Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Asian Refining Technology Conference (ARTC) 2026 is a key gathering for refiners, petrochemical plant operators, and technology experts. This event focuses on cutting-edge technologies and strategies for energy efficiency and circular economy in the refining sector.
With three co-located events, ARTC offers a comprehensive agenda covering the latest trends and innovations in the downstream oil and gas industry. Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 takes place in Singapore, Singapore.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 takes place from 28-29 October at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event expects over 600 industry professionals and 60 expert speakers in the refining and petrochemical sectors.
- 3Organiser: The conference is organized by the World Refining Association, known for its high standards in the global refining community.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from refining, chemicals, and petrochemical sectors across Asia.
- 5Entry: Registration is free for refiners and operators, making it accessible for industry professionals.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders on the latest refining technologies and strategies. The conference provides opportunities to network with over 600 professionals and explore innovative solutions in the refining sector. Participants can also engage in discussions about the future of energy and sustainability in the industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at ARTC 2026 allows companies to showcase their latest technologies and solutions to a targeted audience of industry leaders. This event offers a platform to forge new business relationships and enhance visibility in the downstream oil and gas market. Exhibitors can connect with key decision-makers and gain valuable insights into market trends.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Refinery operators looking for innovative technologies
Petrochemical plant managers seeking efficiency solutions
Government officials involved in energy policy
Technology providers in the refining sector
Industry analysts focusing on market trends
Environmental consultants specializing in sustainability
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of refining equipment and technologies
Suppliers of catalysts and chemical products
Service providers for operational excellence
Consultants in energy efficiency and sustainability
Companies specializing in carbon capture technologies
Digital solution providers for the refining industry
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Refining technologies and equipment
Catalysts and chemical products
Energy efficiency solutions
Carbon capture and storage technologies
Digital solutions for operational excellence
Sustainable practices in refining
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sands Expo & Convention Centre
10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Facilities
Parking
Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sands Expo & Convention Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Singapore, Singapore
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders on the latest refining technologies and strategies. The conference provides opportunities to network with over 600 professionals and explore innovative solutions in the refining sector.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · SGD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Changi Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Marina Bay Sands (on-site hotel at Sands Expo & Convention Centre)
5-star
Marina Bay, attached to the venueIntegrated resort hotel directly above the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, so there is no commute on show days. Premium pricing reflects the location; the hotel also carries resort, pool and F&B charges that may not be included in the room rate.
WYNDHAM SINGAPORE HOTEL
5-star
Singapore city centreFull-service 5-star property with outdoor pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant, listed among hotels near the venue in hotel search results. A mid-priced upgrade option compared with Marina Bay Sands, with a short taxi ride to the venue.
Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel
3-star
Clarke Quay3-star hotel with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and airport shuttle, guest-rated around 4.0 in the capture. Clarke Quay connects to Bayfront on the Downtown Line with one change, roughly 15-20 minutes door to door.
The Quay Hotel Singapore
3-star
Clarke Quay / riverfront3-star riverfront property with paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and restaurant, guest-rated around 3.9. Walkable to Clarke Quay MRT and the riverside restaurants that delegates often use for evening meetings.
Garden Pod @ Gardens By The Bay
5-star
Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay5-star pod-style accommodation inside Gardens by the Bay with breakfast, restaurant, in-room kitchen and accessible rooms, scored around 4.5 in the capture. Walking distance to Marina Bay Sands across the waterfront, but quieter than the integrated resort.
Amrise Hotel Kitchener
3-star
Kitchener Road / Little India fringeBudget 3-star option with free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning and breakfast, guest-rated around 3.7 in the capture. Reach Bayfront via Little India or Rochor MRT and the Downtown Line in roughly 20-25 minutes.
Hmlet Novena (previously Habyt Novena)
3-star
NovenaServiced-apartment style stay with free Wi-Fi and kitchenette, useful for longer trips where a team stays through the conference week. Novena MRT gives a direct North South Line connection to Marina Bay via City Hall or Raffles Place.
Wink @ Perak Road
3-star
Little India / Rochor3-star hotel with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking and airport shuttle, part of a Singapore chain with a second property at Jalan Besar. Rochor and Jalan Besar MRT stations put the Downtown Line within a few minutes' walk.
