As geoscientists strive towards novel solutions to meet the rising  hydrocarbon demand in the face of increasingly difficult challenges, the 10th ME Geosciences Conference and Exhibition (GEO 2012) will address these issues in Bahrain from March 4 to 7.

The event at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre will showcase more than 150 exhibitors from 27 countries.

'With its large producing fields, immense hydrocarbon reserves and untapped potential, the Middle East will continue to play a pivotal role in supplying the world with its increasing energy needs for the foreseeable future,' said organiser, Arabian Exhibition Management's director of sales and marketing, Fawzi Al Shehabi.

'GEO 2012 represents a timely opportunity for participants to initiate business and at the same time, serve the needs of the industry as it seeks to progress through strategic collaborations, healthy competition and technological innovation,' he stated.

The high-level technical conference that runs parallel to the GEO 2012 exhibition takes place this year under the theme Shaping the Future of Geoscience in the Middle East.

More than 2,000 conference delegates are expected to attend and benefit from more than 360 technical paper and poster presentations delivered by peers, designed to share the knowledge and experience of managing, operating and supplying companies.

Topics range from human resources, technologies to solve complex reservoir challenges, reservoir characterisation, advances in geophysics, integration and next generation technologies, petrophysics, geological studies and basin-modelling, new play concepts in exploration and harvesting unconventional resources, environment and safety, in addition to special sessions.

GEO 2012 will also offer five panel sessions covering new exploration frontiers, geoscience and the environment, multi-disciplinary approaches to hydrocarbon exploration and development, emerging trends in research and development and maximising recovery from reserves.

Special workshops and networking events for students will also be staged, covering oil and gas fundamentals, CV and business writing and presentation skills.

'Over the last two decades, GEO has established itself as the premier forum for presenting and learning about best practices, new developments and applications in geosciences in the Middle East region,' said conference chairman Intisaar Al Kindy.

'The theme of the conference focuses on the current challenges facing hydrocarbon exploration and production with emphasis on future technology and opportunities.

'The conference also aims to highlight the increased environmental challenges in the region by sharing best practices in exploring and producing hydrocarbons in the most environmentally responsible manner,' Al Kindy said.-TradeArabia News Service