WorldWide Drilling Resource

35 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® OCTOBER 2014 Offshore Technology Conference Brings Out the Best by Amy White, Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® A s J a n a n d I exited our cab at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, I could al ready feel my inhibitions rising. Unsure I was ready for a trade show of this size, I called to mind something my mother always says, “It takes all kinds of people to make this world.” An assortment of personalities had come together, and they were there to put on a show. People suited up and ready for business were making a mad dash for the entrance at Reliant Park. Following Jan’s lead, I jumped right in. At the time, I didn’t know I was attending the largest OTC in history! The event featured 2568 companies representing 43 countries. It covered a massive 680,025 square feet. Days were hot, and the Texas sun seemed awfully close, but WWDR was not about to miss out on the action. We took to the outdoor exhibits right away and met some truly interesting oil and gas professionals. A few became our allies in the battle against the sun. They sent us on our way - armed with hats and water bottles - ready to continue our journey covering all outlets of drilling. Indoors, the action was just as hot with new innovations. We took part in some great seminars where valuable information was presented about the latest products and waves of change coming to oil and gas drilling onshore and offshore. It was inspiring to see all the high school and college students at the con- ference ready to learn about energy and its importance to society. More than 150 Our new friends at Weir Oil & Gas. Houston-area classroom teachers and 200 students attended. OTC hosted the annual Next Wave Event, a program for young professionals. College students came from across the United States to participate in the university research and development showcase. It’s amazing what a person can learn in just one week. By the time I was finally beginning to settle in at OTC, the show was coming to an end. I guess trade shows mimic life in that way. I learned it takes many individuals to make one huge, booming oil and gas industry. It takes powerful executives of the present, as well as students who are willing to learn and become power- ful executives of the future. Even though I was nervous at first, I learned it takes reporters and photographers to docu- ment these moments in time and bring them to you. It takes all kinds of people to make the world of drilling, and I am happy to be one of them. WWDR Photos