Permain Basin oil show stands to make huge impact

PERMIAN BASIN – The Permian Basin International Oil Show — will be held Oct. 16-18 at the Ector County Coliseum — is expected to draw as many as 40,000 visitors from across the nation and the world, making the 2012 show one of the most attended in recent history. And more visitors will mean an estimated $12 million economic impact, city officials estimate.

The oil show is full this year with 704 vendors and exhibitors, according to Tony Fry, executive director of the Permian Basin International Oil Show Inc. As a result, there is currently a waiting list of 470 vendors.

Hotels are booked solid during the oil show in Odessa, Midland, Andrews and Monahans, according to Linda Sweatt, director of the Odessa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Some residents have offered homes and apartments or a room to rent during the show.