Never before has the Underwater Technology Conference attracted this many visitors, speakers and exhibitors. UTC 2013 was the biggest and best in history.
– The growth we experienced this year was formidable. Compared to last year’s 650 participants, almost 850 people visited this year. This is a 30 % increase. Adding the guests that only visited the exhibition; we had close to 1100 visitors. It does not get any better than this, says Irmelin Grønevik from Possibility, technical organiser of the conference.
The high participant number demonstrates a prospering industry, but is also manifests the UTC as a conference able to reach its target audience. People from 22 countries took part, and for the first time every continent was represented. However, the geographical diversity was not the only positive aspect. In terms of content, the conference offered its strongest ever scope and range of options. Four parallel sessions, with a total of 44 different presentations, left the participants with a vast choice. – There was record number of papers submitted, and this raised the level of quality to an all time high, says Grønevik.
Although focus on professional content is paramount for the success of the UTC, the social aspect is also very important. Conferences of this type are excellent arenas for networking as well as building new and strengthening old relations. Hence, a UTC exclusively for subsea companies is important in order to establish the right connections. This was achieved through the social happenings. The ice breaker at Fløien set the tone, and almost clear skies and sunshine provided the perfect frame. For the conference banquet the atmosphere improved further with Eva & the Heartmaker and antics from Pablo “the chef”.
– Among the highlights were the “Student of the Year” and “Upcoming Company of the Year” awards, says Grønevik .
There are strong indications that this year’s success will be repeated next year. Pre-registration for the exhibition has already reached record levels. Next year’s conference will take place from 18 to 19 June in Bergen.
[mappress] Press Release, July 02, 2013