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OTD up 52 percent
OTD up 52 percent
More than 320 exhibitors in Stavanger.
In the middle of October more than 320 oil and gas related companies gather for The Offshore Technology oil show in Stavanger Forum (OTD2011 STAVANGER). This is the first time that the show is held in Norway’s oil capital.
It was decided to move Offshore Technology Days 2011 to Stavanger after it had been held for ten years in Bergen.
- We were in advance excited when it comes to how Stavanger would welcome the show, but understood early on that OTD2011 STAVANGER would become a great success, says Peter N. Keilen, Project Manager for the show.
The show was sold out with around 320 exhibitors as early as in May, an increase of more than 52 percent compared to the previous year. Under the banner ”We are the Norwegian Continental Shelf” the show focuses on the Norwegian market and Norwegian companies with an international scope.
- We have noticed increasing interest from companies from the Stavanger region, but a considerable number of companies take the trip south from Bergen and Oslo, Keilen says.
Focus on students and young employees
During the last years OTD has had a close cooperation with the Bergen students, and has arranged special seminars focusing on network building between the students and the exhibitors. For this year’s edition the effort has increased significantly through OTD Young Professionals. Here around 600 students and young employees within the field will meet 34 oil and gas related companies. Approximately 250 students from various educational institutions around Norway are well travelled and fed throughout the OTD.
- The students become more and more important in a field with an increasing level of activity. At the same time it is important to show the students the great possibilities inherent in their home country, and secure that they are not ”lured” out of the country, Keilen says.
The students will also be invited to two concerts on Wednesday and Thursday at Hall Toll in Stavanger city centre.
Impressed with Stavanger
When the show had to be moved to Stavanger, it was uncertain how the show would be received. The project manager noticed that there was a completely different dynamics in Stavanger compared to other Norwegian cities. OTD2011 STAVANGER was welcomed by the then mayor, Leif Johan Sevland.
- Stavanger can safely be proud over their mayor. There cannot be any other mayor in Norway that is so ”on the ball” has he is, Keilen says.
The OTD show quickly established contact with Greater Stavanger, Stavanger Næringsforening (Stavanger Chamber of Commerce) and several other organisations in town.
- These have been important supporters and are important pieces in the work that has been done during the planning of the show, Keilen says.
Professional content
The focus of the show is business opportunities and network building between exhibitors and visitors. Between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors are expected during two hectic days.
During those days Greater Stavanger and Stavanger Næringsforening will also hold seminars under the title ”Great business opportunities in Stavanger,” and Achilles will hold a meeting regarding their qualification scheme. For persons wanting to know more about the subsea market and technology the FMC Subsea School will be particularly interesting.
Hectic days
Much needs to be in place before the hectic days 19th and 20th of October.
- These are hectic days and there is a lot that needs to be in place now, Keilen says. With 300 exhibitors, 15,000-20,000 visitors, 15 side events and two concerts in a new city it is challenging. When the mayor of Stavanger wishes everyone welcome at the opening ceremony on Tuesday night everything will be ready, Keilen promises.
