President Irfaan Ali’s upcoming appearance as the opening speaker at the Offshore Technology Conference 2026 (OTC) signals just how far Guyana has progressed — from a frontier exploration market to a country now regarded as a core offshore producer on the industry’s biggest stage.
Organizers said on February 26 that Ali will deliver the opening address at the OTC 2026 opening ceremony on Monday, May 4, in Houston, Texas. The address will formally open the four-day Offshore Technology Conference, set for May 4 – 7 at NRG Park.
Ali is expected to be joined by a Guyanese delegation that includes Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, according to the conference. OTC Board Chairman Dan McConnell said the invitation reflects how Guyana is now viewed inside the global offshore community.
“Guyana has established itself as a major offshore producer and an important voice in the global energy landscape, and we look forward to welcoming President Ali and his delegation to Houston as we explore the technologies and partnerships shaping the future of offshore energy,” he said.
The opening address places Guyana’s Head of State in front of the offshore industry’s decision-makers at a time when deepwater development is being shaped by cost, project pace, and the ability of host countries to support large-scale operations with stability and ample in-country capacity.
It also gives Guyana a high-visibility platform to interface directly with operators, service companies, and technology providers as the country continues to build out its offshore value chain, from subsea and floating production, storage and offloading vessel execution to ports, logistics, training, and local supplier participation.
Guyana’s rise has been tied to ExxonMobil-led exploration and production offshore, led by work in the Stabroek Block. More than 50 discoveries have been made there since the first Liza discovery in May 2015. Production began in December 2019 and later reached 900,000 barrels per day in the Stabroek Block.
OTC Executive Director Amanda Rushing said the president’s participation highlights the weight now attached to offshore supply and offshore producing states. OTC said the 2026 conference will bring together tens of thousands of energy professionals from more than 100 countries for technical sessions, exhibitions, and dialogue in Houston.
