Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) last week played host to the most successful Offshore Europe show on record.
More than 47,000 visitors from across the globe attended the four day event – held from September 08-11 – an increase of 7,000 from the previous show in 2007 and the largest total yet for the biennial event.
Over 1,500 exhibitors participated in the show this year – another record figure, up 10% on the 2007 event.
Brian Horsburgh, Managing Director of AECC said he was delighted that the venue had once again played host to such a successful and well-attended event.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that despite what are undoubtedly still difficult economic conditions for the industry, this year’s exhibition has proved to be the largest and most successful in the event’s history. One leading industry figure even told me that he thinks OE is now effectively as big as OTC in Houston.
“I spent a great deal of time myself talking to exhibitors during the week and it was extremely encouraging to hear so much positive feedback from companies about the amount of business that was being done as well as receiving praise for the venue, our staff and indeed the North-east area as a whole.”
Brian continued: “The organisers once again did a tremendous job in achieving such a busy show and our team at AECC has built a great working relationship with them over the years which I believe plays a major part in the event’s continued success.
“There were almost 340 companies exhibiting at the event for the first time this year and I look forward to welcoming them, and indeed all of their fellow-exhibitors, back to the AECC for Offshore Europe 2011 which I have no doubt will prove to be even bigger and better than the event we have all just enjoyed.”
Brian also paid tribute to the AECC’s team of staff, who ensured the smooth running and success of the event all week.
AECC’s operational team during the week consisted of 37 staff, including the event team, exhibition team, arena team, riggers, technical staff and support staff.
The venue’s in-house catering team – consisting on a daily basis of six catering managers, 208 waiting staff and 12 catering supervisors – served over 1,500 kilos of Aberdeen beef, 600 kilos of gammon, 8,000 sandwiches and over 1,000 full Scottish breakfasts during the week.
Visitors also enjoyed more than 60,000 cups of coffee, around 28,000 soft drinks and almost 17,000 portions of milk during the event.
Brian said: “I think all of our staff did a tremendous job throughout the week – there is so much preparation and work which goes on behind the scenes to ensure a major event like this runs smoothly and everyone involved over the past few weeks can congratulate themselves on a job very well done.”
For further information about Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, please call 01224 824824 or visit www.aecc.co.uk
