There is now just a week to go until the SPE Offshore Europe conference makes its triumphant return to Aberdeen.
Thousands of people from some of the world’s biggest companies will descend on P&J Live for the oil and gas showcase.
It is the first time since 2019 the event, which is celebrating its 50th birthday, is being held “in-person” after Covid-19 scuppered the two previous attempts in 2021 and 2022.
Planning for an event of such size requires military precision of everything from transport and parking, to catering and drinks receptions.
To help prepare for this year’s Offshore Europe, Energy Voice – sister website to The Press and Journal – has created a one-stop shop of all the information you need to know.
Days and timings
Offshore Europe 2023 will officially get under way at 9.30am next Tuesday and end at 2pm on Friday (September 8).
With the exception of the Friday, the conference will begin each day at 9.30am and draw to a close at 6pm.
An Offshore Europe 50th anniversary drinks reception will be held between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the View area of P&J Live.
Things to be aware of
P&J Live operates a cashless system and delegates are encouraged to make all payments using contactless technology.
If you want to park at the venue, this must be pre-booked and you can do that via the P&J Live website. Shuttle and public buses are available – you can find more information about these options further down this article.
Security
The following security measures will be in place at P&J Live to help provide a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Only pre-registered visitors who are badge holders, visitors who register onsite, and exhibitors who are badge holders will be able to attend the event.
There will be visible security patrols inside and outside the venue.
On arrival, there will be an initial, external perimeter security check on approaches to the venue which everyone will have to pass through.
There will be a secondary security check involving x-ray or manual searches – depending on the size of item – of all bags, rucksacks, laptop bags, etc. before access to the registration facility and, thereafter, entry to the venue itself.
If anyone cannot pass through the security arches for medical reasons, they should make this known to the security staff at the perimeter on arrival.
You can find P&J Live’s full venue safety and security information here.
Transport
Parking
As mentioned earlier, all parking on site must be pre-booked. Vehicles will be split between three sites at P&J Live.
Stagecoach bus
Free bus travel on Stagecoach’s 727 Service – between Union Square and P&J Live – is available to delegates.
All you need to do is flash your Offshore Europe badge before jumping on board.
On average, buses will run every 15 to 30 minutes from stops on Gough Burn Crescent and E Burn Road – you can download the timetable here.
First Bus shuttle service
First Bus will be running a number of dedicated shuttle services from various points in the city, all of which will be free of charge.
It includes park and ride facilities at Craibstone, Bridge of Don and Kingswells, as well at the airport and hotels in Dyce.
There will also be a shuttle service from the city centre and from train station – you can download timetables here.
Taxis
Taxis are likely to be in short supply for the duration of Offshore Europe, with warnings the event will heap more pressure on an already strained industry.
Nevertheless, local firm ComCab aims to have all available cars on hand, and couriers and taxi marshalls in attendance at P&J Live to help get guests home safely.
There have also been months of pre-planning in the run-up to the event with other suppliers, event managers and Aberdeen City Council to ensure all aspects are covered.
Park and Ride Maps
Craibstone, Airport Rd, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0BZ
Kingswells Causeway, Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8UN
Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8FB
Food and Drink
Attendees will have their choice of a “wide range of food and drink options” at P&J Live over the course of Offshore Europe.
195 Bar & Grill Restaurant
Located on the first floor and available for booking in advance. Walk-ins also welcomed Tuesday-Thursday.
Concourse
The Mill Coffee Shop located in the main concourse will be open, serving hot drinks and breakfast, sandwiches and salad boxes.
Hall 1
Two outlets will be set up in Hall 1, with one serving a fresh selection of salads from the salad bar and hot food special of the day, as well as a range of sandwiches, baguettes, soup of the day, and a selection of soft and hot drinks.
The other will be set up to serve a wide range of cold and hot breakfast items and salad boxes, baguettes and a chef’s soup of the day.
Hall 3
A coffee bar will have grab-and-go options like salad boxes, sandwiches, hot soup and fresh fruit and snacks, as well as a selection of soft and hot drinks.
The View
Located on level one, it will be serving a selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Guidelines from P&J Live
- Make a day of it – fill your time before and after your event at P&J Live with an “unforgettable meal, a comforting stay at one of the city’s accommodations, or with even more activities”.
- Be kind – act responsibly and be considerate to other visitors, giving them time and space where possible to move around the venue, and understand they may have different requirements to yours.
