Gas Oil

OTC, for the serious-minded!

Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is renowned as the largest oil and gas industry trade show in the world that provides excellent opportunities for global sharing of technology, expertise, products, and best practices as it brings together industry leaders, investors, buyers and entrepreneurs to develop markets and business partnerships.
Since the premier edition at its founding city of Houston in1969, the Conference has continued to evolve both in its impact, influence and relevance. Kicking off with 2,797 registrants, 112 paper presentations and 368 exhibition spaces on May 19-21, 1969, OTC’s subsequent editions have continued to record remarkable growth in acceptance, size and worldwide participation.
In 2018, which marked the 50th anniversary of OTC had more than 61,000 attendees from more than 100 countries gathered at the NRG Park, the venue of the annual conference, while the exhibition covered more than 585,000 net square feet, including outdoor exhibits.
In like manner, over 60,000 professionals from more than 100 countries are set to attend the 2019 edition. According to the organisers, the conference would include more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space with more than 350 peer-selected technical presentations covering topics from the wellbore to topsides. Typical attendants include engineers, technicians, top executives, operators, scientists and managers in the offshore energy sector.
True to its commitment to foster the exchange of technical knowledge relevant for the development of offshore energy resources, primarily for oil and gas natural resources, every edition showcases the latest and most advanced hardware and software technologies that are leading the industry into the future. This, it does through the “Annual Spotlight on New Technology Awards” which recognises the latest discoveries in technologies as awards are given based on such criteria as new and innovative, proven broad interest for theindustry and significant impact beyond existing technologies.
According to the Spotlight Award Committee Chair Paul Jones, the advancements in technology allow the oil and gas industry to operate more safely, sustainably and efficiently. Commenting on the 2018 edition, Jones said, “As OTC celebrates its 50th edition, we reflect on the innovations that have been achieved throughout the past five decades. We can never forget that it is companies like the 2018 Spotlight Award winners that are driving the technological advancements necessary to propel our industry for thenext 50 years.”
Opinions ABOUT OTC
Speaking on the impact of OTC on global oil and gas industry, the Chairman and CEO of Total, Patrick Pouyanné said that it gives participants “access to leading-edge technical information, the industry’s largest equipment exhibition, and valuable new professional contacts from around the world.
“Its large international participation provides excellent opportunities for global sharing of technology, expertise, products, and best practices. OTC brings together industry leaders, investors, buyers, and entrepreneurs to develop markets and business partnerships.
“For 50 years, OTC has encouraged scientists and engineers to develop innovative technologies that have unleashed the potential of offshore energy sources needed for global growth and progress.”
And to the former President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and currently the President, Forum of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (FOSSCIMA), Prince Billy Harry, OTC is nothing but a jamboree for government officials who are more concerned with the fun of making the international trip and getting estacodes. He insisted that the government’s spending on OTC through sponsorship of its delegation to the annual trade event has not brought a commensurate impact on the country’s conduct of its oil and gas business.
According to him, the positive impact is rather felt among the private sector participants, who he said have tapped into different opportunities the forum offers to advance their businesses. He described government’s expenditure on OTC as “a colossal waste, there is no evidence that the Nigerian government, through its ministerial delegations, the NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the various chambers of commerce attend the Offshore Technology Conference every year.
“For all the years various federal delegations attended the OTC, I have not seen a report of the business conducted there, in view of international investments. If ever there is any report, it will be those supporting the retirements of the huge foreign exchange voted for the trips.
“I have attended the OTC over 10 times, and I know that at the individual firm level, the OTC has been helpful to Nigerians, especially those seeking collaborations and partnerships, but at the government level, nothing. Sending government delegations with money from the federal treasury is a complete waste,” Harry said.
For the Principal Consultant, Lonadek Inc., Dr Ibilola Amao, the Offshore Technology Conference is about technology and innovation. Discountenancing the description of OTC as a jamboree in some quarters, Amao said, “it is a conference a lot of serious business owners make a lot of sacrifices to attend because they want to learn, meet the right people and develop long-lasting relationships that oftentimes translate to business insight and opportunities. Technology and Innovation is a key success driver and is the bedrock of our business at Lonadek Inc. It is seriousbusiness!
Stating that while different marketing gimmicks may be adopted by some participants which may seem as a jamboree the human resource expert said, “I think some persons celebrate at OTC to pull a crowd or grow their network but this is neither the focus nor the norm for most Nigerians, government officials or otherwise. With the current exchange rate and awareness created by NCDMB, whereby Nigerians can enjoy a right of first refusal for any oil or gas related opportunity in Nigeria, serious-mindedNigerians now think of return on investment before considering a trip to Houston. A lot can be achieved by Skype or teleconference.”
Speaking on some of the visible impacts, the international conference speaker said, “Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has made a significant impact by hosting serious mindedtechnology focused Nigerian companies at the Nigerian pavilion. They should be commended for the hard work they invest to put together a good show. I must admit that they have raised the bar and challenge more Nigerians to take an outing at the OTC more seriously.”
Speaking further, she said that good reason such as the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment, an opportunity for one-on-one engagements with top officials who one might not have direct access to or may not be opportune to spend quality time with locally, among others. At the end of the day, everyone has to make a personal or business decision based on return on investment.”
The former Chairman of PETAN, Mr Emeka Ene, said that many companies have derived tremendous value from exhibiting at the OTC over the years. “I know of at least two PETAN companies who have secured export orders at the OTC forproducts they manufacture in Nigeria.
“Many other companies schedule regular meetings with clients and suppliers during the OTC week. Some of our members operate in places like Mauritania, Angola, Yemen, Venezuela, South Sudan and many other oil provinces because of their exposure at the OTC. The OTC gives the opportunity to meet up with all these important stakeholders in one venue and raise Nigeria’s profile in the process. It is an effort that is far from being a jamboree.”
PETAN Publicity Secretary, Mr Ranti Omole, in a statement said the misconception that trails OTC stems from the fact that “We have not fully explored all the opportunities it offers, understand the intricacies and why the global oil and gas businesses would go to the OTC to exhibit their services, use the platform for global business expansion and seek to forge relationships with reputable regional and international service companies.
He said, “PETAN is committed to the promotion and the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, through the organisation of and participation in conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as creating opportunities for Nigerian oil and gas companies to develop, in a highly competitive environment.”
Confirming Association attendance at the 2019 OTC, Omole said the Nigerian Pavilion organised by PETAN along with 22 other national pavilions at this year’s event. These National Pavilions include Canada, Scotland, USA, Norway, Japan, Brazil, Germany, France, China, South Korea, Singapore and many others.
“We are also expecting oil and gas contingents from other African countries. It is an event that strategic and forward-looking organisations must not miss. PETAN has been organising and hosting the Nigerian pavilion at the OTC Houston, Texas since 2005, and we also organise annually discussion panels at the event.
“Join us at the Crown Plaza Hotel on the 7th May 2019 for discussions on the business opportunities in Nigeria and on the 8th May 2019 for the African Regional Technical Workshop.”==Orient Daily

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