The IMCA annual seminar took place on 9–10 November at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, New Orleans, USA, on the theme The Future of Marine and Subsea Operations.

The seminar represented the interests of all four of IMCA's technical divisions - marine, diving, remote systems & ROV and offshore survey.

Lessons learned features high on the list of topics presented but there was much more than looking back which came under the seminar spotlight. In the plenary and parallel sessions and in in the workshops, there was discussions on where marine contracting is going and where tools are needed in order for contractors to deliver added value for clients.

The event is aimed at offshore and onshore management and operational personnel together with equipment suppliers, consultants, oil company representatives and regulators.

The seminar had an exhibition alongside with 19 IMCA supplier members exhibiting this year. We are pleased to announce the following endorsing organisations - ADCI, API, IADC, MTS, Dynamic positioning committee, OCIMF, OGP, OOC and the Offshore Support Journal.

Keynote speakers included IMCA President Andy Woolgar of Subsea 7, Gary Luquette of Chevron E&P; Randall Luthi of National Oceans Industries Association; Erik Milito of the American Petroleum Institute; Secretary Scott Angelle of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Lars Herbst of the Bureau of Ocean Management, Regulation & Enforcement (BOEMRE), each addressing 'The Future of Marine & Subsea Operations'.