History

Check out this timeline of historic images from LAGCOE's 66 year history

The Oil Center

The LAGCOE office has called the Oil Center its home since the beginning of the exposition. In 1953, the first unofficial LAGCOE was held in the parking lot of our current office building.
LAGCOE 1955 Planning Session

Here's a photo of a group of "movers and shakers" who helped to plan LAGCOE 1955. We wish we knew what they were discussing at the meeting where this picture was taken!
LAGCOE 1955 Agenda

Have you ever wondered what was on the agenda for the first LAGCOE? Take a look at this page out of the 1955 program guide.
LAGCOE I ad

Take a look at this ad for LAGCOE 1, held in 1955, describing some of the natural beauty found in Acadiana.
1955 Grand Opening

Check out this picture of the grand opening/ ribbon cutting ceremony of the first show, held in October 1955
1955 LAGCOE Parade

Did you know? In the early days, LAGCOE was quite the social organization, hosting several social events, such as a parade.
LAGCOE Exhibitors

In 1955, LAGCOE welcomed about 130 exhibiting companies from 10 states, including Texas, California, New York, and of course, Louisiana.
Shrimp Lunch

Take a look at this picture from the LAGCOE Shrimp Lunch, held as part of the first LAGCOE in 1955. Learn more about this tradition that continues through present time.
Women enjoying LAGCOE 1955

Take a look at this picture of a group of ladies gathering before a LAGCOE event for the first LAGCOE in 1955.
Blackham Coliseum

For many years, LAGCOE was held in the Blackham Coliseum, down the road from its current home, The Cajundome & Convention Center. Here's an aerial view of LAGCOE 1957 which was used to promote LAGCOE 1959.
A Message from Queen LAGCOE I

Queen LAGCOE I, Miss Faye Rogan, shared this message with LAGCOE 1957 attendees. Her message only begins to show the ongoing spirit of LAGCOE.
LAGCOE Welcome 1959

Check out this picture that was publishedin April 2014 as part of the Daily Advertiser's Acadiana History: Remember When segment.
LAGCOE 1959 Equipment Parade

Take a look at this picture of the LAGCOE 1959 Exhibitors' Equipment parading into the city of Lafayette. This photo was snapped in downtown Lafayette, across the street from Lafayette City Hall.
1959 Board of Directors

From the beginning, LAGCOE has been fortunate to have the commitment of many men and women who have served on the LAGCOE Board of Directors, volunteering time and talents. Here's a picture of all of the directors featured in the program guide for LAGCOE 1959.
LAGCOE History through 1961

In 1961, LAGCOE hosted the fourth exposition. Even at this time, only seven years after the first show, LAGCOE leaders knew the importance of documenting and celebrating LAGCOE's history. Here is an excerpt from the 1961 Program Guide detailing the recent history of LAGCOE.
LAGCOE Oil Drops

In the early days of LAGCOE, local teenage girls volunteered as "Oil Drops" for LAGCOE. Here's a picture of a group of Oil Drops from LAGCOE 1965.
LAGCOE Illustration

This picture is a testament to the support that hundreds of volunteers have lender to LAGCOE over the 60 years we've existed as an exposition.
A 1960s booth

Oh how the trade show times have changed! Here's a picture from the LAGCOE archives of a booth at LAGCOE during the mid 1960s.
LAGCOE Glass

Today, we received this picture of LAGCOE memorabilia, and we just had to share. Check out this awesome rocks glass from circa 1965. LAGCOE was only 10 years old at that time!
LAGCOE Looey

"Looey is a funny guy. He works in an oil field ... He's an ordinary Joe - or Looey. He's one of your best customers ... He is an oil worker, a citizen, a father, a part of the ever growing and prospering oil community of your community."
A Dixieland Welcome

Even in 1979, LAGCOE knew how to welcome visiting dignitaries. A band playing Dixieland music greeted these visitors in true Louisiana style.
"It's All Here"

Even in 1979, LAGCOE prided itself on having every phase of the oil and gas industry represented at LAGCOE. This tradition holds true today.
LAGCOE Looey and Queen LAGCOE 1979

This picture from 1979 shows a very enthusiastic pair of LAGCOE icons. LAGCOE Looey 1979, R.J. Bronc Foreman proudly surveyed the outside exhibits with Queen LAGCOE 1979 Susan Spring Speer.
LAGCOE Posters

Beginning with LAGCOE 1981, oilfield photographer Kent Hutslar shared his illustrations and photographs with LAGCOE by creating a commemorative poster for each show. Here's one of our favorite posters, designed for LAGCOE 1983.
Gloria Knox - "The General"

If you are familiar with any of the people in LAGCOE's 60 year history, we're sure you have heard a thing or two about Gloria "The General" Knox.
Louisiana: The Energy State

We've shared a good amount of LAGCOE history with you already. Now, we would like to go beyond our organization and share with you the history of the Oil and Gas Industry in Louisiana.
LAGCOE Volunteers

Only 57 weeks until LAGCOE 2015... we recognize the importance of our volunteers and the impact they have had on the show, since day 1.
Keynote Speaker Dick Cheney

Do you recognize the man at this podium? That's former US Vice President Dick Cheney addressing the crowd at a LAGCOE Technical Session.
Official LAGCOE Program Guide Covers

Each year of the exposition, LAGCOE rebrands the event to fit the theme of the exposition.
LAGCOE as an International Show

Since 2003, LAGCOE has been one of the only oil and gas expositions chosen to participate in the US Department of Commerce International Buyer Program. Today, it is one of only 2 shows continuing in this program which markets the show to foreign buyers across the globe.
2005 Timeline

We found this timeline from our 50th anniversary, LAGCOE 2005. Want to know a unique fact about about LAGCOE 2005? Read more:
LAGCOE Career Fair

In 2013, LAGCOE hosted the first LAGCOE Career Fair, as a part of the 2013 exposition. In 2014, LAGCOE decided to continue this new tradition by hosting the LAGCOE Career Fair, independently of the exposition.
LAGCOE New Technology Showcase

In 2009, LAGCOE introduced the LAGCOE New Technology Showcase. Here's a photo of one winner presenting his company's technologies at the forum which takes place as a technical session during LAGCOE 2013.
60 years

LAGCOE is celebrating 60 years ... and we're STILL CLIMBING.
LAGCOE Relocates

In 2019 LAGCOE relocates to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
65 Year Celebration

65 Year Celebration – A virtual museum is curated to commemorate LAGCOE’s 65th Anniversary.