergency.
- Calmly explain the nature of the emergency.
- Give your name, location and then give a phone number at your location if available.
- Wait for direction from security or police.
- Please allow the operator to hang up first.
- If safe, wait for emergency personnel to arrive, direct them to the emergency, and only give assistance if requested by emergency personnel.
- Hotel staff will report the emergency to the on-site Meeting Planner.
If we would have to evacuate the property:
- Remain calm. Leave your location immediately. Do not pack, it wastes valuable time.
- Do not use elevators or escalators.
- Assist any who may need help: elderly, injured, disabled.
- However, do not loiter or wait for others.
- Listen for further instructions via the hotel PA system or security personnel.
- Watch for incoming emergency personnel—do not try to assist them unless requested to do so.
- Proceed directly to the designated relocation area. Head to the front surface lot (parking lot) in front of the hotel lobby
- Do not try to re-enter the hotel for any reason.
- You will receive directions from emergency services or hotel staff for proceeding to safe areas.
Still Have Questions on the Conference?
Contact Lori Schirpke-Jordan at lori.schirpkejordan@southerngas.org or call 972-620-4026.
Time Zone
Austin is in the Central Time Zone.
Weather
September average high: 91°F | September average low: 69°F
Current Forecast
