This Year’s Unmissable Summit Highlights include:

• INTENSIVE ONE-DAY SEMINAR: on Coal Trading and Risk Management (16th June 2009)

Now, more than ever, it is vital to be armed with the latest techniques for managing risk. You will take home from this event an in-depth understanding of coal trading and risk management, enabling you to effectively protect yourselves against current price uncertainty on the market and efficiently manage your risks in current market conditions.

• KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: on Consequences of the global credit crunch and effects on demand across world markets

Coal markets have been hit by falling demand worldwide, and coal prices are expected to drop even lower in 2009. However, this presentation by a leading global financial expert will help you to identify the key market trends – now and in the future -  so that you can determine the optimal way forward for your business based on reliable and up-to-the-minute market research.

• CHAMPAGNE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS: Discussion theme – Key business strategies for coal companies in current market conditions

Definitely one of the most popular and stimulating features of the Summit! This is your chance to forge direct contacts with the senior management of top coal producers via one-on-one discussions. Each roundtable will be hosted by one of the major coal producers. And just to enhance the more intimate and informal format of these discussion groups, champagne will be provided throughout!  

• FOCUS ON RUSSIA: The Government’s energy strategy for the Russian Federation up to 2030, and plans for the development of the Russian coal industry

Presentation by Yuri Baron, Head of Department, Government Energy Policy, Ministry of Energy, Russian Federation

• ANALYSTS’ PANEL: focusing on key market trends for the coal sector.

To conclude the Summit, top coal analysts will share their views on the future of the CIS coal market, the key market trends, as well as different perspectives on the global supply/demand balance and the outlook for coal prices.

• END-USER PERSPECTIVES: Future prospects for metals production in the CIS and demand from the power sector

What will be the impact of potential consolidation in the steel sector? What strategic decisions are being made by the major coking coal market players? What will the fuel balance in Russian electricity be in coming years and how will this impact upon the coal sector? These questions and many others will be addressed comprehensively during the special focus session on end-user markets.  

• BRAINSTORMING SESSION on: Where should cost reductions be made, and where best to invest?

Faced with a downturn in end-user markets and a drop in coal prices, all coal market players are being forced to make tough decisions on managing costs and reducing overheads. But where do you cut costs and where do you continue to invest to make sure that your business is re-engineered for future growth? This brainstorming session will debate how best to reshape the business model to mirror the new market realities, how to achieve the optimum balance of cost vs. quality, and how profit margins can be increased in spite of lower demand, helping you to identify which parts of your business should be given priority now and in the near future.        

• GUEST PRESENTATION: Derek Taylor, Energy Advisor, European Commission, on: The benefits for Russian coal producers of participation in the Kyoto protocol trade of quotas

• PANEL DEBATE on: What are the major challenges for coal transportation in the CIS and what are the potential solutions?  

What are current freight and shipping markets for CIS coal? How to cope with the lack of rail transport facilities available? Does Russian Railways have the capacity to manage demand from coal producers for their key export directions? What are the optimal strategies for minimizing transportation risks? This panel debate will provide an open and frank discussion on how best to meet the challenges of transportation and logistics in the CIS coal industry.

• SPOTLIGHT on: Current opportunities, obstacles and further potential for CIS coal exports to European and Asian markets

What is the potential for coal exports to European and Asian markets? How can Russian and CIS coal companies increase their competitiveness while coal prices are decreasing and demand is dropping? What are the most effective marketing and sales strategies in current market conditions? This spotlight session will focus on current and future export opportunities, as well as optimal strategies for increasing Russian and CIS coal exports.