Scottish business people are on their way home from the US after another successful visit to the world’s biggest oil show.
The Offshore Technology Conference in Houston ended yesterday, bringing to an end four days of hectic activity for delegates.
The show attracted its biggest turnout since 1982, at about 73,000 people from 100-plus countries.
Don Vardeman, the 2008 OTC chairman, said: “Things went very well. We had more than 550,000 square feet of exhibitor space and this could possibly be expanded next year to meet demand.”
A record-breaking 450 delegates joined the annual trip to OTC organised by Munro’s Travel Group, of Aberdeen, and the Press and Journal.
Hopes are high that new contacts made or old ones renewed at OTC will lead to deals worth millions of pounds in the months ahead. Douglas Craig, managing director of Aberdeen-based shipping and energy service firm Craig Group, said: “In terms of oversea contacts, this year’s show has been our best ever. There is a real vibrancy in the industry just now which was very evident from the buzz at the show.”
Tim O’Sullivan, managing director of subsea engineering company MCS in Aberdeen, said: “This has been one of the most promising shows for us in terms of potential new business, with numerous leads being generated from the quality of visitors to our stand.”
Roland van Dort, managing director of Caledyne, an Aberdeen-based specialist in innovative engineering services and products, said: “This has been a fabulous event for us and the main reason for that is we recently opened an office in Houston and our local representative, Steve Jackson, has been on the stand with us.”
Ciaran Dreelan, well-service director of Qserv, a Portlethen-based specialist well and pipeline service company, said: “It has been another great show for us, with sustained visitor numbers throughout the four days.”
Ian Couper, chief executive of North Scotland Industries Group which represents energy-related business in the area, said: “We have managed to increase our membership numbers while here and have strengthened our relationships with several other trade organisations.
“I also have lots of business inquiries to pass back to our members at home and I know our members who have exhibited at OTC, Global Energy Group and Port Services of Invergordon, have inquiries to follow up on.”
Jim Milne, chairman of Aberdeen firm Balmoral Group which specialises in buoyancy products and storage tanks, said: “It’s great to be back on the Houston trail. We’ve been warmly welcomed back to this great city and have met many old friends and made some important new contacts, too.”
Neil Poxon, managing director of Aberdeen-based oil and gas industry technology facilitator ITF, said: “The quality and calibre of the global companies and their representatives at this year’s show has been extraordinary.”
The event will take place from November 5-8 and will welcome around 100 delegates to the city from more than 13 partner cities. It is anticipated that the gathering will also attract trade delegations from the cities, who will have the opportunity to meet firms in Aberdeen.
Lord Provost Peter Stephen said: “It is vital for Aberdeen to maintain its position within the organisation and this visit will give the city a unique opportunity to showcase its businesses, technology, skills and expertise.”
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