Scotland is well represented once again at the world’s top energy show, which kicks off in the US on Monday.
Aberdeen-based energy industry travel management expert Munro’s Travel has once again managed the packages for more than 300 delegates to the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston.
The room allocation at the group’s HQ hotel, the Hilton Houston Post Oak, was sold out weeks ago.
Munro’s managing partner Murray Burnett said in Houston last night: “This huge demand is just a reflection of how busy the oil industry is in the North Sea and worldwide.
“This is the leading industry show and everyone wants to be here and we are delighted to play our part in making it happen.”
The Scottish delegation began arriving on Wednesday and the last of the party will fly in tomorrow.
As always, a wide range of businesses are represented – a mix of oil industry firms plus the numerous other professions who support them.
The continuing popularity of the trip organised by Munro’s and the Press and Journal since 1973 is reflected in the fact that over 90% of this year’s visitors have been to OTC with the delegation previously.
Mr Burnett is at his 14th OTC in a row.
He said: “It’s great to be back. You can feel the vibrancy of this city every time you touch down at the airport. We have been using the Hilton Houston Post Oak as our HQ hotel for OTC for more than 25 years now and it is like a home from home for the delegation.
“Many of the staff are old friends and they are so welcoming to us.
“Our visit is like transplanting part of Scotland to Houston for a week. Many delegates say they can meet more of their north-east business contacts in just one evening in the hotel than they might in a year at home. Delegates obviously value this excellent networking opportunity.”
But Mr Burnett said events at the massive show site at Reliant Park in Houston would be uppermost on the minds of the Scottish visitors next week.
“All our delegates are looking forward to getting out there, seeing what is going on and finding out what the latest developments in the industry are.
“There are so many opportunities to make new contacts and do deals – more than 100,000 delegates from 100-plus countries are expected over the four days.
“They will be able to see nearly 3,000 exhibiting companies from all over the world displaying the newest industry technology.”
Mr Burnett said he always enjoyed going to the show to catch up with the Scottish and UK exhibitors at their stands.
“Those I have already spoken to are expecting a very busy week, which is good news,” he added.