Offshore Technology Conference 2020, one of the world's largest conferences and exhibitions dedicated to the offshore energy industry, will be postponed this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The OTC 2020 organizers said on Friday that the conference, originally scheduled for May 4-7, 2020, would be delayed.
“The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) recognizes the unprecedented global challenge associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our partners, attendees, exhibitors, staff, and community are of the utmost importance, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected,“ the OTC 2020 organizers said.
"Considering the rapidly changing guidance from governments and companies, OTC has chosen to postpone the conference from 4–7 May to the third quarter of 2020. We are actively working to confirm dates in August or September," the organizers added.
“In the coming weeks, OTC will be communicating with authors, speakers, exhibitors, and partners to develop the new plans and ensure the conference continues to provide a platform for energy professionals to meet and exchange ideas.”
“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,“ OTC organization said.
The OTC conference has been held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston since 1969.
For 2020, the organizers expected to host 2,000 exhibitors, with 60,000 energy professionals in attendance.
This is the second high-caliber energy event in Houston that’s been affected by the coronavirus outbreak after IHS Markit decided to cancel its CeraWeek conference earlier in March.