General
Registration & Lunch
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Foyer & Solutions Hub
Register your attendance and grab a bite to eat at Konnect 2026.
General
Welcome & Introductions
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
1:00 - 1:10 PM
Prachi Chapman, Head of Global Technology Services, KBC
B. Jordan I
Join us to kick off Konnect with an overview of the conference themes, structure, and objectives.
Keynote
Everything Changes
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
1:10 - 1:30 PM
Mike Aylott, Executive Advisor - Technology, KBC
B.Jordan I
Hear KBC's Technology leadership reflect on some of the technology and other drivers that have impacted our industry over the past 40 years and the next 10+ years, putting them into perspective against our long-term objectives.
General
KBC Technology: Vision & Strategy
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Simon Rogers, Chief Technology Officer, KBC
B.Jordan I
Discover how KBC’s technology vision is enabling operational excellence across upstream and downstream assets.
Panel
Use of AI in the Industry
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
2:00 - 2:45 PM
Simon Rogers, Chief Technology Officer, KBC
B.Jordan I
Panelists: Chris Warnke, KBC | Andrew Yule, Pontem Analytics | Thanasan Tangchaksuwan, PTT GC | Prabu Parthasarathy, Cognite
Join industry peers to see how AI is being applied today to improve process performance and decision-making.
General
Coffee Break
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
2:45 - 3:30 PM
Solutions Hub
Grab a refreshment and explore the Solutions Hub, where you can meet KBC experts and dive into topics including Energy, KBC Acuity (Downstream & Upstream), Simulation (Downstream & Upstream), and Production Accounting.
Presentation
Motiva’s Journey Toward a Process Digital Twin Culture: Empowering and Driving Value Capture
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
3:30 - 4:00 PM
Maria Aldescu, Motiva & Matt Lehr, KBC
B.Jordan I
Learn how Motiva is applying process digital twins to capture value through improved modeling, optimization, and operational insight.
Presentation
Collaborating for the Future: Integrating Simulation with Hybrid AI and GenAI
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Thanasan Tangchaksuwan, Senior Process Engineer, PTT GC
B.Jordan I
See how machine learning is being integrated into Petro-SIM to enhance simulation and optimization workflows.
General
Free Time
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Solutions Hub
Grab a refreshment and explore the Solutions Hub, where you can meet KBC experts and dive into topics including Energy, KBC Acuity (Downstream & Upstream), Simulation (Downstream & Upstream), and Production Accounting.
Client Appreciation Event
Welcome Reception
Day 1 - Tue, Feb 3
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Rosalie Restaurant
Join us for an evening of thanking you for your support of KBC with a fun cocktail reception downstairs in the Rosalie Restaurant.
General
Registration & Breakfast
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Foyer & Solutions Hub
Register your attendance to day 2 and fuel up for a busy day of engaging and informative sessions.
General
Welcome & Recap
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
8:30 - 8:40 AM
Nicolas Visuara, Technology Services Senior Consultant, KBC
B.Jordan I
Revisit key takeaways from Day 1 and align on the technical focus for the day ahead.
Keynote
Beyond the Model: The Human Factor Behind Technology Value
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
8:40 - 9:00 AM
Pablo Jimenez-Asenjo, Global Technology Sales Leader, KBC
B.Jordan I
Find out experiences on the human factor behind the technology value.
Panel
Downstream | Business Improvement from Simulation
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
9:00 - 9:45 AM
Andrew McMullan, Regional Head of Business Development - Americas, KBC
B.Jordan I
Panelists: Alan Kramer, Ketjen | Trent Amstutz, Cenovus | Amalia Botero, Marathon | Maria Aldescu, Motiva
Join the discussion on how simulation is being used to deliver real, quantifiable business improvements.
Presentation
Upstream | Introduction to Upstream Track
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Alessandro Speranza, Global Technology Portfolio Manager, KBC
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Get oriented on the upstream challenges and technical themes that will shape the day.
Presentation
Upstream | Leveraging Multiflash to Provide a Holistic Evaluation of Wax Risk throughout Field Life
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
9:15 - 9:45 AM
Andrew Yule, MD, Pontem Analytics
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Learn how advanced fluid modeling supports holistic wax risk assessment across the field lifecycle.
Presentation
Downstream | From Concept to a €22M Project: A Case Study in VDU Revamping Using Process Simulation
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
9:45 - 10:15 AM
Thomas Fox, Senior Staff Engineer, Nynas
B.Jordan I
See how process simulation supported the successful delivery of a major vacuum distillation revamp.
Presentation
Upstream | Asphaltene Phase Behavior - Lessons from the Upstream
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
9:45 - 10:15 AM
Walter Chapman, Rice University
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Discover insights into how asphaltene phase behavior drives deposition and fouling from wells to refineries.
