Oslo - The Conference City
What’s the secret to a perfect business conference? Step into the shoes of a delegate at one of Norway’s largest conventions and find out for yourself!
Picture this: 1,000 international exhibitors and tens of thousands of delegates from every corner of the seven seas.
That's the magnitude of Nor-Shipping – the world's leading maritime and ocean industry conference, taking place in Oslo every summer.
So why Oslo? In fact; why do so many global conferences choose the Norwegian capital as their host city, year after year? Perhaps the best way to find out is by joining us from the very beginning.
Eco-Friendliness All Along The Way
The conference kicks off with a grand opening ceremony at the City Hall, marking the beginning of a week-long gathering of innovators, and professionals – including US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The following days are packed with several events throughout the city and all around the main exhibition at NOVA Spektrum in Lillestrøm.
For first-time visitor Calvin Dharmawan from Osaka, both the conference and Oslo have already provided several memorable experiences.
This is my inaugural trip to Norway, and I was amazed to witness the sun still shining at 10 PM upon my arrival yesterday – you don’t see that in Japan! The air here is remarkably clean and fresh too. It suits the focus on sustainability at the conference.
4 seasons, 4 Oslos
As Nor-shipping took place in the beginning of June, the participants experienced a light and warm version of Oslo. The sun sets quite late, and doesn't stay down for very long. The weather can be quite warm during this season.
Prepare to discover a different version of Oslo however, in autumn, winter and spring.
Oslo in autumn is a place of vibrant red leaves, where everyone knows how to embrace the falling temperatures with both outdoor and indoor activities which will keep you warm and cozy.
Oslo is at its most exotic during winter. The magnificent snowy cityscape offers a cold, yet fascinating experience. Ski slopes, toboggan runs and ice skating rinks are a mere metro ride away. When you've had enough, come back to the comfortable city center to warm up again.
Spring drags the city out of winter's icy grip with flower buds emerging through the melting snow. The temperature can still be quite low however, allowing for some of that exciting wintery feeling, but with slightly more daylight.
Oslo is equally exciting, all year!
As an international delegate, the experience begins the moment you set foot in Oslo Airport. Surrounded by the terminal’s lofty wooden interior mirroring the Nordic landscape outside, you’re immediately greeted by banners and all the information you need for the week.
Getting around is a breeze too, thanks to convenient train connections between the venues. After just 14 minutes, you arrive at Lillestrøm station – a stone's throw from NOVA Spektrum.
Multiple entrance points along the 59,000 square meter venue ensures minimal waiting times, despite a continuous stream of suited up visitors arriving from the train station.
100 Years of Creating Ideal Meeting Places
Inside the exhibition halls, you immediately encounter a mesmerizing display of cutting-edge vessels, propellers, and all sorts of innovative solutions for emissions reduction.
Emad Nasser and Adel Alsulaihem arrived from Kuwait on Monday and have high expectations for both the convention and their stay in Oslo:
Nor-Shipping is different from other shipping conventions, for sure. Despite the large scale, everything is very well organized. The travel from the airport was peaceful and smooth too. After today’s programme we plan to take a walk to see Oslo Harbor, Akershus Fortress, and the King's palace.
The extensive program at Nor-Shipping caters to a range of interests, from casual mingling to showcasing breakthrough innovations and engaging global decision-makers. The guest list is equally impressive – with both Nobel laureates and even royalty joining the ranks.
Sidsel Norvik, the Director of the conference, is currently buzzing, having just gotten back from a tour of the exhibition with Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon Magnus:
It's truly inspiring to see everybody's commitment to the issues being addressed. The collaboration with the organizers and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given the convention a massive boost.
She praises the organizers and crew at NOVA Spektrum, who, with their 100 years of experience in creating meeting places of all sizes, provides for all thinkable requirements.
We've had a record turnout of over 50,000 – and those figures don't even include the huge array of partner events and social gatherings in Oslo!
An Entire City Coming Together
For most delegates, the convention extends well beyond the exhibition at Lillestrøm. When the day's program draws to a close, you simply hop back on the train and roll on to Oslo Central Station in just 10 minutes.
The city of Oslo is itself steeped in maritime history, from the Viking Ship Museum at Bygdøy to the tales of seafaring adventurers Nansen and Amundsen.
100 meters from The City Hall where it all kicked off, you can also take a stroll down the iconic Aker Brygge – renowned for its strip of restaurants along the boardwalk, with plenty of opportunities for wining, dining and shopping in the alleys just behind.
Right in front of the old wharfs along the pier, you'll find Nor-Shipping's official AfterWork hosted at the floating outdoor bar Lekter'n.
The popular venue lets you enjoy a refreshing beverage with your fellow delegates, accompanied by the evening sun and some of Norway's finest entertainment acts – with Akershus Fortress and the Oslofjord creating a picturesque backdrop to the festivities.
Taking in the view, Nigerian delegate Olusegun Adetuyi helps himself to a complimentary salmon blini and leans against the pier railing.
Everyone tells us we got lucky with the weather, but I think Oslo truly is a beautiful city no matter what. Yesterday, we went up to Holmenkollen and enjoyed a magnificent view of the city before heading down to the golf courses at Bogstad. In the evening, we had a great time at SALT Oslo, right by the Opera House.
Adetuyi is joined by Mr. Mina Oforiokuma, Member of The Governing Council of Nigeria:
First and foremost we’re here to learn. Norway has had a unique position in the offshore industry since the 1960s, and the technological advances achieved through decades of cooperation in the North Sea illustrate what is possible when we come together and learn from each other. I believe this is also the key to creating a greener tomorrow.
I am impressed by how the environmental theme follows you throughout the conference, especially with the train taking you directly to the different venues. The way it's all tied together is truly unique
“A Nor-Shipping Like No Other”
As the sun sets behind the isles of the Oslofjord, the conversations, connection making and good times continue long into the evening – either at the official Nor-Shipping party at Restaurant Louise or at the afterparties aboard the many chartered ships along the harbor.
For director Sidsel Norvik, this years convention has surpassed all her expectations:
It truly has been a Nor-Shipping like no other! We’ve tried to span the entire world of ocean business, connecting the dots between sustainability and commercial development – and on top of that, Oslo and Aker Brygge have been absolutely amazing, soaked in sunshine everyday. I simply couldn’t have hoped for more!