Exploring innovation at the 2025 AGA Operations Conference: Industry trends to watch

The natural gas industry is preparing for its premier annual gathering as the American Gas Association (AGA) Operations Conference heads to Aurora, Colorado from May 4-8, 2025. As the largest forum for gas utility and transmission company operations management professionals, this year's conference promises to deliver cutting-edge insights across the full spectrum of natural gas operation with attendance expected to be over 900 professionals, including more than 100 speakers delivering 120+ technical presentations. 

Key trends to watch at the 2025 conference 

Based on the session lineup, several emerging trends are taking center stage in the natural gas operations world. As a leader of leveraging AI in technology for the industry, it is no surprise to Ideagen that AI is a focus of many topics.  

Artificial intelligence revolution in gas operations 

AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality transforming gas operations. Multiple sessions highlight this trend: 

• Real-time operation of gas pipelines using AI - Exploring how AI and machine learning are driving innovations in efficiency, maintenance and decision-making 
• Novice to expert: applying AI tools in the field - Demonstrating how AI tools help utilities shorten on-the-job training periods for field personnel 
• AI for asset traceability - Showcasing how trained AI models can automate the conversion of supplier data into utility systems of record 
• Applications for AI in problem solving and risk management - Introducing machine learning applications that produce cost savings, risk reduction and smoother operations 

Safety as a strategic business driver 

Safety continues to evolve from a compliance necessity to a strategic business advantage: 

• Southwest Gas safety & quality journey - Highlighting how centralizing quality and safety resources improves incident review practices and builds a stronger safety culture 
• SIF prevention in action - Demonstrating innovative approaches to serious injury and fatality prevention through role-playing safety scenarios 
• Using bore planning to integrate safety and quality into HDD installation - Showcasing how technology enhances horizontal directional drilling safety 

Quality Management and Operational Excellence 

A strong focus on quality management systems reflects the industry's commitment to operational excellence: 

• Cultivating a quality culture: leadership, learning and tools - Exploring how organizations can develop quality-focused cultures through leadership, continuous learning and proper tooling 
• Aligning contractors to customized OQ programs - Sharing case studies of successful contractor quality management 
• Advancing safety commitment through asset management - Detailing NiSource's journey to ISO 55001 certification and its impact on safety and operational excellence 

Digital transformation of field operations 

Digital technologies are reshaping how field work gets done: 

• GIS and asset record management - Utilizing GIS to create, manage, analyze and map critical infrastructure data 
• Evaluation of geolocation and pipe damage assessment applications - Examining new technologies for pipe damage prevention 
• AI virtual SME: key to gas pipeline safety compliance mobile app - Showcasing mobile applications that provide field personnel with critical compliance information 

Networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities 

The 2025 AGA Operations Conference represents an invaluable opportunity to stay ahead of industry developments, connect with peers and discover solutions to the complex challenges facing natural gas operations today. Whether your focus is on safety, digitalization or workforce development, Ideagen offers solutions with embedded contextual AI to meet your most complex needs. Be sure to come by the Exhibition and discuss how our “SME in your pocket” can support your most pressing challenges. For more information, visit this page: Experience Ideagen at the AGA Event