Offshore Technology Conference organizers say event will be bigger & better

HOUSTON – The Offshore Technology Conference begins Monday, May 5, in Houston and organizers say the four-day event will be bigger and better this year.

Thousands of people are expected to register for the event, giving a boost to the local economy as OTC attendees reserve hotels and eat at local restaurants.

"At this point, registration is pacing a little bit a head of last year and last year we had almost 105,000 people," said Stephen L. Graham, OTC executive director.

The general manager of a Holiday Inn located next to Reliant Park said he and his employees look forward to the annual event.

"It's a great group to have. There are many visitors from many parts of the world and it's always fun," said Sergio Ortiz.

The OTC is the premier networking event for professionals who learn about the development of offshore resources in the areas of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection.

Attendees will have an opportunity to explore new equipment and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

"The energy is moving offshore further and further," said Graham. "As they go offshore the challenges of putting a well at ten-thousand feet of water and twenty-feet underground gets even greater."

Next Wednesday, the OTC will celebrate mark the 45th anniversary of the conference being held in Houston.