The world’s offshore energy industry gathered for its biggest annual conference, where participants are focused on business growth rather than BP’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The tone was far from somber as companies vied for attention with gourmet lunches, espresso drinks and wine tastings. (When you sell something called a "bladder accumulator," you need all the help you can get.) A large two-story booth by Siemens Energy drew a crowd as two men in suits raced cars across a 10-foot video screen for the chance to win an iPad 3. The competition took a quick break for a lady guitar player performing ZZ Top's "La Grange." Alco Valves appeared to have taken the if-you-can't-beat-them-join-them approach this year, embracing the testosterone head-on by wooing visitors with Hooters Girls who presented coupons for the restaurant's fried pickles.
The festivities got underway with the new addition of the Annual OTC Dinner this year. There were nine OTC events: the People's Republic of China attracted several political dignitaries and fostered mutual understanding and build goodwill between the energy sectors of the US and China. And to top it off with a five minute fireworks finale.
I managed to make it to the Bilateral reception which was almost over with and the night's end of the Netherlands Corporations that had still quite a late lengthy soiree and met some new awesome friends to party with.
Tuesday night there is only one place to be in My opinion and that was Keppel, not only for the business aspect of it but also they consistently put on the best shindig and also it being the ten year anniversary party and this year’s attendance exceeded 900. Prior to this, I peeked at the United Arab Emirates across from the other side that had its private dinner.
The next night,
I attended the The US-Saudi Arabian Council reception this year since I went last year's Qatar's World Petroleum Congress reception. Next stop was ABS which had less than a hundred attendees by the time I got there so most of us were off to the Morrison Energy party that was the best place to be this night wherein it was really heaving and had a packed crowd, booze, awesome food, DJ and so many good looking hoochie mamas. The final day held the Munro Pool party and they favored an early Cinco De Mayo night with a mariachi band, Tex-Mex cuisine and delicious desserts. And last but not least, the SDV penthouse party that was jam packed with party revelers and the music was blasting away. This year's attendance of 89,400 was way up compared to 70,000 during this time last year.
Friday and Saturday, Nikki celebrated Cinco De Mayo by going dancing and skydiving.
And Elyna was a natural, lighting up for Me.
And finally on Sunday, on our way home after a Seafood Dinner, we happen to run across a Boston Terrier convention. They were all so spoiled and pampered.
Ahh, it was now time to rest up and get ready for next weekend's big blow out party.
