Oceanology International to be Held in New Orleans

The premier Oceanology International Americas 2003 Exhibition/The Oceanography Society Ocean (OI) Conference will be held inn New Orleans, La., at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center on June 4-6. Organized by Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd., OI is part of the second "Americas" version of Oceanology International. This year, the event features an exciting integration of Spearhead’s exhibition expertise and the technical reputation of The Oceanography Society, combining the best of both, featuring marine science, technology, operational oceanography, policy, and education as well as special events. Co-chairing the event is Dr. Richard W. Spinrad (technical director, Office of the Oceanographer of the U.S. Navy) and Dr. Timothy K. Stanton (senior scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution). This year’s conference will include plenary oral and poster presentations spanning various societal issues such as global climate, marine operations, natural hazards, national security, living and non-living resources, health of marine ecosystems, and public health. The presentations will be complemented by more than 200 exhibits, featuring the products of a diverse group of companies, government agencies, and other organizations. Keynoter for OI Americas 2003 is VAdm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., under secretary of commerce for oceans & atmosphere and administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Also featured will be an address by Ms. R.M. “Johnnie” Burton, director of the U.S. Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior. Oceanology International 2002 at London’s ExCeL in March was the largest event ever with more than 600 exhibitors and a record audience of more than 6,500 professionals. Each OI results in millions of dollars of actual floor sales and a unique opportunity to meet colleagues, buyers, and policy makers from the world ocean community, according to Spearhead’s Craig Moyes, Oceanology International Project Director.