SABIC Conference 2020 is the evolution from the earlier SABIC Technical Meeting (STM), later called SABIC Technical Conference (STC), which has been hosted by SABIC for more than two decades. Over the years, the conference has provided an opportunity for SABIC's global stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and achievements in innovation.

The theme of SABIC Conference 2020 is Chemistry 4.0, reflecting a new era of development – the fourth phase – that is evolving in the chemical industry, where Digitalization, Circular Economy, Sustainability and Innovation are the key characteristics where the first phase, Chemistry 1.0, centered on Industrialization and Coal Chemistry; Chemistry 2.0 on Petro-chemistry; and Chemistry 3.0 on Globalization and Specialization.

The biennial STM series was first held in December 1994. Since then, it has brought together an impressive lineup of global and local CEOs, heads of manufacturing companies, scientists, researchers, chemists, engineers and technical experts to share their experiences and further build on their capabilities.

STM-11 in 2014 marked the 20th year of the STM series. The 12th edition in 2016 was renamed SABIC Technical Conference, building on its strong reputation as an effective platform for collaborative technology and innovation; and technology and innovation have not only become an essential element within SABIC, but also part of a growing culture among Saudi Arabia's well-recognized companies. That is why we have expanded the scope of the conference this year to also include other top-performing companies in the Kingdom, thus helping them to contribute to the successful achievement of Saudi Vision 2030.