This is the first year that the Data Lab have taken a group of Scottish companies to OTC in Houston; we had heard lots of great things about it before and decided to take the jump.
We were so impressed, we can safely say it will become one of the regular events on our yearly “Data Destination” trips!
We worked with the fantastic team at SDI, Murray Bainbridge, Gerry Love and Maureen Pithie, who guided us on the world of OTC. SDI did a fantastic job of looking after all the Scottish companies, and the Scotland pavilion was really well organised and served as a networking/meeting base for everyone. It was a hub of activity during the conference, run by Tracey Lees and the team who kept us all where we should be on time!
The main benefits from our perspective were the amount of decision makers who were attending the conference from companies who have bases in Aberdeen, who we could speak to about MSc student placements in Aberdeen, collaborative projects, but also to hear about what their real issues are around data, and what novel and innovative projects that they are working on.
All of the companies we met were really impressed that an innovation centre like The Data Lab exists in Scotland and I believe this will change some of their thinking around where data science capabilities should sit world wide for Oil and Gas, and hopefully it will be Aberdeen!
It was great having the companies with us like Brainnwave, IFB, Antrigulum and also John McCall from RGU who spoke to a lot of companies about what we are creating in Scottish Universities, and about the collaborative approach between academia and business – which is not the case in a lot of countries!
Pritihvi Puttarju, Antrigulum Labs: “It was, indeed, a very rewarding experience for Antrigulum Labs to be attending OTC 2019 with The Datal Lab. We were updated on the oil and gas technological innovations but more importantly, the mindset change with the management of OnG companies to adapt to newer technology for business sustenance and growth. Another important outcome was from the Global Scot Network which Scottish Enterprise had organised diligently and these high ranking global individuals were very encouraging and supportive to Scottish businesses. We have got 3 to 4 leads out of it.
“All in all, very productive and will go again next year. Thanks Data Lab!”
Graeme Gordon – CEO IFB: “We have always provided relevant solutions to our clients in the UKCS and beyond for over 20 years, solving many of our customers problems and playing a key part in their digital infrastructure.
“This year we are extending this further and expanding our service footprint to North America as well as delivering 4G Offshore connectivity. This means we can provide Internet access and private connections to almost anywhere our customers need. It also means that through design, we can do this on a short term basis, project based contracts or to suit longer life needs. OTC gave us a great platform to speak to potential clients about this offering.
“I would recommend companies to apply for this trip with The Data Lab and SDI next year because you get to meet very senior decision makers from the US in the one place. Also it has been great to spend time with other Scottish organisations to get to know them better and see where potential business collaborations can be forged.
“It is fantastic to see The Data Lab taking the initiative to give organisation’s like ours the chance to visit OTC, as it is a huge investment from an IFB perspective, but they made it easy, very worthwhile business wise and also great fun!
“SDI worked really hard to promote the Scotland brand, and helped facilitate meetings with the Global Scot Network, who are a fantastic resource for any Scottish organisation looking to make steps into the US.
“It is a tough week work wise, but everyone puts in the effort to make it a success – so if you apply be prepared for long days and lots of really good networking as well as some fun!
“It was a full on week with lots of meetings and brilliant networking opportunities with Global Scot Network, Burness Paul, and Big PR etc.
“Everyone involved in OTC from Scotland works really hard to ensure it is a successful week for everyone involved, and shows the passion of the Scottish people and that can do attitude.
“I have been known to say that the Scottish people are not very good at “blowing their own trumpets” but they did a pretty amazing job of it during OTC!”
If you would like to apply for any of our other trips like San Jose and Singapore have a look at our Learning Journeys.