With the cancelation of SXSW and CERAWeek amid coronavirus concerns, oil and gas leaders and professionals are wondering if it will affect the Offshore Technology Conference.
OTC is the biggest energy industry event in the world, happening in Houston, the energy capital.
Since 1969 OTC has generated over 3.2 billion in income for the city and is the city’s largest convention, gathering 60,000 energy professionals from over 100 countries.
OTC also brings in over 300 journalists from around the globe, with international attendance of 26% and the conference brings in 174 non-stop flights. It’s one of the ten largest conferences on earth in terms of attendance.
CERAWeek, a major oil and gas industry conference would have brought in thousands of international visitors to Houston.
Growing health concerns about COVID-19 has caused worries over how much a hit the economy in Texas will take, along with the lowered oil and natural gas prices.
At Offshore Technology Conference 2020, there’s expected to be over 350 technical presentations, 23 topical breakfast and luncheons, and 8 panel sessions, and the four days of networking and sharing of technical knowledge–now all on the line.
Updated March 16, 2020:
The largest global technology conference in the Houston area, the Offshore Technology Conference, has been postponed until summer 2020. Organizers are planning for August or September dates.
A press release from OTC reads, “By postponing rather than canceling OTC, we aim to preserve the significant work of the program committee and authors to prepare for this conference, as well as minimize the economic impact this decision has on businesses in Houston and throughout the industry.”
Reform Austin will provide updates on the conference as details are released.
