LNG, Innovation and Renewable Energy hot topics at ONS 2008
Kjell Ursin-Smith, chief executive of the ONS Foundation, sees the concept of an integrated exhibition, conference and festival as a key factor in creating an energy meeting place which really functions. Paying conference delegates totalled about 1 100, which is on a par with the 2006 level. And an increasing number of young people are finding their way to the show, with 1 200 students at the Young People’s Energy Forum compared with 600 in 2006.
The closing festival concert at Stavanger’s central marketplace on Thursday evening, which featured Norwegian rock group The September When, assembled an audience of 20 000.
Mr Ursin-Smith is satisfied with the 2008 performance. “I feel we have confirmed our position as the leading energy meeting place in Europe.
“We keep getting the same message from exhibitors, conference delegates and visitors – they have experienced this year’s ONS as the best ever.”
Although the integrated concept has functioned and lets visitors and guests feel that it speaks to them, Mr Ursin-Smith admits that ONS still faces technical challenges. His team will work on these up to 2010.
“I’m grateful to the exhibitors for the impressive way they’ve built their stands, which has really made them interesting for the visitors.”
He has been told that the three parks for LNG, innovation and renewable energy – and particularly the last of these – have enjoyed a level of visitors which exceeded all expectations.
“I’ve also noted reports from the LNG and innovation parks that their visitors have been not only numerous but also very relevant for their particular concerns.”
He believes that ONS will be further expanded in 2010 as a meeting place for the wider energy industry.
“In particular, we’ve registered interesting contacts between the petroleum industry and the Renewable Energy Park, and I think we’ll make further progress in the renewables area.”
Mr Ursin-Smith also believes that the Young Professional Company Award has developed into a very positive element in the conference since its inception in 2002.
”It’s a very interesting competition, which breaks up the conference in an excellent way. We’ll continue to build on this.”
With its main theme of energy for one world, ONS 2008 has been visited by a record number of international delegations, and clear signals have been received that many want to return in 2010.
A flood of requests for 2010 stand space was also being received on Friday morning. “This is a very great inspiration and pleasure for those of us who work with the show,” says Mr Ursin-Smith.
