. Contributes about $3bn to local economy
By Clara Nwachukwu, Houston Texas
The 55th annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) concluded on Thursday at the NRG Park, uniting the world’s elite energy experts and professionals, to discuss the future of offshore energy.
This landmark event held in Houston, Texas, is said to have contributed an estimated $3 billion to the local economy and continues to demonstrate its commitment to the city’s economic and community development.
Aside from making a substantial impact by attracting global visitors, and significantly benefiting local businesses, OTC 2024 showcased breakthrough innovations in the industry.
A multi-disciplinary technical programme exploring the technologies needed to address the world’s increasing energy demands as populations and economies continue to modernise and advance.
According to the organisers, this year’s agenda included a diverse lineup of 51 sessions—featuring 30 executive dialogues and keynote presentations, 13 panels, seven networking events and nine countries highlighted in the Around the World Series.
Also, over 30,000 participants from 107 countries attended, reinforcing OTC’s status as the premiere global energy and innovation conference amid rising energy demand.
On the exhibition floor, 14 international pavilions and almost 1,300 companies showcased innovative technologies across 257,350 square feet of space and virtual reality and interactive setups.
This growing international presence highlights OTC’s expanding influence and importance within the offshore energy sector, highlighted further by the presence of 205 media and press.
Chair of the OTC Board, Alex Martinez, reflected on OTC 2024 success, saying: “It was inspiring to see the global energy community come together to discuss and partner in solutions that will shape a sustainable future.
“As the world’s population continues to grow and require more energy, there is no other event that provides attendees with more diverse conversations focused on the latest developments needed to accelerate the global energy mix.”
The Energy Transition Pavilion made a notable return to OTC 2024, where partners presented innovative solutions including geothermal energy, rig electrification, and the role of AI and data analytics.
As the world’s population continues to grow and require more energy, there is no other event that provides attendees with more diverse conversations focused on the latest developments needed to accelerate the global energy mix.
Feature programmes
This year’s Offshore Wind Thread included key speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy, and three days of focused discussion on topics like site characterisation, AI applications and project design challenges and advancements.
Additionally, OTC launched the Young Professionals Day effectively engaging and challenging the next generation of offshore energy leaders. Held on Wednesday, May 8, the event provided a dynamic forum and networking platform for those early in their careers.
Expert panels discussed career advancement opportunities and the significant roles young professionals can play in the industry.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in guided tours that offered a unique view of the latest technologies driving the offshore energy sector forward.
As OTC continues to innovate and expand, the energy community eagerly anticipates the next conference, promising even more groundbreaking discussions and technologies to advance the offshore industry and global energy transition in years to come.
OTC 2025 will take place 5–8 May at NRG Center, Houston, Texas, USA. The conference has been going on since 1969, and brings together energy professionals to exchange ideas and opinions that advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.