Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. OTC is held annually at Reliant Center in Houston.
Each year, OTC attracts more than 80,000 attendees from 110+ countries and 2,500 exhibiting companies. About 90,000 visitors are expected at this year’s conference.
OTC is sponsored by 13 industry organizations and societies, who work cooperatively to develop the technical program. OTC also has endorsing and supporting organizations.
For decades, OTC has been a popular event for those in the offshore drilling business and among the largest trade shows in the world.
“This is the largest that we have had in the 44 year history of OTC,” said Ed Stokes, the vice chairman of OTC. “It is right at about 653,000 square feet, equivalent to about 11.5 football fields, including end zones.”
Governor Rick Perry will meet with the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway on Monday, and participate in a panel with other coastal governors regarding offshore energy development.
Highlights for this year’s conference include a two-part discussion on how the industry can improve self-regulation and how the U.S. federal and state governments can coordinate regulations and policies. Project updates from around the how their latest developments are affecting the industry, along with alternative energy for offshore facilities.
Amid the acres of booths displaying the latest products marketed for the energy industry is the two-story FMC Technologies booth showing off their newest pump. It is a sub-sea, three-mega watt pump and motor system that is capable of being placed at the well head.
“It is more efficient and more profitable to pump the oil from the ground up versus sucking it out of the ground,” said David Robison, the director of sales at FMC Technologies.
The OTC wraps up on Thursday, May 10. “This year it will bring about $130 to $150 million this week,” said Stokes.
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