The greatly increased attendance, more than twice that of the Oceans 2002 show, resulted from a co-operation between the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) and seventeen co-participating ocean and marine societies and institutions. This co-sponsored event was, thus, the first true ‘umbrella’ conference. It also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Kevin McCarthy of Hydroid, Inc captured the overall mood: “This was one of the better trade shows I have ever exhibited at in all my years in the marine business. We met so many of our existing and potential customers. It was well worth our trip and effort. We applaud the show organisers for all their hard work”.

Listening to Exhibitors
Oceans conferences have been criticised in past years for fostering a separation between exhibitors and technical session participants.
Understanding that these two are inextricably related, the show organisers at the three most recent shows: Oceans 2000 in Providence, RI, Oceans 2001 in Honolulu, HI, and Oceans 2002 in Biloxi, MS have taken particular care to improve the situation. They have worked diligently to listen to and address the input from exhibitors. In San Diego, some exhibitors were put off initially by being placed in the low-ceilinged basement of the Town and Country Resort. They were charged less for the space and were given a choice of booking upstairs or downstairs. After the first day of steady foot traffic through even the furthest reaches of the basement, complaints dwindled to a mere whisper. To keep the exhibitors nourished the show organisers provided ample coffee, muffins and lunches in the Exhibitor Lounge at no charge. The margaritas distributed at the 3:30pm closing bell were a nice touch!

Great Networking
The Welcoming Reception, held on the terrace next to the pool, was very well attended on Monday 22nd September. It was a great place to meet up with new and old friends in a very casual setting. The Exhibitor’s reception held simultaneously on the second day and proved also an excellent networking opportunity. In addition to these extremely well attended and realised events was a private evening for over one thousand Oceans delegates at Sea World. The live sharks, manatees, beluga and the majestic Orca reminded us all of why we love doing business in the ocean.

Show Facts
Deam Given, spokesperson for Oceans 2003 reports there were 301 exhibition spaces featuring the latest ocean technology, products and services. Eight hundred scientific and technical presentations were made before enthusiastic audiences representing 46 countries. Eighty student volunteers pitched in. Event Chairman Bob Wernli had a staff of over 38 experienced volunteers to assist him in the planning, organisation and production of this event. Oceans 2004 will be held in Kobe, Japan from 9th to12th November and Oceans 2005 will take place in Washington, DC, USA from 19th to 23rd September 2005.

This is an independent report on the Oceans 2003 trade show and conference held in San Diego, CA. Maggie Linskey Merrill is the editor and publisher of Marine Technology Reporter, a quarterly newsletter that reports on marine, environmental and engineering business throughout New England. The newsletter is introducing US West Coast coverage and up-to-date news on-line at www.MTRonline.net.