Runyan on first in-person Offshore Technology Conference in three years: 'Lots of people out there talking about tech, talking about new innovations'

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) returned as an in-person event after three years on Monday (May 2), according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.

According to the station, OTC is expected to draw attendance in the thousands after its COVID-19-related cancellation in 2020 and last year's delayed, partially virtual event.

"Lots of people out there talking about tech, talking about new innovations,” event executive director Ann Runyan said, per KHOU. "Our floor is about two and a half times bigger than it was in August. Which we’re really proud about and so thankful for the support from our exhibitors.”

According to KHOU, OTC still has sizable international representation though a cadre of companies opted to forgo the event.

Douglas Fabio from Brazil was among the attendees, telling the station that he's happy to interact with people again at the conference.

"Business was terrible without the contact, face-to-face,” Fabio said, per KHOU.

New to OTC this year is a section of exhibition floor with a focus on energy transition, as well as breakout sessions tackling topics related to renewable energy, the station reported.

Marcin Grzegory is in town from Poland, which has taken most of the refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Grzegory told KHOU that his country is looking for other alternatives to Russian sources of traditional energy.

Established in 1969, OTC on its website touts itself as a place where "energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters."

NRG Center is again serving as the venue of offshore energy industry’s version of the Super Bowl, which runs through Thursday (May 5).