The World Petroleum Congress is returning to Houston, and to the United States, for the first time since 1987.
The international event opens today through Thursday at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
It was supposed to take place last year, but was postponed because of the pandemic. Now oil industry leaders from across the globe arrive at the same time as the omicron variant spreads.
The first Congress was organized by Thomas Dewhurst, President of the Institute of Petroleum in the UK in 1933.The prestigious award named for Dewhurst will be presented this year to Dr. Daniel Yergin.
About 4,000 people from 70 countries are expected to attend the conference this week.
Organizers say pandemic protocols are in place to protect the safety of attendees.
photo: Getty Images