Here’s what ONS 2024 will be like

Best ONS ever. Pure magic, summarised Leif Johan Sevland two years ago.

ONS 2024 will be even better, he promises.

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From August 26-29, we will kick off ONS again. Here at the ONS office, we have been working on planning ONS 2024 for two years.

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But how will "the best ONS ever" be topped?‍

A Bigger and Better 50-Year-Old

ONS 2024 – the 25th in the series – will undoubtedly be larger and more geographically diverse. This year, there are no travel restrictions due to the pandemic, as was the case for Asia, Latin America, and Africa in 2022.

However, the event will also elevate in other areas.

The exhibition, the programme, and the content are extremely good this year, with even more utility value this time. Those who come will get something out of it – and quickly.

This year's theme is "Imagine," and many examples of new ways of working will be presented. At ONS, we aim to make the journey from imagination to action as short as possible.

Everything from the use of artificial intelligence to new methods and technologies. It is important to make people aware of these in a practical way, which they can take into their own worklives.

Changes have also occurred regarding renewable energy and ONS Young.

The renewable programme is even more extensive, with a brand-new arena for the Net Zero Market, with its own exhibition hall. Additionally, we have further improved the Young arena, ensuring even better content aimed at young people than in 2022. The ONS+ programme is bigger, and we will transform downtown Stavanger into Northern Europe's largest dance floor. We continue the discussions from ONS to the city center. There will be relaxed gatherings, political debates, concerts, good food, and social settings in pavilions, nightclubs, and ship decks, Sevland said.

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And like other 50-year-olds, we are not only inviting for celebration but also to an historical reflection.

We also want to honor our pioneers this year. Many sacrificed life and health to build the industry that has provided the prosperity we have today. On Thursday 29 August, we invite the pioneers to a very special event.

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Pride and Prejudice

The status of the oil and gas industry has undoubtedly changed over these 50 years. Sevland takes the opportunity to remind us of two things:

We will depend on oil and gas for many decades to come, but we must produce cleaner. It is therefore important that the industry attracts the brightest minds and continues the green trend. Just think about all the expertise that has been created on the shoulders of the oil industry! In low-emission technology, offshore wind, solar energy, carbon capture, and storage… We are world leaders in these areas.

When many still call ONS the "oil exhibition," it is therefore misleading.

Yes, those who sell bolts for oil platforms are still at ONS. But the same bolt is also used for offshore wind constructions. The path to the renewable future is best found together, Sevland emphasises.

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The Energy Adventure Continues

The Norwegian energy adventure continues on a steady, green course towards the future. And we will not be afraid to show the way.

Our history is a story of change. In the beginning, ONS was just an exhibition. We still have this part with us, but ONS is also a place where energy political trends are set and decisions are made.

Whether you are a platform worker or a politician, a top executive in a large international company or a green entrepreneur, a fresh student or an oil pioneer: ONS is for all of you.

This is also the main reason why Sevland avoids terms like "oil exhibition" or "energy exhibition."

I prefer to call ONS an energy meeting place.

Did you know…?

• …since the first ONS in 1974, we have been under the royal patronage of King Harald V? First as crown prince and later as king. Members of the royal family have attended almost every ONS since then.
• …it is believed that Torolf Smedvig, Conservative Party member, shipowner's son, and one of the city's wealthiest, launched the idea of an oil exhibition in Stavanger? "This new oil industry might be useful for something," he reportedly said.
• …the first ONS in history took place in 1974, but it was originally supposed to happen the year before? When ONS discovered they had a Scottish competitor, they chose collaboration over rivalry. The two competitors agreed to hold the event every other year.
• …ONS turns 50 this year? Since its inception, the event profile has shifted from being solely an oil exhibition to becoming an energy meeting place. Renewable energy, green transition, and innovation have become increasingly important parts of the programme.
• …ONS+ as a debate venue was introduced at ONS 2022? ONS took over Vågen in Stavanger city center, with debates, podcast recordings, and concerts – open and free for all.
• …students and apprentices get free entry to ONS? ONS also has a dedicated committee that works on a programme for young participants, and there is a separate ONS Young Arena at the exhibition area with a daily programme aimed at young people.

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The ONS timeline

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