The Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) held its annual Eastern Oil and Gas Conference and Trade Show on Oct. 27 and 28 at the Monroeville Convention Center outside Pittsburgh, Pa.

With origins going back to the 1980s, the event is billed as the oil and gas industry’s oldest and longest running event of its kind in the eastern United States. Designed to be an informative forum for both large and small producers involved with exploration and development of oil and gas resources — primarily in the Marcellus and Utica shale regions — the event features a trade show exhibit along with a full conference schedule covering a range of topics including market dynamics, the state of the industry and pricing issues.

An executive panel discussion regarding the current state of the industry and industry forecast for the upcoming year followed an opening welcome and comments from Lou D’Amico, PIOGA president and executive director. Executive panel participants included Joe Frantz of Range Resources, Ken Mariani of EnerVest and Craig Neal of CNX Gas Company.

PIOGA is a member-driven organization designed to keep members informed on issues regarding potential regulatory changes, and assist its membership in working with regulators to address problems and arrive at workable solutions. The organization encourages and helps facilitate the exchange of ideas, concerns and solutions among all of those involved with the association.