Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2026 launches with focus on industry growth, innovation

The 2026 edition of the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo was officially launched under the theme “Building Tomorrow’s Future Today” at a simple ceremony on Friday held at Aiden by Best Western in Georgetown.
The event marked the beginning of preparations for what is expected to be a landmark edition of the conference, set to take place from February 17th to 20th, 2026, at the prestigious Guyana Marriott Hotel.
The conference will open with a feature address by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, with other notable government officials, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, delivering speeches on the policies shaping Guyana’s energy sector.
In attendance at Friday’s launch ceremony were key figures in the country’s energy sector, including Minister Vickram Bharrat and President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd, Alistair Routledge. The event was chaired by the conference’s Communications Director, Alex Graham, who underscored the conference’s growing significance in the global energy landscape.

Guyana a model for new oil producers
Minister Bharrat, in his remarks, reflected on Guyana’s extraordinary progress in the oil and gas sec-tor, noting that the country is now one of the world’s largest per capita producers of hydrocarbons.
“This conference has established itself as a major partner in the development of the oil and gas sector of Guyana. Today, Guyana is recognised as being one of the largest producers of hydrocarbons per capita in the world. That is a story that we need to tell, and if we don’t do it, no one else will. So that is something that we should be proud of as a country,” Minister Bharrat noted.
“We have one of the most successful exploration records offshore, and that success is directly tied to the growth of the energy sector and the ongoing success of this conference.”
He added that the conference has become an important driver of business growth in the sector and has helped position Guyana as a model for other new oil producers globally.
“Today Guyana is rated and seen as one of the best-managed oil and gas sectors in the world among new oil-producing countries. Leading to conferences where Guyana is being used as an example for new oil producers around the world. If you’re looking for a model, if you’re looking for a framework to manage the sector, then look at Guyana’s model because they have done so successfully over the last few years,” Bharrat noted.
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing developments in the gas sector, particularly the Gas-to-Energy project, which is poised to provide more affordable and reliable electricity once completed.

Investment and collaboration
In his remarks, ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd’s President and General Manager, Routledge, also emphasised the importance of continued investment and collaboration in the development of Guyana’s energy resources.
“I’m looking forward to the 2026 edition of the energy conference. To us talking about the progress that we’ve all made and what is needed in order to continue on this remarkable journey in Guyana,” Routledge noted.
“And of course it is going to need us to talk about the investments that are needed, whether that be infrastructure offshore and onshore. The finance that’s going to be required in order to support that; the human capacity and capabilities needed to execute all of that. And then, of course, the collabora-tions that bring all of that together.”
He also noted that the energy conference has become not just a regional focal point but a global one, drawing attention from industry leaders and governments around the world.
As the conference prepares to celebrate its fifth year, expectations are high for the 2026 edition. With continued growth in attendance, participation, and the range of topics covered, the event is set to play an even more vital role in shaping the future of the energy sector.

Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo
The Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo is widely recognised as one of the most im-portant events for the energy sector in the region. Graham emphasised the role the event has played in facilitating international partnerships and business opportunities over the years.
“The Energy Conference continues to provide the best opportunities in Guyana for executive network-ing and B2B marketing,” Graham noted.
“We have tried to keep track of all the relationships. All of the deals, all of the agreements struck as a result of the Energy Conference, and we have not been able to do that. Not because we didn’t have the skills or capabilities, but because the sheer volume of transactions that are bartered at the Energy Conference is overwhelming, and you have to wait for people to tell you their stories of how they met, how this idea came together, who came together. To recognise the significant impact that the Energy Conference is playing in the growth of business in the sector, and that’s something we’re particularly proud of,” Graham noted.
The conference will bring together top leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss the future of energy in Guyana and globally, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement.
The 2025 edition of the conference saw over 10,000 participants, 200 exhibitors, and 75 speakers from more than 40 countries. The event continues to be a pivotal meeting point for global investors, suppliers, and policymakers in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.
A 2026 addition to the conference will be an “Innovation Challenge” designed for school students ranging from Grade 7 to CAPE levels. The challenge will task participants with identifying local prob-lems that can be addressed using artificial intelligence. A prize will be awarded to the winning team on the first day of the conference.
In addition to the Innovation Challenge, the conference will feature a “5KM Energy Walk/Run”, aimed at promoting health and wellness among participants while raising awareness for sustainable energy practices.
Another feature will be the “Taste of Guyana” section, which will showcase local food, arts, crafts, and cultural displays. This feature will be relocated to the Marriott Hotel to integrate more seamless-ly into the overall conference experience.