Record Attendance at Oceanology International

Initiatives by the organisers of Oceanology International such as the enhancement of its conference content and other show features such as a Careers Day have raised the bar in terms of the event's success and its industry standing. The latest show, held last week under the overall theme of ‘Technology, Sustainability and the Oceans', attracted a record total of 8,703 attendees through its doors in just 3 days at the ExCeL venue in the Docklands.

Visitor numbers increased significantly with 40% of visitors coming from outside the UK. Attendees came from 67 countries, from as far afield as China, Russia, USA, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada, United Arab Emirates and India, as well as from Europe and Scandinavia.

These efforts by Reed Exhibitions and its industry partners, with the event reflecting the global interest in factors that impact the oceans and the causes of climate change, were clearly endorsed by the many thousands of visitors who attended the pan-industry conference and exhibition in London.

Oceanology International focused on these crucial topics, as well as analysing their interrelation with future energy needs and environmental security, with many of the world's leading experts in their field participating.

The conference, organised in partnership with ImarEST and the SUT, featured highlights such as the re-introduction of a Distinguished Lecture, given this year by Lord Browne of Madingley FRS FREng, President of The Royal Academy of Engineering and the former group Chief Executive Officer of energy giant BP plc. He gave a talk on ‘The Oceans and a global sustainable energy future', while keynote speakers the previous day included Professor Robert Watson, the UK government's Departmental Chief Scientist, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) discussing ‘The Oceans and Climate Change' and Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency talking on the subject of ‘Sustainability and Ocean Resources in the 21st Century'. Keynote speeches were also given by Capt. Dana Goward, Assistant Comdt for Policy & Planning, and Director, Maritime Domain Awareness Program Integration at the US Coastguard via live-link satellite, and John Westwood, Managing Director, Douglas-Westwood Limited. Capt Goward spoke on ‘Maritime Domain Awareness - The Key to Maritime Safety, Security and Stewardship', while Mr Westwood highlighted ‘Meeting Future Energy Needs'.

The exhibition, meanwhile, saw the available space of 7,184sq metres sold out, with 533 exhibitors from 32 different countries participating.

In recognition of another crucial issue that spans all the industries involved in the ocean science and marine technology communities, and reflecting the organisers' pro-active approach, Day 3 of the show was designated as ‘Careers Thursday', with the recruitment of fresh talent now an agenda-topping priority throughout the sector. Working with the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), transportation was provided for hundreds of students from a range of universities to attend the event, with a dedicated seminar and reception held for the engineering, science and technical graduates and postgraduates. The show also featured an area specifically for companies to post up their recruitment requirements, vacancies and opportunities.

There were also a total of 20 associated meetings from industry organisations and companies held alongside the event.

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