General
Coffee Break
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
10:15 - 11:00 AM
Solutions Hub
Enjoy a refreshment while connecting with KBC experts across Energy, Acuity, Simulation, and Production Accounting at the Solutions Hub.
Presentation
Downstream | Turning DCU Complexity into Margin: Dynamic RTO in Closed Loop
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Mohammad Al-Johar, Sustainability Process Engineering Section Manager, SATORP
B.Jordan I
Discover how real-time optimization is improving performance in delayed coking operations.
Presentation
Upstream | Screening Tool for CO₂ Transport and Storage Using Multiflash Plug-in for Fluid Property Prediction
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Srinivasan KV, Senior Ops Manager, Wood
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Discover how screening tools help evaluate CO₂ transport and storage options early in project development.
Presentation
Downstream | Driving Down Energy Costs VM-ERTO Success
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Mohammad S. Al-Johar, Sustainability Process Engineering Section Manager, SATORP
B.Jordan I
Learn how digitalization and decarbonization initiatives are driving measurable performance gains in refineries.
Presentation
Upstream | Mitigating Risks and Optimizing Performance in Complex CCS Projects
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Prasad Sethuraman, Upstream Product Manager, KBC
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
See how integrated modeling supports informed design and evaluation of CCS systems.
General
Lunch
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
12:00 - 1:10 PM
Solutions Hub
Enjoy lunch while exploring the Solutions Hub and connecting with KBC experts across Energy, Acuity, Simulation, and Production Accounting.
Presentation
Downstream | Strategic Pathway to a Digitalized Energy Management System
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
1:10 - 1:40 PM
Dr. Mohamed Salaheldin Ahmed & Eng. Khalid Farouk, SIDPEC
B.Jordan I
Learn how to define and execute a structured roadmap for digital energy management.
Presentation
Upstream | Production Back-Allocation with VM-PA
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
1:10 - 1:40 PM
Lucas Nieto, Technology Services Consultant, KBC
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Learn how production back-allocation improves transparency and insight across upstream operations.
Presentation
Downstream | Tangible Benefits of a Long-Term Partnership
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
1:40 - 2:10 PM
Steven Ramakers & Sofie Scheers, TotalEnergies
B.Jordan I
Discover how sustained collaboration can unlock long-term energy efficiency and operational value.
Presentation
Upstream | From Design to Reality: The KBC Acuity Production Twin
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
1:40 - 2:40 PM
Alessandro Speranza, Global Technology Portfolio Manager, KBC
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Discover how KBC Acuity supports production and operations management through real-time insights and integrated performance monitoring.
Presentation
Downstream | Visual MESA Energy Management System and Petro-SIM Integration, Enhancing Energy Management with Rigorous Process Models
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
2:10 - 2:40 PM
Nicolás Carrara, Technical Presales Consultant, KBC
B.Jordan I
Learn how KBC approaches energy management to improve efficiency and operational control.
General
Coffee Break
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
2:40 - 3:30 PM
Solutions Hub
Take a break, get a drink, and visit the Solutions Hub to speak with KBC specialists across key technology areas.
Presentation
Downstream | Digital Twin Best Practice + One Reactor Model Approach
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
3:30 - 4:00 PM
Leandro Coronel, Technology Services Team Leader, KBC
B.Jordan I
Discover best practices for building effective digital twins using a focused, practical modeling approach.
Presentation
Upstream | Framework for Production Data Sharing
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Eugene Spiropoulos, OPA & Digital Transformation, Yokogawa
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Learn how open production architecture enables standardized, scalable production data sharing across operations.
Presentation
Catalyst Comparison Using Kinetic FCC Models
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Abel Lopez, Modeling Specialist, Ketjen
B.Jordan I
See how FCC-SIM can be used to audit and optimize catalyst performance.
Presentation
Upstream | Sustainable & Adaptable Digital Safety | A case study from OMV Energy & Yokogawa RAP
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Bill Gibbons, Senior Consultant, Yokogawa
A.Dezavala Ballroom III
Explore how OMV Energy and Yokogawa implemented a sustainable, adaptable digital safety approach in this practical case study.
General
END OF SESSIONS | FREE TIME
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
4:30 - 5:45 PM
Take a break and enjoy some free time before the evening’s appreciation events begin.
Client Appreciation Event
Client Appreciation Reception
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
5.45 - 6.15 PM
Hosted by KBC
Foyer
Join us for informal drinks and networking as we thank our clients for being part of Konnect.
Client Appreciation Event
Client Appreciation Dinner & Trivia
Day 2 - Wed, Feb 4
6:15 - 9:00 PM
Prachi Chapman & Rhys James, KBC
B. Jordan Ballroom I
Enjoy an evening of dinner, conversation, and lighthearted trivia with fellow attendees and the KBC team.
General
Registration & Coffee
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Solutions Hub
General
Welcome & Recap
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
8:30 - 8:40 AM
Pablo Montagna, Sales Executive, KBC
B.Jordan I
Reconnect with key themes and set the focus for the final day of technical sessions.
