OE 2009: Record Number of Visitors
Record numbers of visitors have been pouring through the doors at SPE Offshore Europe as the upstream industry’s flagship international event continues to reflect the sector’s vibrancy and resilience. The second and third days of the show saw key issues discussed in the outstanding conference panel sessions by leading Exploration & Production figures. Amongst the main highlights was a session focusing on the different operating models such as PFCs and equity agreements, with speakers including former BP Group chief executive Lord Browne, Peter Barker-Homek of TAQA and Ayman Asfari, Chief Executive Officer of Petrofac. Other panel sessions, meanwhile, highlighted innovative breakthrough technologies, with a particular focus on those that are game changers, the innovation cycle and implementation. The crucial aspect of nurturing and managing talent in a global industry such as the offshore sector was also discussed, including how to overcome global shortages of technical talent. A total of more than 30,000 visitors came to the AECC venue in Aberdeen on days two and three, and the show looks set to achieve a new record total by the time it closes at the end of today.
Event Manager Elaine Hulse said: “We are very encouraged by the level of support shown by the offshore oil and gas sector, and the stands and aisles throughout the exhibition have been very busy all week. There has been a real buzz around the show floor, with lots of meetings and networking taking place on the stands.” More than 10,000 oil industry professionals from around the world visited the show on its first day, with 15,000 on Day 2 and also on Day 3.