Dash Living Rochor
3-star
Rochor / Little India3-star aparthotel style stay with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, restaurant and airport shuttle, accessible and smoke-free. Rochor MRT on the Downtown Line runs to Bayfront with no interchange, which is the simplest commute of the value options.
Straits Heritage Hostel
Hostel / budget
Central SingaporeLowest-cost bed option among the listed stays, guest-rated around 4.4 and frequently discounted in hotel search results. Best suited to students, start-up teams and anyone prioritising budget over privacy, with MRT access to Bayfront via the Downtown Line.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
MRT from Changi Airport
Estimated costSGD 1.50-2.50 single MRT journey
Best forChangi Airport (SIN) to Bayfront station / Marina Bay Sands
Take the East West Line from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah, continue toward Bugis or Promenade, then change to the Downtown Line or Circle Line for Bayfront, which connects to Marina Bay Sands by underpass. Allow 50-70 minutes with luggage. Pay with a contactless Visa or Mastercard, with no paper ticket needed.
Taxi from Changi Airport
Estimated costApprox. SGD 25-45 including airport surcharge and ERP; confirm meter and surcharges
Best forChangi Airport (SIN) to Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Metered taxis queue at each terminal's arrival level; the run to Marina Bay is about 20-30 minutes off-peak and longer in the afternoon peak or during thunderstorms. Expect surcharges for airport pickup, peak hours and city-area ERP gantries.
Ride-hail (Grab, Gojek, TADA)
Estimated costApprox. SGD 22-50 airport to Marina Bay; approx. SGD 8-15 for a short city hop
Best forChangi Airport or city hotels to Marina Bay Sands
Ride-hailing is widely used in Singapore. Pickup points at Changi are signposted in each terminal, and at Marina Bay Sands the app pickup zones sit near the hotel towers rather than the taxi stand. Surge pricing appears when conference sessions end and during rain.
MRT between city hotels and the venue
Estimated costSGD 1.50-2.50 single MRT journey
Best forClarke Quay, Chinatown, Rochor, Bugis or City Hall to Bayfront station
The Downtown Line runs directly to Bayfront from Chinatown, Telok Ayer, Downtown, Rochor and Little India. From Clarke Quay, change at Promenade to the Circle Line. Trains are frequent and stations are step-free with lifts for luggage.
Parking at Marina Bay Sands
Estimated costApprox. SGD 3-5 per hour with a daily cap applying; confirm current tariffs at the gantry
Best forMarina Bay Sands car park, Bayfront Avenue
The integrated resort car park serves the convention centre and The Shoppes, with signage to Sands Expo halls. Rates change for event days and evenings, and the car park fills during major shows, so arrive early or use MRT if you are staying nearby.
Walking
Estimated costFree
Best forBayfront MRT and Marina Bay waterfront hotels to Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Covered walkways and underpasses link Bayfront station, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the convention centre. Walking is the fastest option from Marina Bay hotels, though the humidity makes even short walks uncomfortable in business attire.
Weather
Late October in Singapore sits in the inter-monsoon transition toward the northeast monsoon: expect hot, humid days around 24-32 C, high humidity, and frequent short, intense afternoon or early-evening thunderstorms. Rain usually clears within an hour but can flood roads and slow taxis around Marina Bay, so allow 15-20 extra minutes for transfers during the show week and keep a compact umbrella in your bag. Indoor halls are heavily air conditioned, so layering matters more than cold-weather clothing.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Singapore mobile coverage is dense, including 5G in Marina Bay. Tourist SIM cards from Singtel, StarHub and M1 are sold at Changi terminals and convenience stores, and eSIM plans can be activated before departure. Most hotels and the Sands Expo halls provide Wi-Fi, but venue networks get congested at peak session times, so keep a mobile hotspot or local data plan for demos and live translation. Power sockets are Type G (UK-style, 230V), so bring an adapter for European, US and Indian plugs.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette and dress
Business formal or smart business attire is standard for conference sessions and stand meetings in Singapore. Titles and surnames are used until invited otherwise, business cards are exchanged with both hands, and punctuality is taken seriously - arrive before the session start time rather than on the minute.
Language at the venue
English is the working language of Singapore business and the default language of ARTC sessions, slides and exhibition materials. Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are also official languages, and many delegates move between them, but presentations and Q&A run in English.
