23rd International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, Hyatt Regency, June 2004 : Photo Gallery

The OMAE 2004 Story Book provides a narration of 23rd International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, from Sunday, June 20 to Thursday, June 24, 2004.

Registration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel was open from Sunday, June 20 to Thursday, June 24. The majority of the 600 attendees pre-registered, although on site and tour registration kept the Sea to Sky team busy.

The Welcome Reception was held on Sunday night on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Guests enjoyed drinks and light hors d’oevures while listening to two music trios from UBC and taking in the panoramic views of Vancouver’s mountains and harbours. (Tourism Vancouver photo)

Monday morning began with the Opening Ceremony. Delegates were welcomed by the warmth and culture of the First Nations people, who led them through the Talking Stick Ceremony, as well as by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in ceremonial uniform. A video presentation showcasing Canada was also a highlight.

The Opening Ceremony was followed by the Calvin Rice Award Lecture and two Keynote Addresses.

From Monday to Thursday, attendees were busy attending sessions and social events, visiting the exhibition area, and touring the Vancouver region.

The Exhibition area, strategically located in the coffee break area, was open at all times during the conference.

The Exhibitors took full advantage of the delegates’ interest in their products and services. The Exhibit area was an improved feature for OMAE.

Delegates had many session choices to make. There were 7 specialty tracks as well as 3 specialty symposia on offer.

One specialty symposia was "Engineering BC's Offshore Development", showcasing BC to the world and inviting aboriginal, industry and government together to discuss the issues. This was a unique symposium that increased attendance.

On Tuesday morning, Professor Palmer presented the second plenary session.

To add to the learning environment, Short Courses were offered prior to the commencement of the conference. This was a first for an OMAE conference.

Monday evening, by invitation only, the Province of British Columbia hosted an Industry Dinner for 100 guests at the Hotel Vancouver. The keynote speaker was the Honourable Richard Neufeld, BC Minister of Energy and Mines, shown here with a fellow guest.

The Hotel Vancouver’s beautiful surroundings and a sumptuous dinner showcasing West Coast cuisine were enjoyed by the guests. Music and speeches completed the evening.

Tuesday and Wednesday’s conference session programs included formal lunches for 350 attendees.

On Tuesday, awards were presented to many of the industries finest. Wednesday’s lunch offered a chance for all the session organizers to host a table.

The Final Lunch provided an opportunity to thank the Local Steering Committee….

Several other social functions also provided the opportunity for attendees to network. They included the Ted Wu Dinner Cruise, a Ted Wu Celebration Dinner, and the International Student Offshore Design Competition, and a UBC Student Cocktail Hour at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

The Final Banquet took place on Wednesday, June 23, at the Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia. Attendees enjoyed a mini bus tour of Vancouver on the way to Point Grey from downtown.

Portions of the salmon dinner were barbecued right on the museum grounds in the traditional First Nations’ style, where salmon is skewered on alder wood and laid over a pit fire.

Guests were seated under a large canopy; it was a beautiful June evening.

The highlight of the evening was the performance by the Squamish and Nisga’a Nations featuring singing, dancing, and story telling.

The Accompanying Persons program offered a day of discovering the multiculturalism of Vancouver, plus an invitation to attend all of the conference’s social functions. (Tourism Vancouver photo)

Sightseeing Tours as well as Pre / Post Conference Tours to Victoria, Whistler, and fishing excursions were offered to attendees. (Tourism Victoria photo)

As attendees departed on June 25, the Sea to Sky team….

.. raised a toast to another successful conference.