Sydney Christmas Networking 2026

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

The APGA Christmas Connection is our annual festive gathering that brings together members of the pipeline and gas industry to celebrate the year that has been. This relaxed end-of-year event is the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, catch up with friends, and enjoy the holiday spirit with the APGA community.

SYDNEY – CHRISTMAS CONNECTION | THE GRACE HOTEL

Celebrate the end of the year at Sydney’s Christmas Connection, hosted at The Grace Hotel in the heart of the city. Join the APGA community for an evening of festive networking, great conversation, and the opportunity to reconnect with industry peers in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With a vibrant city atmosphere and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s the perfect way to wrap up the year together.

MINI - SEMINAR

Speakers

Kelvin Andrijich, Managing Director, Alltype Engineering is an experienced energy and construction industry professional with a background spanning EPC, gas compression and processing, construction and project management, business development and company management. Kelvin has been involved in the delivery of gas and energy projects across Australia and internationally, including gas processing plants, compressor stations, pipeline, LNG and power generation facilities. Kelvin holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Honours and an MBA from Curtin University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Director of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA).

Nigel Hough, Director and QLD State Manager at GPA Engineering. Nigel's career began as a process engineer with 13 years at Woodside Energy Ltd and Shell Global Solutions working in conventional gas and LNG. He supported projects from Concept to Commissioning. At GPA, Nigel has diversified into unconventional gas and, more recently, hydrogen and future fuels. Nigel is now an experienced Project Manager having filled that role on many of GPA’s larger and more complex multidiscipline projects. Nigel filled the role of Project Manager on GPA’s design team for Senex’s Roma North Compression station and Jemena’s Atlas Compression Station projects. He continued to support GPA’s design team for Senex’ ATEC and MIMC Compression stations in a Projct governance role. Nigel holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) with Honours and an MBA from Adelaide University, holds a diploma or Project Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Presentation summary

Kelvin and Nigel’s joint presentation will reflect on the reality that many Greenfield Australian projects across any market sectors are routinely over budget and delayed. They will talk to why this is particularly relevant to Australia’s pipeline industry at the moment and focus their presentation on what steps we can take as an industry to drive better outcomes. Acknowledging that there are many external threats at the moment that we can’t control, Kelvin and Nigel will instead focus on the things that are within the control of proponents of future projects.

To support their presentation, the presenters will reflect on their company’s respective roles in the successful delivery of Senex Energy’s ATEC and MIMC Compressor stations in 2024/5. GPA Engineering completed the multi-Discipline design for both facilities and Alltype was engaged as the site construction contractor. These projects were both delivered with excellent budget and schedule outcomes and therefore provide an opportunity to reflect on what drove these outcomes.

Out presenters will share their thoughts on what the success factors were for these projects including but not limited to project scoping, planning, contracting, design and construction. They will bring the presentation to conclusion by sharing some recommendations for future project proponents in the room.

FORMAT

The Christmas Connection Sydney is an informal networking event. Guests can expect a social atmosphere with canapés, drinks, and plenty of time to celebrate the end of the year with industry peers.

SPONSOR INFORMATION

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors APA Group and GPA Engineering. Their generous support makes the Christmas Connection possible and helps APGA bring our community together to celebrate the end of another successful year. Their commitment to the pipeline and gas industry strengthens our network and ensures events like this can continue to thrive.

DATE & TIME

2 December 2026

5:00PM - 6:00PM Mini Seminar

6:00PM – 9:00PM Networking

LOCATION

The Grace Hotel, 77 York Street, Sydney

TICKET SALES CLOSE

Please RSVP by COB 25 November 2026

TICKETS & MEMBER DISCOUNTS

Member and Non-member tickets are available for this event. Please make your selection carefully.

A Christmas Gift from APGA

Members save $50 on individual Christmas Function tickets.

· Member - $160 discounted to $110

· Non-Member - $240

· YPF Member - $75

CATERING

Canapes and drinks are included throughout the event.

ATTENDEE LIST

The attendee list will be updated weekly HERE

Please note following recent changes to privacy laws, we can only publish attendees who have given us permission, as such the number of event attendees may vary from the individuals on the attendee list.

Review the attendee list in advance to help plan your networking conversations.

DRESS CODE

Smart casual with a festive touch.

ACCOMMODATION

The Grace Hotel, has provided a special offer for accommodation. To access this offer please visit this link: Accommodation Code

Please note that APGA has no connection to the hotel and cannot administer accommodation.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please let us know of any dietary requirements or accessibility needs when registering so we can ensure your comfort at the event.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Our events team is here to help. For more information on this event, please contact:

• Gayle Bower (gbower@apga.org.au)

• Rachel Carn (@apgrcarna.org.au)

EVENT SURVEY

An anonymous event survey will be distributed following the event. Please feel free to answer candidly – your feedback helps us improve.

If you would like to send feedback on this or any other event please feel free to reach out to us – apga@apga.org.au

CONDUCT, CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

APGA Events and Refund Policy

APGA Code of Conduct