Aberdeen's Offshore Europe conference postponed

The week long Offshore Europe conference, that brings industry leaders from across the globe to Aberdeen, will take place virtually this year. Organisers said it is in the best interest of everyone to postpone the face to face event, which will now take place in February 2022.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions, and is co-organiser with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He said: “many health and safety uncertainties still exist around holding major indoor events of the scale of SPE Offshore Europe.

"The overwhelming support is to proceed with the conference programme in a virtual format in September 2021, which will facilitate timely discussion pre-COP26, and to hold the face-to-face event in February 2022.”

Focus on the September conference will be largely around the upcoming COP26 summit and on energy transition.

Phil Chandler, Director, Europe & Caspian Events at SPE said: "With further high-level energy transition content at the face-to-face event in February 2022, SPE Offshore Europe will straddle COP26, providing a unique learning opportunity as strategies, experiences and technologies are shared.”

The virtual conference in September will include opening ceremony, plenary panel, and keynote and technical sessions. Full programme details will be announced in the next few weeks.

The programmed for the virtual conference in September will be free for anyone who wants to attend from the comfort of their home.

It's hoped the February event will allow more domestic and international visitors to attend in person, giving a boost to local business in the North East.

The live event next year will include an in-person socially distanced exhibition, keynote speakers and other events at Aberdeen's P&J Live.

Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Cllr Jenny Laing, said: “For almost 50 years Aberdeen has proudly hosted Offshore Europe, a fitting home for one of the energy sector's flagship events as a European energy capital.

"The event provides us with a platform to not only showcase our world-leading industry capabilities and projects, but places our city and wider region on the global stage.

“Whilst it is disappointing that the face-to-face element of Offshore Europe 2021 has to be postponed as a result of COVID-19, we support the decision made by the organisers.

"We will work to make the virtual event a success whilst turning our focus to delivering an exceptional and safe event in February 2022 when Aberdeen will once again be proud to bring the delegates together.”

Chris Walker, Head of Communications and External Affairs, Oil and Gas Authority said: “Offshore Europe was always going to be different this year and the decision to split the event in two was made with safety and public health considerations at heart.

With a firm focus on energy transition and industry’s role in supporting net zero, the virtual event in September promises to bring together a stellar line-up of leading industry speakers and a world-class technical programme.

"While nothing in life is guaranteed, the prospect of a safe, well-managed ‘physical’ exhibition next year is something very exciting to look forward to.”

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