OTC Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals?

A. The Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals is awarded to recognize distinguished achievement by an individual or individuals in the field of offshore technology. To be eligible for nomination and consideration by the Awards Committee, an individual shall have made significant achievement in, or contributions to, any field of offshore technology.

Examples include, but are not limited to, contributions to the knowledge and literature of offshore technology; the design or invention of equipment, tools, or technical services; humanitarian or environmental efforts; outstanding leadership; or outstanding service to governments, companies, and organizations.

Q. What is the Distinguished Achievement Award for Organizations?

A. The Distinguished Achievement Award for Organizations is awarded to recognize distinguished achievement by a company, organization or institution in the field of offshore technology. To be eligible for nomination and consideration by the Awards Committee, a company, organization, or institution shall have made a distinct and unique achievement in, or contribution to, any field of offshore technology.

Examples include, but are not limited to, the application of concepts, the design, development, construction of tools, equipment, techniques, vessels, or instrumentation, contributions to areas of safety, environmental efforts or engineering or scientific knowledge which has contributed to the development of offshore resources or environment.

Q. What is a Special Citation?

A. A Special Citation is granted by the Awards Committee on an irregular basis to show appreciation or to recognize individuals or organizations in the field of offshore technology. There is no formal set of criteria; the award is given at the Committee’s discretion.

Q. What is the Heritage Award?

A. The Heritage Award is a type of special citation designed to recognize long-term, continuous, distinguished service by an individual in one or more of the following areas of offshore technology: (1) exploration; (2) development and production; (3) management and leadership; and (4) research and development. Heritage Awards were first given out in 1997 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of offshore E&P. This award is also given at the Committee’s discretion.

Q. How often are the Distinguished Achievement Awards presented?

A. Distinguished Achievement Awards are presented at each OTC event to both an individual and an organization.

Q. What are the steps to submit a nomination?

A. Complete the appropriate form (individual or organization) and email it to the designated staff lead as instructed on the form by the stated deadline with supporting documents.

For an individual:

CV / Resume
PowerPoint presentation totaling no more than 10 slides highlighting their career and reasons for nomination. View a sample slide deck.
Up to three (3) personal testimonials / letters of support

For an organization:

PowerPoint presentation totaling no more than 10 slides highlighting the project being nominated.
(optional) Letters of support (max of 3)

Q. What is the deadline for Nominations?

A. Click here for deadline information.

Q. How many submissions are allowed per person / organization?

A. Only one submission per person / organization should be submitted. A maximum of three supporting/endorsing letters / testimony can be sent to accompany the nomination form.

Q. What documents should accompany a nomination?

A. For an individual:

CV / Resume
PowerPoint presentation totaling no more than 10 slides highlighting their career and reasons for nomination. View a sample slide deck .
Up to three (3) personal testimonials / letters of support

For an organization:

PowerPoint presentation totaling no more than 10 slides highlighting the project being nominated.
(optional) Letters of support (max of 3)

Q. What Does The Nomination Form Include?

To download a sample nomination form, click here:

Individual Form

Company Form

Be sure you download the nomination form when the nomination window opens and include it with your final packet.

Q. What makes a good nomination PowerPoint presentation slide deck?

A. A concise presentation highlighting the individual’s / organization’s significant and unique achievements in, or contributions to, any field of offshore technology. View a sample slide deck .

Q. Can reference / recommendation letters be sent in support of a candidate or nomination?

A. Yes, it is encouraged for an individual nomination. Up to three (3) testimonials / letters of support can accompany the nomination form. For an organization, it is optional.

Q. We submitted the recommendation packet electronically. Do we also need to provide it in hard copy? If so, how many should we send?

A. Electronic Submission is all that is necessary; however, if you have a particular hard copy presentation you would like to include, please mail eight copies for distribution to the full committee.

Q. Can individuals or organizations self-nominate?

A. While it is not appropriate for an individual to self-nominate; it is customary that organizations nominate their own project and provide the full nomination packet.

Q. How many years is a nomination active?

A. Each nomination packet remains active for three (3) consecutive event cycles without the need to re-submit.

Q. Can nominations be re-submitted multiple years?

A. Each nomination packet remains active for three (3) consecutive event cycles without the need to re-submit. However, it is up to the nominator if they choose to submit a new version of the nomination each year of eligibility.