Tipping, payments and costs
Tipping is not expected in Singapore; restaurants typically add a 10 percent service charge and GST. Credit and contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere, hawker centres often take cash or QR payment, and alcohol is expensive by regional standards, which shapes evening hospitality budgets.
Multicultural and religious norms
Singapore is multicultural, with large Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. Halal, vegetarian and other dietary requirements are widely catered for, and it is normal to ask before arranging group dinners. When visiting temples, mosques or heritage districts around Little India and Kampong Glam, dress modestly and follow site signage.
Public behaviour and regulations
Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces and on public transport, eating and drinking are not allowed on the MRT, and the sale of chewing gum is restricted. Laws on littering, jaywalking and drug offences are strictly enforced, so follow signage and local guidance even where it seems trivial.
Getting the most from Singapore's downstream cluster
Many delegates combine ARTC with visits or meetings involving Singapore's refining and petrochemical ecosystem on Jurong Island and Bukom, or with trading and engineering contacts in the Downtown and Marina Bay offices. Schedule such meetings well in advance, as site visits require separate safety inductions and security clearance.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: SIN
Book into Singapore Changi (SIN) rather than Seletar for scheduled long-haul and regional flights, and aim to land the day before your first session to absorb travel time and the time zone. Late October is shoulder season, so fares are usually better booked six to ten weeks ahead, with Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers often offering the strongest one-stop connections from Europe and the Americas. Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and the major ASEAN carriers all serve Changi. Allow at least three hours for international departure at Changi, and check whether your fare includes checked baggage for exhibition materials. These notes are planning guidance only - confirm live schedules and prices with the airline.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Changi Airport (SIN). Allow road or rail time to Sands Expo & Convention Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sands Expo & Convention Centre: Marina Bay, attached to the venue: Marina Bay Sands (on-site hotel at Sands Expo & Convention Centre); Singapore city centre: WYNDHAM SINGAPORE HOTEL; Clarke Quay: Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel.
Ride-hail: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Singapore, with Gojek, TADA and the ComfortDelGro Zig app also available. Fares are metered or fixed before booking, and surge pricing appears after conference sessions end and during heavy rain. At Changi, follow signs to the designated app pickup points in each terminal; at Marina Bay Sands, app pickups use zones near the hotel towers rather than the main taxi stand. Link a card before you land, and note that ERP road charges are added to the fare.
Public transit: Bayfront MRT station (Downtown Line and Circle Line extension) sits directly under Marina Bay Sands and connects to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre by underpass. The Downtown Line runs straight to Bayfront from Chinatown, Telok Ayer, Downtown, Rochor, Little India and Newton, making it the simplest route from most city hotels. From Changi Airport, take the East West Line to Tanah Merah and continue to Bugis or Promenade, then change to the Downtown or Circle Line. Buses serve Bayfront Avenue and Marina Boulevard, and taxis queue at the hotel towers. Pay for all MRT and bus journeys by tapping a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay at the gate - no separate transit card is required.
Parking: Marina Bay Sands operates a large multi-storey car park serving the hotel, The Shoppes and Sands Expo & Convention Centre, with signage to the convention halls and separate entry lanes for season parking and visitors. Charges apply per hour with a daily cap and can differ on event and evening rates, so confirm the current tariff at the gantry or on the Marina Bay Sands site before driving in. The car park fills quickly during major exhibitions and on weekend evenings, and the surrounding Bayfront Avenue and Sheares Avenue approach roads are congested at session close. If you are staying within walking distance, MRT or walking will usually be faster than driving.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late October 2026 (inter-monsoon period)
Temperature: Approx. 24-32 C by day with nights around 24-26 C, and humidity typically 75-90 percent; confirm a live forecast in the week before travel. The perceived temperature is higher indoors-to-outdoors because of the humidity.
Seasonality: Late October falls in Singapore's inter-monsoon transition toward the northeast monsoon, with frequent short, intense afternoon and early-evening thunderstorms rather than all-day rain. Showers usually clear within an hour, but they can cause short road flooding and taxi queues around Marina Bay, so build buffer time into transfers.
