It is the highlight of the north-east’s social calendar and a celebration of the still-vibrant oil and gas sector.
And today, in association with CHC Helicopter, the Press and Journal is officially launching the Energy Ball 2016.
Last year, more than 700 people attended the glitzy black tie event at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) to enjoy a spectacular dinner and host of entertainment.
The event on October 1 is open to anyone who is involved – directly or indirectly – with the energy industry or wants to be part of its ongoing successes.
This year’s ball will feature the return of Swan Band from Paris to entertain and entice guests to get on the dance floor.
The French party group favoured by a host of celebrities wowed the audience last year with a high-energy repertoire of favourite hit songs.
Energy Ball tickets are now on sale and can be booked through the event website at www.energyball.co.uk.
Aberdeen Journals editor-in-chief, Damian Bates, said it was important people took time to celebrate the resilience and dynamism of an industry which continues to sustain the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of families.
He said: “There is no doubt that the industry has been facing some real difficulties, but now, more than ever. it is important to get together to remind ourselves how far we have come.
“While the industry has been adapting to new realities, we should grasp the chance to build new relationships and also relax, enjoy ourselves and celebrate.
“The Press and Journal has chronicled every moment of the industry’s rise, fall and rise again, and we are confident that it will come out of the current tough times stronger than before.
“I’m delighted that our friends at CHC Helicopter, Balmoral Group, ITC Hydraulics and Mattioli Woods, believe the same as we do and want to join forces with The Press and Journal to invite you to join us at this amazing event – the best of its kind in Scotland.
“This is the best night of the year for the industry to show all the doom mongers that the sector is still very much alive and kicking, and will be with us for decades to come.
“There is no better way to network with peers and show the world how great, resilient and vibrant this industry continues to be.”
A spokesman for the night’s main sponsor, CHC, said the Energy Ball was an ideal way to recognise the commitment and talent underpinning the achievements of the sector.
He said: “The offshore industry harnesses a spirit of endeavour and a culture of collaboration to deliver safe operations in the world’s most challenging environments, none more so than the North Sea industry over the past 50 years.
“CHC Helicopter plays a vital role in the industry, moving people and other resources safely and efficiently.
“As a world-leading helicopter operator, we enable the people of the North Sea offshore industry to go further, do more and come home safely – and we are proud to be a part of the 2016 Press and Journal Energy Ball.”
A spokesman for Balmoral Offshore Engineering said: “While we understand the difficulties facing our industry, we believe the future remains promising.
“Ultimately it comes down to the sector to continue its support of this much-loved event or perhaps see it come to an end, which none of us want.”
Alan Fergusson, employee benefits director at Mattioli Woods, said: “This is a great event which not only helps to raise awareness of the oil and gas industry but also generates vital funds for charity.”
A spokesman for ITC added: “Although challenging times have emerged for the oil and gas industry, there are still endless opportunities for companies to diversify to help them succeed in the current environment.
“The Energy Ball is a well-attended event which offers a chance for customer, suppliers and work colleagues to socialise outwith the working environment.”