May has been a busy month! I am pleased to report on two events which highlighted the core strengths of MTS. 

At the top of the month, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) returned to Houston with enormous scale and a truly global audience. Excitement on the show floor – with over 1,300 exhibiting companies from around the world – was palpable. MTS Board and HQ staff members enjoyed catching up with MTS Houston Section leadership and celebrating regional successes. 

I am writing this on the heels of the 15th MTS Buoy Workshop, which was graciously hosted by our partners at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This year’s event topped 180 attendees, setting an all-time record, and boasted three full days of top quality, highly focused sessions. I’d like to extend a special thanks to Rick Cole and Don Peters, Co-Chairs of the MTS Buoy Technology Committee, for their leadership in this flagship event. The MTS Buoy Workshop serves as an excellent example of the role MTS Committees can play in thought leadership and connectivity. We are proud to support Committee-driven events and applaud the valuable output to come from these efforts. 

While vastly different in scope and structure, OTC and the Buoy Workshop share a common thread: They convene technical experts and strong communities. The success of the events in the MTS portfolio are a testament to the dedication of MTS members, both individually and collectively. 

Moving ahead to next month, I look forward to seeing some of you at the MATE ROV Competition World Championship in Kingsport, TN. MATE is leading the charge in building out the next generation of MTS members and innovation drivers in the marine technology space. This program connects the dots between talented students and the blue economy. Pathways to facilitate this transition are vital in all we do, and it is inspiring to see the extensive plans come to fruition at the World Championship. 

I continue to be impressed by the expertise and enthusiasm of the MTS member community. Please connect with any questions, comments, or feedback, and I hope to see you at an event soon. 

Justin Manley, MTS President