2010 International Achievement Award
goes to
LAGCOE
(Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition)

The International Trade Development Group and the International Center of Lafayette are pleased to announce that LAGCO (the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition) will be the recipient of the 2010 International Achievement Award. Instituted to recognize outstanding contributions made to Lafayette’s international image and connections, the award debuted on January 14, 1998 when it was presented to Louis J. Michot. Subsequent recipients have included Zachary Richard; Robert J. Angers, Jr.; J. S. “Si” Brown III; Warren A. Perrin; Enrique Herrera; Matthew G. Stuller, Sr.; Dailey J. Berard; C & C Technologies, Inc.; Dr. Margaret McMillan, Festival International de Louisiane.and Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools.

Until 2003, the biennial Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) catered mainly to the U.S. and Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry. That year, with the assistance of the International Center of Lafayette, the State of Louisiana Economic Development Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce, LAGCOE began a program to open new markets for its exhibitors and gaining widespread international attention through the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program (IBP).

In 2009, LAGCOE was one of the only 28 U.S. trade shows selected to participate in the International Buyer Program. Government officials, business executives, engineers and buyers from oil-rich nations around the globe are now hearing about Lafayette, Louisiana, and the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition. As part of the IBP promotion, Commercial Service officers in embassies and consulates, particularly in the oil-producing areas of the world, have screened and recruited foreign buyers to attend the show. Louisiana companies are renowned worldwide as pioneers and leaders in offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production.

During the three IBP editions of LAGCOE, international visitors were present from Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, United Arabs Emirates, and Venezuela. One of the longest-established professional trade shows in Louisiana, LAGCOE is the second largest oil and gas show in the United States. Affiliation with the International Buyer Program has elevated the show and its exhibitors to a new and higher level of prestige as well as opportunity.

With such an impressive history and global presence, it is no surprise that the International Achievement Award committee chose LAGCOE as this year's recipient.

LAGCOE will be recognized at a special luncheon on Thursday, April 22 at 11:45 AM at the City Club at River Ranch, during Festival International de Louisiane week. Tickets are $30.00 per person. Call the International Center at (337) 291-5474 to reserve a table for your organization or to purchase individual tickets.