Organisers expect a record number of delegates, says Crown Minerals petroleum investment manager Mark Aliprantis.

The last conference, held in Auckland two years ago, attracted over 450 delegates and attendance at this year’s event looked to top the 500 level. Pre-conference technical workshops also had record registrations, Aliprantis said.

Keynote speakers will include Minister of Energy David Parker, Associate Minister of Energy, Harry Duynhoven, and author and adviser to the US Government, Matt Simmons, in his first speaking engagement in Australasia.

Shell Petroleum Mining EP technical vice-president Gaudie Banister, from Singapore, and US Ambassador to New Zealand, William P McCormick, will also address the conference.

Hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development, the biennial conference is intended to spark debate among explorers, investors, and the government about the potential New Zealand offers and the action needed to realise that potential.