Options market participants can be excused for kicking up their (Hanweck-provided) heels a little at the 2018 Options Industry Conference, which runs May 2-4 at Amelia Island, Florida.

We are proud to be a sponsor of @OptionsConf #OIC2018 and ready with footwear for the Opening Dinner on the beach! pic.twitter.com/zJTA5QmYdt

— Hanweck (@HanweckRealTime) May 2, 2018

Following a largely unexpected and wholly unwanted stagnation in trading that persisted for much of this decade, options volumes surged nearly 30% in the first four months of 2018, driven by a sharp rise in equity-market volatility. That has meant brisk business for the the market makers who handle options trades, the exchanges that execute trades, and the technology providers that are the behind-the-scenes enablers of the market.   

“There is a feeling of renewed enthusiasm and an upbeat energy,” said Matt Simon, Markets Media Group head of strategy and #OIC2018 delegate. “Having perfect weather doesn’t hurt either,” he said, citing mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s with low humidity.

Great first day of the conference #OIC2018 pic.twitter.com/Wt2Ut0qqtO

— Kevin Lund (@KLundT3) May 4, 2018

Aside from the rising volume tide lifting all boats, Simon cited three trends picked up in informal conversations: (1) technology providers are doing well because market participants are outsourcing more; (2) non-U.S. markets are strong, and more non-U.S. firms are looking to get into (or expand in) the U.S.; and (3) buy-side firms are keeping data providers busy as their data needs increase.  

The Exchange Leaders panel drilled down into specific areas such as strike prices, venue choice, and liquidity, Simon said.

Great session from the options industry leadership panel. #OIC2018 @TDAJJKinahan pic.twitter.com/iEokigN8d2

— Kevin Lund (@KLundT3) May 3, 2018

Our own Ivan Brown discusses the importance of market stewardship and driving reforms that protect and enhance displayed markets #OIC2018 pic.twitter.com/0btNajepfV

— NYSE (@NYSE) May 3, 2018

The ‘fireside chat’ featured Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman and OCC CEO Craig Donohue.

Craig Donohue, Chairman and CEO of OCC and @adenatfriedman, President and CEO of @Nasdaq, discussing key industry issues at the 2018 Options Industry Conference @OptionsConf #OIC2018 pic.twitter.com/kfjszmXQfa

— OCC (@OptionsClearing) May 3, 2018

Gary Katz, Co-Founder of International Securities Exchange and a pioneer in electronic options trading, was honored.

Gary Katz accepts Sullivan Award at @OptionsConf #OIC2018 Congratulations from @OptionsClearing and @Options_Edu pic.twitter.com/wzDOFKvxdF

— David Prosperi (@Swish1953) May 2, 2018

There was plenty of outdoor time, which conference delegates said may have come at the expense of indoor panel attendance.

Having some fun in the sun with our Cabanas on the beach! #OIC2018 pic.twitter.com/8Ehh96EQje

— Options Conference (@OptionsConf) May 3, 2018

And of course there was the obligatory shout-out to event sponsors.

We appreciate your support and want to say THANK YOU to our sponsors for #OIC2018. @OptionsConf @OptionsClearing pic.twitter.com/C343HgjZeM

— Options Conference (@OptionsConf) May 2, 2018