A host of north-east energy companies and industry professionals have touched down in Texas for the oil sector’s biggest event.
The Offshore Technology Conference gets under way in Houston today, with around 70,000 delegates and 2,000 exhibitors.
First held in 1969, OTC features speeches from some of the industry’s top executives and a huge programme of technical presentations. It gives Scottish companies an opportunity to meet existing and prospective US and international customers face-to-face.
Jim Milne, MD of Balmoral Group, said some of the firm’s biggest projects and successes could be attributed to attending OTC. He said: “This will be my 44th OTC. OTC was a ‘must attend’ event and, as far as I’m concerned, it remains that way. Other important exhibitions have evolved but I can track some of the largest projects Balmoral has undertaken back to our years at OTC.”
Bob Ruddiman, head of oil and gas at Pinsent Masons, said he was looking forward to seeing some “disruptive” technology.
He said: “OTC is sometimes seen as a gathering for oil and gas, but it’s a mistake to think of it that way. It’s a global gathering for the energy industry. This week is always an exciting time.
“There will be disruptive technology and thinking at OTC. Industry has had disruptors for generations.”
