2016 Offshore Technology Conference Attendance Ranks In Top 15
Offshore energy industry experts and leaders gathered from across the world at NRG Park in Houston 2–5 May for the 2016 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). More than 68,000 attendees from 120 countries gathered at the annual conference, placing 2016’s OTC among the top 15 highest attended in its 48-year history. The exhibition floor was sold out before the conference and was the third largest in show history at 672,300sqf, including outdoor exhibits. This year’s conference had more than 2,600 companies exhibiting. These exhibitors represented 47 countries, up from last year’s 37. Additionally, nearly 300 were new exhibitors, and international companies made up 51% of exhibitors.
The conference featured 11 panel sessions, 24 executive keynote presentations at luncheons and breakfasts, and more than 325 technical paper presentations. Speakers—including international and national oil companies; federal and regional government officials; and academics—presented their views on a wide variety of topics, including future industry directions, operational integrity and risk management.
OTC’s Spotlight on New Technology Awards recognized 13 technologies for their innovation in allowing the industry to produce offshore resources, including one company in the category of Small Business Awards.
Increasing efficiencies while ensuring safe operations was a key theme at this year’s conference. Sessions covered new technologies which not only reduce costs to the operator but enhance the overall safety of the operations; cost-effective advances in well cementing technologies; and use of RFID to precisely track drill pipe for enhanced safety and efficiency. OTC also provided updates on new and emerging markets from around the world. Of particular note, several sessions focused on Mexico’s developments since the Energy Reform Bill became law. A more open structure in the country will provide opportunities for Mexican companies to partner with international companies, bringing technology and capital investment into the country.
New to the conference this year were OTC’s Training Courses held 30 April and 1 May at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The courses were organised by several of OTC’s sponsors and included: Deep Foundations: Design, Construction and Quality Control; Subsea Production and Technologies; Deepwater Drilling and Production Technology; and Petroleum Geology for Engineers.
OTC 2017 takes place 1–4 May 2017 at NRG Park.