Aurora, Colo., Sept. 28, 2006 -The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) announced the registration totals from the 15th Annual GIS for Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, which was held at the JW Marriot Hotel in Houston, Texas, Sept. 18-20.
The conference attracted a total of 668 attendees, breaking the event’s attendance record of 659, set in 2004, and the exhibit hall was host to a record 62 companies.
New this year, the conference committee organized a panel called Database Models-Strengthening the Industry, during which representatives from the ArcGIS Pipeline Data Model (APDM), Integrated Spatial Analysis Techniques (ISAT), and Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS), described the status of their models and informed attendees of their capabilities and future strategic developments. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to attend the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Update.
There were 24 technical sessions, which covered topics including everything from the basics of GIS in the oil and gas arena to emergency response and GIS Security. The conference also featured four seminars, including an integrity management seminar for both gas pipeline and liquid pipeline.
Both users and vendors had positive feedback about this year’s event. Michele Snider, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, is new to geospatial applications and said she was pleasantly surprised by the conference. “The conference speaks to both novices or people who are advanced and have been in it for several years. I think GITA has found the right balance to have something for everyone regardless of where you are approaching the industry from-so it has been great!”
“This is my first GIS for Oil & Gas Conference in about four years, and I think it has been excellent-very high quality presentations, and lots of vendors on the floor. I have seen a huge change in progress on the pipeline side since my last conference, and it has been well worth my trip,” said Roger Bruneel, Union Gas Limited.
Exhibitors were pleased with the traffic in the exhibit floor. “This is my third oil and gas conference, and it’s the best show ever-I’ve had a great time,” said Richard Lindell, P2 Energy Solutions, Inc. “I am continuing some business relationships that I had in the past that I haven’t had a chance to renew until GITA’s Annual Conference. It is nice to restore those relationships and meet lots of new people and see lots of business opportunities. I am looking forward to next year.”
“It looks like I’ve got three potential software sales from the first person who stopped at the booth. If nothing else goes right or wrong, it’s been a good trip so far,” said Sam Marcello, LandWorks, Inc./Geodynamic Solutions, Inc.
GITA’s GIS for Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition is a one-of-a-kind event that draws oil and gas professionals from around the world. The 2007 conference will be held September 17 through 19, at the JW Marriot in Houston, Texas.
The mission of the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is to provide excellence in education, information exchange, and applied research on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in business, utility, and government applications worldwide. Visit GITA on the Web at www.gita.org.