Presentation
Reinventing Refineries in Latin America. Profit, Performance, Digitalization & Decarbonization
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
8:40 - 9:10 AM
Rafael Rebouças de Araujo, Acelen & Louise Maratos, KBC
B.Jordan I
Learn how digitalization and decarbonization initiatives are driving measurable performance gains in refineries.
Presentation
From Daily Operations to Strategic Planning: Quantitative Prioritization with Visual MESA for Refinery Energy Optimization
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
9:10 - 9:40 AM
Ashton Needham, Senior Process Engineer - Utilities/Energy, Chevron
B.Jordan I
Learn how quantitative prioritization supports smarter refinery energy optimization decisions.
General
Coffee Break
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
10:00 - 10:20 AM
Solutions Hub
Presentation
AI and KBC Technology: Where we are
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
10:20 - 10:50 AM
Mike Aylott, Executive Advisor - Technology, KBC
B.Jordan I
Discover how AI is being applied to deliver tangible value in downstream operations.
Presentation
From Baseline to Benefit: Parkland’s Journey to Quantify Bio-Feedstock Decarbonization Using Production Accounting
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
10:50 - 11:20 AM
Lucas Nieto, KBC (On behalf of Parkland)
B.Jordan I
Learn how production accounting was used to quantify decarbonization benefits from bio-feedstock processing.
Fireside Chat
Democratization of Simulation - the Why, How and What
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Philippa Hayward, Product Management – Principal Consultant, KBC
B.Jordan I
Join the discussion on cloud adoption, accessibility, and the future of simulation in engineering organizations.
General
Closing Statements
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
12:00 - 12:15 PM
Prachi Chapman & Simon Rogers, KBC
B.Jordan I
Wrap up Konnect with key takeaways and perspectives on applying conference learnings.
General
Lunch (Grab & Go)
Day 3 - Thu, Feb 5
12:15 PM
Solutions Hub
Thank you for attending Konnect 2026. We look forward to seeing you in the future!
Solutions Hub Station
Energy
Solutions Hub
Nicolas Visuara, Juan Ruiz, Nicolas Carrara
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
|
Technologies
|
What will you find?
|
|
Visual MESA Energy Management Suite:
VM-EM/ERTO
VM-MPO
|
Demos for Visual MESA Energy Management Suite including Monitoring, Real-Time Optimization, and Multi-Period Optimization
Introduction to Visual MESA in the KBC Acuity platform
|
Solutions Hub Station
KBC Acuity - Downstream
Solutions Hub
Mike Aylott, Chris Warnke, Ariel Pieck
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
|
Technologies
|
What will you find?
|
|
Acuity Process Twin
Acuity Process Twin Pro
|
Integrated Acuity Process Twin and Process Twin Pro demo for a sample process unit
|
Solutions Hub Station
KBC Acuity - Upstream
Solutions Hub
Rolando Gabarron, Alessandro Speranza, Chris Warnke, Tony Tousha
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
|
Technologies
|
What will you find?
|
|
KBC Acuity Operations Monitor
KBC Virtual Flow Meter
KBC Acuity Production Twin
|
KBC Acuity Operations Monitor with Virtual Flow Meter demo
KBC Acuity Production Twin demo with AI chat bot
|
Solutions Hub Station
Simulation - Downstream
Solutions Hub
Phillipa Hayward, Maria Guerra, Leandro Coronel, David Harlan, Quang Vu, Jay Zhang, Ariel Pieck, Brian Burgio
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
| Technologies |
What will you find? |
|
Petro-SIM
Reactor Suite
Flaretot
RTO
|
Petro-SIM and Refinery Reactor Expert Support
Petro-SIM Machine Learning Utility demo
Petro-SIM Real-Time Optimization
Heat Exchanger Improvements
Flare Design and Relief Valve Sizing Modelling - Flaretot demo
Petro-SIM Synthesis Enhancements
|
Solutions Hub Station
Simulation - Upstream
Solutions Hub
Alessandro Speranza, Ethan Chu, Prasad Sethuraman
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
|
Technologies
|
What will you find?
|
|
Multiflash
Maximus
|
Multiflash Thermo Builder demo
Multiflash Python interface
Maximus Features Highlights (historian connection, Surface Jet Pump, History Matching, Gas Lift Optimization, CCS, Auto-Tuning, Well Design, and Hydrates deposition)
|
Solutions Hub Station
Production Accounting
Solutions Hub
Matias Ortiz, Lucas Nieto
A. Dezavala Ballroom I & II
| Technologies |
What will you find? |
|
Visual MESA Production Accounting
Visual MESA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management System
|
Production Accounting for Monitoring demo
Greenhouse Gas Emission Monitoring demo
Production Back-Allocation with VM-PA demo
|
