As the start of the bi-annual Permian Basin International Oil Show nears, executive director Anthony Fry said this year’s show will look a little different than what it has in the past.
Fry explained there are fewer international companies coming to this year’s oil show due to coronavirus restrictions continuing to hamper travel.
Instead, the oil show will have a more domestic feel. A list made available to the Odessa American shows a total of 750 vendors with 725 of those companies coming from the United States.
“This year with some of the international travel restrictions I don’t expect that many people from all around the world,” Fry said. “I haven’t had any requests for visa invitation this year. They are definitely coming from all around the US.”
The largest contingency of vendors coming to the oil show is from Texas.
According to the list provided by Fry, there are 519 Texas vendors.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for Midland and Odessa to showcase themselves,” Fry said.
Fry said the bi-annual oil show holds a sense of pride for oil companies in the Permian Basin.
That pride is on the rise as the price of crude oil continues to hover over the $80 mark. The last time crude oil was more than $80 was in late 2014.
As of Friday afternoon, the benchmark for the price of crude oil was 82.28 a barrel.
“The oil and gas industry is picking up based on pricing,” Fry said.
Though there might not be as many international companies, Fry said most vendors are eager to speak face-to-face rather than over computer.
Fry said it also gives companies, whether they are new or seasoned, an opportunity to show products or services.
“There are companies that are exhibiting from all over the US, but they might have a footprint here in the Midland-Odessa area,” Fry said. “It’s always important from a company standpoint to showcase what they have new and improved and showcase their services. We got a lot of new exhibitors that might be new companies.”
