Come one, come all

The SIGMA/NPN/OPIS 2007 Executive Leadership Conference in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado, is truly designed for the forward-thinking leaders in the petroleum marketing industry. Together with your peers at a spectacular ski resort, you will gain valuable insight into “surviving and thriving” in today’s market.

The 2007 competitive business environment demands innovation, creativity and a broad understanding of an organization’s capabilities and possibilities. Maintaining the status quo is just not an option. Come to Aspen and learn from dynamic educational sessions that are focused on new and innovative ways to effectively run your business. In addition to these programs, the best learning opportunity is networking with your peers. Whether it be over dinner, on the slopes or at one of the planned parties, you are certain to gain new perspectives from some of the brightest in the business.

This is a great time to plan your winter trip. If you’ve never attended the Executive Leadership Conference, this is the time to try it. If you’ve attended in the past, this one will be so unique you’ll not want to miss it. And if there are others in your company who are young or young-at-heart — whether “next generation” of ownership or other top management — be sure to pass this invitation along to them. This area is one of the world’s greatest ski playgrounds with multiple mountains to choose from. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Education: This meeting will offer three days of in-depth educational sessions. Philip K. Verleger, Jr., will be a keynote speaker on Monday, Feb. 11th from 8-10 a.m. Known as an insightful and thought-provoking speaker, Verleger will share his views on what the U.S. oil markets might look like in the coming decade. Verleger is an expert on the economic structure of energy markets and the determination of energy prices. He published many papers on the energy markets and testified in a number of matters regarding the determination of prices, the structure of markets and other issues related to markets. One of the first to recognize the importance of the creation of energy commodity markets, he consults regularly to firms in the oil and gas business.

Marketer Contacts: Meet some of the most savvy marketers in the business.

Supplier Contacts: Browse about 30 key exhibiting companies, set up in a relaxed environment.

Family Networking: An excellent venue for the next generation in your company to start developing a network of contacts that will be valuable throughout their lifetimes. There is something to do for everyone in every age group, and many things to do together.

Beautiful Scenery and Winter Sports: Snowmass Village is a Colorado ski resort town nestled in the White River National Forest along the West Elk Mountain Range. It borders the pristine Snowmass/Maroon Bells Wilderness Area and incorporates four skiing mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. The largest of the four Aspen Skiing Company mountains, Snowmass Village is the place to ski, snowboard and enjoy the outdoors.

This area is equally fun for skiers and nonskiers alike. Just 12 miles from the quaint town of Aspen, Snowmass is known for its wonderful museums, gift shops, fine art galleries, concerts, dance performances, theater and stand-up comedy, plus some of the most breathtaking scenery around.

Coming up Feb. 11-14 in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado, at the Silvertree Hotel, the 2007 SIGMA/NPN/OPIS Executive Leadership Conference is an evolving meeting that mixes family with the best in education. For more information and registration opportunities, call (703) 709-7000 or visit SIGMA’s website at www.sigma.org.

Aspen/Snowmass Activities

The inaugural Aspen/Snowmass Open, presented by Nissan, will be held the same weekend that petroleum industry leaders head to the Rockies for the 2007 SIGMA/NPN/OPIS/ Executive Leadership Conference. From Feb. 9-12, the Aspen/Snowmass Open will offer the opportunity for up-and-coming athletes to compete on the renowned Winter X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses on Buttermilk Mountain, just one week after the Winter X Games.

“There is no other event out there that combines snowboarding and skiing in an open registration format on this scale,” said David Perry, senior vice president, Aspen Skiing Company. “This event is receiving incredible hype and response in its inaugural year and promises to set the standard for open competitions.”

Nearly $30,000 of prize money is on the line and the top finishers in both slopestyle and superpipe will qualify for the 2007 U.S. Freeskiing Open. This unique event will feature open categories for over 300 skiers and snowboarders from five countries, both men and women, and in both slopestyle and superpipe. It’s an amazing show to witness and definitely worth a peek while you’re adventuring Aspen.

Plus, on Saturday, Feb. 10, the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series will offer a free outdoor concert, held in conjunction with Aspen/Snowmass Open key events. Past performers include Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Offspring, Unwritten Law, The Vandals, Gin Blossoms, POD, Wylde Bunch and Arrested Development. Stay tuned for announcements on the artists for this concert, sure to be a fun event.