HF2013 is co-organised and sponsored by CSIRO, the University of Utah's Energy and Geoscience Institute, the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) and the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS). During the conference, participants will explore and recognise the synergies and versatility of hydraulic fracturing in multiple industries, and promote its sustainable use as a key technology into the future. Technical Themes Advancing Effectiveness presenting the latest advances in simulation, theory, field procedures, laboratory experimentation and case studies. Exploring Versatility presenting methods and lessons from a diversity of application domains. Promoting Sustainability driving toward differentiation between real and perceived risks, deployment of viable controls and beneficials public engagement.