Offshore Technology Conference, with some new features this year, expects 90,000 to attend annual show in Houston in May.


Thousands of engineers, executives, operators, scientists and other oil industry professionals will be gathering early next month for the Offshore Technology Conference.

The conference, held May 2-5 at NRG Park in Houston, is an annual event geared toward the development of offshore resources.

“The Offshore Technology Conference was founded by engineering and scientific organizations as a response to the growing need for technology of the exploration and development of oil and gas reserves offshore,” says OTC Board Chairman Joe Fowler.

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OTC is sponsored by 13 nonprofit organizations in the energy industry that work cooperatively to develop the technical program.

“Since 1969, the world has come to OTC to make critical decisions and share ideas to meet the world’s energy needs,” says Fowler. “The conference unites industry leaders, engineers, scientists, investors, buyers and entrepreneurs working in the offshore energy industry to develop markets and business partnerships.”

THIS YEAR’S SHOW

OTC 2016 is expected to include more than 2,100 exhibitors representing 45 countries. In addition, there will be 18 international pavilions. Net exhibit space totals 660,630 square feet, including outdoor exhibits.

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“This response will ensure a high-quality technical program, covering the latest in technology innovations and applications, as well as practices and processes,” Fowler says.

OTC gives attendees access to leading-edge technical information, the industry’s largest equipment exhibition and valuable new professional contacts from around the world.

“At OTC, the industry’s most pressing issues are addressed by executive-level speakers that attendees might not encounter anywhere else,” Fowler says. “Speakers include representatives from key U.S. agencies, international energy ministries and company executives to address the most pressing industry issues.”

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OTC expects to attract up to 90,000 attendees in 2016.

“Demand for exhibition space remains strong with companies knowing the value and return on investment of meeting and networking with customers at OTC,” Fowler says.

NEW FOR 2016

This year, the event will feature the OTC Distinguished Achievement Awards Luncheon to recognize the award recipients, raise funds for the Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas and provide an opportunity for industry leaders to network with colleagues from around the world.

“OTC will debut several OTC Training Courses, each hosted by one of our sponsoring societies,” Fowler says. “The courses are one and two days in length and all will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston the Saturday and Sunday before OTC 2016.”

Additional program highlights include:

  • The Next Wave program, titled “Thriving on Volatility: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions,” will be held throughout the show.
  • The Rice Alliance Startup Roundup at OTC will return on May 2. At the event, up to 50 emerging energy companies will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with investors.
  • D5 will return this year and is scheduled for May 6. D5 will bring together exploration and production’s brightest minds at Rice University to hear presentations and participate in discussions that inspire ideas and innovation and leave a lasting impact.

For more information on OTC 2016, go to 2016.otcnet.org.


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