Organisers of the world’s most important oil and gas show are delighted at the success of this year’s event, despite the impact of the economic downturn and swine flu.
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston drew to a close yesterday after four days of hectic activity.
About 67,000 people attended – 6,000 down on the 2008 figure – a 26-year high – but still ahead of the 2007 tally.
OTC chairman Don Vardeman felt the effect of the international swine flu outbreak had been minimal, adding: “It’s been a really good event. The technical sessions were well attended and the exhibition has been great as well.”
There were more than 2,500 exhibitors from 30-plus countries who occupied 567,000 square feet of stand space: the second highest in the history of the show.
More than 350 delegates were on the annual trip to OTC organised by Munro’s Travel Group, of Aberdeen, and the Press and Journal.
Scottish firms at the show were happy with how things went.
Sub-drill of Aberdeen was exhibiting for the first time. Its managing director and founder, Stewart Paton, said: “Our growth strategy is to focus on internationalising the business.
“Attending and exhibiting at OTC was integral to this and our first year at the show has been a tremendous success. It’s a big investment to make, but the rewards have been worth it; potentially, we have secured three new major contracts.”
Aberdeen-based Tendeka, parent organisation for energy technology providers Swellfix, Sensornet and Well Technology, also attended OTC for the first time.
Chief executive Neale Carter said: “It’s been an excellent show and being here is very important for Tendeka. We are a new company and having the opportunity to engage with like-minded organisations and potential customers from across the globe in one location is invaluable.”
Roland Van Dort, managing director of Aberdeen-based Caledyne, said: “This has been a very profitable show for us. Despite concerns over attendances, we have had some very high-quality inquiries for our products and services.”
Ian Couper, chief executive of North Scotland Industries Group, said: “We were approached by representatives from several countries who recognised our oil and gas experience and are encouraging us to take trade missions to them.
“These include Canada, Brazil, Australia and others and these opportunities will be considered by our oil and gas focus group shortly.”
Aberdeen-based LA Recruitment has landed new work from oil and gas companies in America, Australia, China and Dubai as a result of being at the show.
Director Mhairi Preston said: “This is the fourth year in a row we have exhibited at OTC and it’s been extremely worthwhile for us so far.”
Neil Poxon, managing director at oil and gas industry technology facilitator ITF in Aberdeen, said: “This was our third year at OTC and, despite the current economic climate, the show was just as successful as every other year we have attended.”
Malcolm Laing, of Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers, said: “I have been genuinely surprised at the optimism and confidence demonstrated by not only the Scottish contingent at the show but also by the US companies.
“They recognise that there is a global recession, but they have operated in challenging times before and are confident that the current climate will improve and are ready for the upturn when it comes. The oil price is climbing and there are positive signs for the future.”
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