ITS aims to bring its best to Barcelona

ITS 2012 will take place at the International Convention Centre on the Barcelona seafront from 28 May through 1 June. When the 17th Convention was held in Bilbao in May 2002, it welcomed 278 delegates and 57 exhibitors. This, the 22nd Convention, will see an anticipated 450 delegates and more than 150 exhibitors, a huge increase in the space of just a decade.

Spain is home to some of the world’s leading tug and OSV builders and the Port of Barcelona has a 2,000 year history. The prestigious facilities, which have already hosted key international events including the Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Heads of State and the World Conservation Congress (IUCN), are perfect for theITSConference and Exhibition, with plenty of space to host everything together under one roof.

Over the years, the ITS Convention has earned a reputation for attracting the senior players in the business from all over the world, affording them a unique opportunity once every two years to meet, learn and do business. To this end, the organisers work to ensure that delegates and exhibitors have every available opportunity to network. The coffee/tea breaks take place within the exhibition and exhibitors can take lunch with the delegates.

Barcelona is modern and cosmopolitan city with a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage, providing a perfect backdrop for what may prove to be the most vibrant and dynamic ITS Convention ever.

The Conference programme is now finalised and reflects the new offshore element, now covered in organiser The ABR Company’s flagship magazine International Tug & OSV. Papers exploring the offshore industry and the links it has to the salvage industry will reflect the expanded focus of the magazine’s coverage.. The ITSConventions are well known for their ground breaking papers, high profile speakers, audience discussions, and business opportunities.

The three day programme will be kicked off by keynote speaker Sixte Cambra, chairman of the Barcelona Port Authority, and includes speakers such as ISU president Andreas Tsavliris, renowned tug designer Robert Allan, and ISU general manager Captain Mark Hoddinott.

TheITS 2012 Exhibition will take place from Tuesday 29 May to Thursday 31 May. The Conference will be taking place on the level above the exhibition and access will be from the escalators located near the main entrance to the exhibition room. Needless to say, the exhibition area is always especially busy during breaks in the conference proceedings.

The ITSConventions always strive to achieve a balance between business and pleasure. ITS 2012 in Barcelona will feature an array of social events built into the programme. On the evening of Monday 28 May there is the Damen sponsored Welcome Cocktail Party, welcoming delegates and exhibitors to the event. On Tuesday there will be a Happy Hour in the exhibition, sponsored by Armon Shipyards. There will also be a number of private receptions during the programme. On Thursday 31 May the Gala Dinner and Cabaret, sponsored by Caterpillar, will take place in the Ballroom of the CCIB. On Friday, delegates can go on a harbour tour sponsored by The Shipowners’ Protection, and on that evening Remolcadores de Barcelona and SAR Remolcadores will be hosting the ITS 2012 farewell party.