Packing: Pack light breathable business attire plus a jacket or layer for heavily air-conditioned convention halls, a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for the distances inside Sands Expo and along the Marina Bay waterfront. Bring a UK-style Type G plug adapter, refillable water bottle and sunscreen for outdoor walks, and keep documents in a waterproof sleeve for storm season.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration and delegate category
T-2
Check passport and Singapore entry requirements
T-3
Lock flights into Singapore Changi (SIN)
T-4
Book a hotel with free cancellation
T-5
Plan airport to venue transport
T-6
Set up payments and connectivity
T-7
Build a session and meeting shortlist
T-8
Submit the SG Arrival Card
T-9
Pack for tropical business travel
T-10
Pre-arrange arrival logistics
T-11
Collect badge essentials and settle in
T-12
Arrive early and follow up same day
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 registration concourse
Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsSGD 190.00
- Per diem × 2SGD 150.00
Estimated totalSGD 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Refining technologies and equipment and Catalysts and chemical products solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 in Singapore.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Refining technologies and equipment and Catalysts and chemical products products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Singapore show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC)
- The conversion unit that cracks heavy gas oil over a zeolite catalyst into gasoline blendstocks and petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene. Much of the Asian upgrading debate at ARTC centres on how far FCC and residue upgrading units can be pushed toward petrochemicals.
- Hydrotreating and hydroprocessing
- Hydrogen-based removal of sulphur, nitrogen and metals from naphtha, diesel and VGO streams. Product sulphur limits and FCC or hydrocracker feed pretreatment both depend on reliable hydrogen supply, a recurring theme for refiners in Singapore and across Asia.
- Continuous catalytic reforming (CCR)
- A naphtha reforming process that produces high-octane reformate and a hydrogen-rich gas stream. Refiners weigh CCR severity against hydrogen demand from new hydrotreaters and diesel hydrodesulphurisation units.
- Crude distillation unit (CDU)
- The atmospheric and vacuum fractionation train that splits crude into naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gas oil and residue. CDU configuration and crude slate selection set the baseline for every downstream upgrade discussed on the conference floor.
- Nelson Complexity Index (NCI)
- A comparative index that scores a refinery's upgrading and conversion capability, widely used in asset valuation, configuration benchmarking and brownfield upgrade planning.
- Turnaround (TA)
- A planned shutdown for inspection, catalyst replacement, equipment repair and capital works. Turnaround scope, contractor availability and schedule certainty are among the largest cost levers for Asian refiners and a frequent agenda topic.
- Corrosion under insulation (CUI)
- External corrosion of insulated carbon steel piping and equipment where moisture is trapped, often invisible until insulation is removed. Integrity and inspection programmes at high-humidity coastal sites treat CUI as a standing risk.
- Sulphur recovery unit (SRU)
- A Claus-based unit that converts hydrogen sulphide from hydrotreaters and amine units into elemental sulphur. SRU capacity and tail-gas treating become tighter as crude slates sour and sulphur limits tighten.
- Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
- Capture of CO2 from process heaters, hydrogen plants or flue gas for storage or utilisation. For Singapore refiners it is assessed alongside efficiency and fuel-switching options under the city-state's carbon pricing regime.
- Blue hydrogen
- Hydrogen produced from natural gas reforming or gasification with the CO2 captured, as opposed to unabated grey hydrogen from steam methane reforming. Refinery hydrogen balance and decarbonisation planning are linked.
- Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
- Drop-in jet fuel made from used cooking oil, animal fats, biomass or alcohol-to-jet routes, typically produced by retrofitting hydroprocessing capacity. Several Asian refiners and joint ventures are studying co-processing and dedicated SAF trains.
- Advanced process control (APC) and digital twin
- Model-based control and simulation layers that hold units closer to constraints and test operating scenarios offline. Digitalisation of operations is a standing theme in refining technology discussions on margin capture and reliability.
- Crack spread and refining margin
- The difference between the value of refined products and the cost of crude, expressed per barrel. Margin outlook shapes how much refiners can commit to technology projects and turnarounds in the following cycle.
- Jurong Island and Bukom
- Jurong Island is Singapore's reclaimed petrochemical and refining hub linked to the mainland by causeway; Pulau Bukom hosts Shell's refinery and petrochemical site. Singapore remains one of Asia's largest refining and trading complexes, which is why a refining technology conference sits here.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Asian Refining Technology Conference 2026 Singapore
- Asian Refining Technology Conference Singapore 2026
- Singapore Singapore
- Conference Conference Singapore
- Refining technologies and equipment
- digital transformation expo
- Singapore technology expo 2026
- Catalysts and chemical products
- Energy efficiency solutions
- Carbon capture and storage technologies
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.