Major decision makers from Shell, Chevron and Woodside will come together at the Australasian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference as part of the Australian Industry Participation stream of the conference.

Chevron Gorgon general manager Colin Beckett, Shell Australia chair Ann Pickard, Woodside development executive vice president Robert Edwardes and WA Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien are just a few of the top names advocating for Australian firms to win big contracts.

The opening of the event comes just days after the Gillard government announced a plan to strengthen Australian participation in these projects.

Under the Australian industry participation plan - part of the plan for Australian jobs − Innovation and Industry Minister Greg Combet announced businesses planning projects worth more than $500 million would be required to identify opportunities for local firms.

The plan is likely to be a topic of choice at the Australian participation stream of the AOG.

Australian government energy supplier advocate Paul Johnson said while work was being done to promote local business, there was still more to do.

"Project developers should take into account the limitations faced by Australian suppliers in undertaking large procurement packages, accessing the necessary finance and obtaining sufficient numbers of skilled workers," he said.

"Small adjustments to the way projects are designed, engineered and procured can make a big difference to local suppliers."

The AIP session is just one of the streams running at the conference.

You can find out more about the expo by heading to www.aogexpo.com.au.

AOG is at the Perth Exhibition Centre from today until February 22.