Continental Focus, International Reach

OTC Attracts Top Influencers in the Energy Sector to Celebrate 50th Event

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

World’s largest oil and gas conference and exhibition marks a milestone
in technical achievements and innovations

Houston, Texas,  USA (12 March 2018) –The Offshore Technology Conference  (OTC) celebrates its 50th edition this year on 30 April–3 May at NRG Park in Houston. This milestone event brings together global executives, government officials, scientists and engineers, investors, and top buyers to share cutting-edge technology, expertise, and products.

In the summer of 1969, Houston launched two powerful and enduring legacies—the inaugural OTC and Apollo 11. Over the past five decades, both OTC and the space program have increased their global prominence and prestige. To commemorate its 50th edition, OTC plans a year-long celebration.

“Houston is known globally to be the city where technology was born, and OTC is proud to call Houston our home,” said Wafik Beydoun, 2018 OTC Chairman. “Thanks to our industry partners and the city, there are very few annual events in any industry that mirror OTC’s legacy, impact and contributions.

“There’s a sense of euphoria and pride among our OTC staff, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and partner organizations as we commemorate this tremendous legacy,” Beydoun said. “You don’t want to miss this year’s event.”

Several special events are planned on Monday, 30 April, to celebrate OTC’s achievements. Featured speakers include:

Opening Breakfast Session

  • Jeffrey Shellebarger, President, Chevron North America E&P
  • David Eyton, Head of Technology, BP

Opening Ceremony Commemorating 50th OTC

  • Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO, Total
  • Ryan Lance, Chairman and CEO, ConocoPhillips
  • Solange da Silva Guedes, Chief Exploration and Production Officer, Petrobras
  • Harry Brekelmans, Project and Technology Director, Royal Dutch Shell
  • Jeff Miller, President and CEO, Halliburton
  • Clay Williams, Chairman and CEO, National Oilwell Varco

A ceremonial ribbon pulling immediately follows the opening ceremony.

Chairman’s Panel on Energy Transformation

  • Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi
  • Eldar Saetre, President and CEO, Statoil
  • Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV GL
  • Ernest Moniz, MIT Professor and Former United States Secretary of Energy

“OTC is celebrating a significant milestone in the life of the conference,” Pouyanné said. “For 50 years, OTC has encouraged scientists and engineers to develop innovative technologies that have unleashed the potential of offshore energy sources needed for global growth and progress. I’d like to invite my peers to join me in celebrating this momentous occasion at OTC 2018.”

Also included in the first day’s events is the 50th OTC Legacy Luncheon, which celebrates the success of OTC and recognizes the volunteers and exhibitors who have given their time and hard work throughout the years to make OTC what it is today.

The day closes with the Party on the Parkway, an evening of networking, fun, dancing and live music from Dysfunkshun Junkshun, a cover band from Austin, Texas.

Registration for OTC is now open and tickets for several of the 50th special events are available for purchase. For more information about attending and to learn about additional speakers, please visit go.otcnet.org/attentOTC50.

Attendees and exhibitors can share stories about their OTC experiences via social media: @otchouston #OTC50.

Tillerson Stresses Democracy and Security Efforts in Ethiopia and Djibouti

In Ethiopia and Djibouti, Tillerson stresses democracy, security efforts

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, visiting the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, March 8, recognized the country’s “first-ever voluntary transfer of power.”

The ongoing transition of power in Ethiopia is “a very positive symbol of the strength of this very young democracy,” Tillerson said in a joint press conference with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu.

Tillerson said the U.S had concerns with the Ethiopian government’s decision to impose another state of emergency, which he said puts restrictions on fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and expression.

“We firmly believe that democratic reform, economic growth and lasting stability are best addressed through an inclusive political process, rather than through the imposition of restrictions,” the secretary said. “And we encourage the Ethiopian people as well to maintain patience, maintain support for your government through this change, through this transition, but also in pursuing this journey of democracy.”

The secretary also praised Ethiopia’s role in promoting regional security. Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union and is the largest contributor to U.N. peacekeeping operations in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan.

He said Ethiopia’s influence in supporting the security of Somalia and Djibouti is particularly important at this time to keep global commerce routes open. “These routes through the Red Sea affect billions of people around the world in terms of their economic stability,” the secretary said.

Tillerson — traveling to Africa for the first time as secretary of state — also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn before flying to Djibouti on March 9.

Warm welcome in Djibouti

In Djibouti City, Tillerson thanked the country for hosting thousands of U.S. troops, which he said facilitates “a very quick response to terrorism and violent extremism that threatens both our countries.”

“Wherever that threat may come from — whether it be ISIS finding its way to this continent or from al-Qaida, al-Shabaab or other terrorist organizations — we are here in partnership with the people of Djibouti to protect the citizens of both our countries, as well as countries in the region,” the secretary said in a press briefing with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Tillerson noted Djibouti’s important role in hosting refugees and delivering humanitarian aid throughout the region. Moreover, he said, Djibouti safeguards the free flow of global commerce by keeping sea lanes free and open.

The secretary is visiting five countries — Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria — to meet with leaders to discuss ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and boost economic ties.


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