Preview: Ocean Business 2017

Ocean Business 2017 is scheduled to take place at the National Oceanography Center in Southampton, U.K. from April 4 to 6, 2017. Firmly established as one of the most important international events in the ocean technology calendar, Ocean Business is free to attend and is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors from more than 60 countries.

At the heart of Ocean Business is a three-day exhibition of more than 340 companies, bringing together manufacturers and service providers in the industry. The exhibition center is located directly on the waterfront at the National Oceanography Centre. The exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to see companies displaying the very latest in the industry all under one roof.

More than a static exhibition, Ocean Business provides visitors with an opportunity to test-drive equipment and systems with more than 180 hours of live training and demonstration sessions. Products and services are demonstrated in their real environment with sessions held on board vessels, in dockside waters, in a test tank and in classrooms.

The Conference

Running alongside the exhibition and workshops is a conference designed to keep visitors at the forefront of the industry. This conference will target maritime dual-use opportunities in autonomous systems and satellite applications, both of which are on a growth curve for investment, and are attracting widespread interest across public and private sectors. Many organizations within the industry choose Ocean Business as the place to hold associated meetings. Attend a variety of seminars held by leading organizations in the industry from around the world and keep abreast of the latest developments in ocean technology. 

Networking

The 2017 Ocean Business social program offers plenty of enjoyable events for informal and formal networking. On the night before the show opens, all exhibitors and visitors are invited for complimentary welcome drinks. On the first day of the show, the popular wine trail will be held in the exhibit halls and on the second day the highly anticipated gala dinner will be held at The Grand Cafe, one of Southampton’s most prestigious venues. 

Running alongside Ocean Business is Ocean Careers, offering advice and career opportunities within the ocean technology, marine science and offshore industries. Incorporating a mix of one-to-one meetings and presentations from industry leaders, Ocean Careers is an interactive event designed for all those looking to move into the industry. It is clearly becoming harder for many graduates, newly qualified engineers and the unemployed to find work. Whether your skills are in engineering, science or mathematics, Ocean Careers can help you realize how these skills can be utilized in this vast, exciting, forward thinking and diverse industry. 

Register online at: www.oceanbusiness.com/register

(As published in the March 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter)