PESGB and DECC Celebrate 10^th Annual Prospect Fair (PROSPEX)

It seemed that even snow and freezing fog couldn’t keep delegates and exhibitors alike from attending the 10^th Annual Prospect Fair, now seen as an intrinsic part of the Oil and Gas Industry Events Calendar in the UK.  Jointly hosted and excellently organised by the PESGB and DECC, the fair was once again held at the Business Design Centre in London’s Islington in December 2012.

The bad weather, particularly in Aberdeen, did have its casualties, among them a keynote speaker who was unable to attend, but as always the organisers were on the ball and able to fill the space well.  It was perhaps a slightly quieter show than previous years, and while this is often the case in a PETEX year,  the pre-registered numbers would indicate that this was due more to the weather than to a lack of interest in the show.   For those interested in the numbers, the show was slightly smaller than 2011, which had been an exceptionally large show.  74 exhibitors occupied 782 square metres, (including a well-laid out “Village Green” area below the mezzanine). To date records show attendance by 798 delegates.  More details from the feedback forms will be available at a later date.

PROSPEX continues to attract prospectors and non-prospectors alike.  It seems that as an event it is equally beneficial to companies of all sizes and types – not just the deal-makers, but those companies that can support exploration and development in many different ways.  Deal-making remains a top priority among visitors, and once again delegates were engaged and captivated by the variety of opportunities on offer.  From a non-prospector viewpoint, PROSPEX continues to attract the “right people”, and the event is seen as “A good use of my time”, as one delegate was heard to say. 

The shell-scheme only rule provides a level playing field, appreciated particularly by the smaller companies which are often overshadowed by larger players with big budgets for exhibition stands.  However that is not to say there wasn’t a great deal of creativity on the floor – many of the booths were well-designed and very attractive, whilst keeping within the build limits for the show.  It was good to see a variety of designs and as always some useful giveaways and raffle prizes.

From a social point of view, PROSPEX is a key event, with the Cocktail Party on day one and of course the President’s Evening on day two.  For many this is part of the lead-up and wind-down before Christmas , coming as it does at the end of a run of conferences, which this year of course included PETEX.  It is, as always, not just a chance to forge new partnerships and build on existing business relationships, but a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues, and network with associates from operators, prospectors and service companies alike, in an enjoyable, sociable environment.  

PROSPEX 2012 may not have been a record-breaking year, but as long as there are deals to be done, it will remain a vital and much-enjoyed event in our calendar.  Congratulations to the PESGB and DECC on their 10^th Prospect Fair!

The PESGB would like to thank their sponsors: Endeavour, GDF Suez, OMV, Providence and RPS Energy for their contributions to such a successful event.

Tracey Dancy, Dancy Dynamics