OTC Show Preview

The oil and gas industry’s largest equipment exhibition is coming to Houston once again, May 1–4. Since 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) has led the way in terms of exhibiting the latest advancements in offshore oil and gas technology, Fig. 1. The conference, which is held annually at Houston’s NRG Park, has magnified its global reach with the addition of the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, OTC Asia and d5. OTC’s sponsoring organizations use the revenue generated by the event to support important member programs, including training courses and technical journals.

Fig. 1. OTC 2017 will exhibit the latest advancements in offshore oil and gas technology at Houston’s NRG Park, May 1-4.

At OTC 2017, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of companies that offer some of the industry’s most innovative products and services, as well as like-minded professionals from more than 120 countries around the world, Fig. 2. This year, Nomads International is hosting an international visitor’s lounge, where attendees can socialize over complimentary snacks and beverages. Additionally, the visitor’s lounge—which will be open to attendees from Monday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 3—will feature a photo booth, where visitors can get snapshots taken and sent directly to their email inbox after the show. A Nomads backdrop also will be available for visitors to take photos themselves.

Training courses. Prior to the official opening of the conference, OTC will once again offer a variety of training courses. Hosted by OTC’s sponsoring societies, courses presented will examine various subject matter.

Technical highlights. Every year, during the convention’s technical program, industry experts share key insights regarding technological advancements, safe and environmentally friendly operations, and economic and regulatory effects. The 2017 technical program includes technical sessions, panel discussions, and networking breakfasts and luncheons.

The featured technical highlights of OTC 2017 include:

• Updates on world-class projects: Low oil prices create the demand for game-changing, lower-cost methods, resulting in an environment rich for breakthrough technologies.
• Strategies for adapting to a lower-price environment: Addressing the effective use of technology and standardization to reduce costs.
• New developments in major offshore basins: Major changes are underway in Mexico, and Brazil, concerning regulation and development of offshore resources.
• Safety and risk management: While the transition to lower costs is critical to the industry, safety and environmental responsibility remain the cornerstones of success.
• Offshore renewable energy: Designing and developing offshore, renewable energy structures and infrastructure.
• Digital revolution: Looking closely at big data and the growing importance of cybersecurity.

Fig. 2. Thousands of industry professionals from more than 120 countries around the world are expected to attend this year’s OTC.

Special events. Throughout the four-day conference, a variety of special events are scheduled to be held. The Next Wave program, for one, addresses issues faced by young professionals seeking a future in the oil and gas industry, and supplies them with a comprehensive summary of ideas and strategies that will help shape them into leaders of the future. Once again, this year’s program is sponsored by BP.

Also scheduled to take place throughout the event, the OTC University R&D Showcase will give universities the opportunity to present their offshore R&D projects. Similarly, the Rice Alliance Startup Roundup will allow up to 50 emerging energy companies to showcase their offerings, in an effort to draw the interest of potential investors.

OTC once again will feature an annual favorite, the Spotlight on New Technology Awards Presentation. Each year, innovative OTC exhibitors are presented with awards based on their latest advancements.

This will be followed by the event’s second annual networking roundtable. “Reaching out and reaching up: Networking in the downturn” will feature panel and roundtable discussions, as well as tips on resume building and interviews.

During day two of the conference, the OTC Achievement Awards for individuals and organizations will be recognized at a luncheon. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to a charitable organization that is connected to the offshore energy industry. Additionally, the event will recognize Oilfield Helping Hands (OHH) with a generous donation. OHH is a nonprofit organization that offers financial aid to oilfield families in times of crisis.

Another networking event will be held on Tuesday, May 2. “Efficient Organizations: Leaning up in the low-price environment” will host companies from across the energy sector, giving them an opportunity to network and share ideas as to how their respective companies can stay competitive in the present-day market. Mike McEvilly, director of offshore for Hess Corporation’s Ghana Development, and Glenn Kliebert, area manager for Kiewit, will serve as the event’s keynote speakers.

That evening, at OTC’s Night at the Ballpark, attendees will gather at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros major-league baseball team will take on their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers.

Fig. 3. Students will get the opportunity to meet with industry professionals to ask questions and get advice.

Educational programs. On Wednesday, May 3, OTC will feature the OTC Energy Challenge. For the first time, OTC will organize the participation of local high school students, who will exercise their scientific and technical knowledge by solving real-world energy challenges. In addition to the student presentations, a panel discussion will offer more insight into potential careers in STEM.

Also taking place on May 3, Women in the Industry Sharing Experience (WISE) will introduce its event, “Diversity, communication and leadership at all levels create stronger teams and organizations.” The event will be comprised of three sessions that are open to both women and men in the industry.

OTC will continue to educate the next generation of aspiring engineers, scientists and managers in the E&P industry, as it presents the Energy4Me high school student STEM event on Thursday, May 4. The event will give approximately 150 high school students a better understanding of what the industry has to offer. It will include fun activities, including a scavenger hunt of the technology exhibits and hands-on lessons in energy. Students also will get the opportunity to meet with industry professionals to ask questions and get advice regarding their future careers in STEM, Fig. 3.

Teachers, too, are invited to take part in a workshop that features hands-on training, in-depth presentations and prominent keynote speakers. The one-day seminar, “Energize your classroom,” will supply science teachers (grades 9-12) with a variety of free instructional materials to use in their classrooms.

d5: The next big thing. Entering its third year, d5 is an event designed to inspire creativity and generate innovative ideas. This year’s d5 event will examine “Impactful innovation throughout the economic cycle.”

The one-day event will be held at Rice University’s Jones School of Business on Friday, May 5. The agenda will feature keynote speakers, including Nina Simosko, president and CEO of NTT Innovation Institute Inc; Riaz Siddiqi, chairman and co-founder of Denham Capitol; Jose Olalla, head of BD and digital transformation at BBVA; and Tony Cucolo, U.S. Army (Retired) Major General. Following each keynote address, a 20-to-30-min. breakout session will allow more intimate time with each speaker, allowing attendees to ask questions and discuss details of the topics presented.

Wrapping up the event, the conference will conclude with a panel made up of oil and gas executives who attended d5, prompting discussion of the information presented, as well as important industry matters.