Energy Business Conference
Wednesday, February 5
The NAPE Energy Business Conference features presentations from senior-level executives and industry leaders brought on stage to discuss some of the industry's most pressing topics. Attendees also enjoy extra networking time along with exclusive insights from the experts the day before the expo floor opens.
Continuing Education Credits
This year's Energy Business Conference — including the Keynote Luncheon and Governors Forum — has been approved by the American Association of Professional Landmen for up to 6.75 continuing education credits.
The following states have approved continuing legal education credits for participation in the Energy Business Conference, Keynote Luncheon and Governors Forum: 6.25 Texas; 6.5 Oklahoma; 5.5 Louisiana; and 6 Colorado.
The National Association of Royalty Owners Mineral Management Program has accredited the Energy Business Conference for 6 education credits.
Additionally, six continuing professional education credits from the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy are pending approval in Texas.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
2025 Energy Business Conference Agenda
Session 1
Business Track: State of the Energy Industry: Navigating the Evolving Landscape
Moderator: Ann Bluntzer | Executive Director, Hamm Institute for American Energy, Oklahoma State University
Panelists: Dana Novakovic | Managing Director, Energy & Infrastructure Partners
Megan Hays | Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Investment & Engagement, Kimmeridge Group
Sean Heinroth | Partner/Principal – Energy Strategy Group, EY — Parthenon
This session will explore the current state of the energy industry, focusing on critical trends, challenges, and opportunities in a rapidly changing environment. Industry leaders will discuss the impact of sustainability, infrastructure investments, and economic factors shaping the energy sector's future.
Technical Track: Advancements in Subsurface Visualization: Redefining Reservoir Understanding
Moderator: Scott Sutherland | Managing Director, Business and Geoscience Technology, SEG
Panelists: Molly Turko | Structural Geologist, Devon Energy
Mohamed Khalil | Advisor — Geology, Offshore Deepwater Assets, Murphy Oil Corp.
Galen Dillewyn | VP Business Development, NuTech Energy Alliance
John Sinclair | Geology Manager RC Rockies and Anadarko, Ovintiv
Explore the latest innovations in diagnostics aimed at improving subsurface visualization, including advanced techniques in imaging and analyzing geological features, such as faults, rock formations, and fluid pathways. This session also highlights advancements in integrating diverse subsurface data to develop complex reservoirs. Experts will provide insights into how these advancements transform exploration and production strategies.
Session 2
Business Track: Mergers & Acquisitions: Strategic Moves in a Dynamic Market
Tim Pawul | President, Minerals & Royalties Authority LLC
Andy Rapp | Co-Founder & COO, Petrie Partners, LLC
Mohit Singh | EVP & CFO, Expand Energy Corp.
This session will examine the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions within the energy sector. Speakers will discuss the challenges of getting both public and private M&A deals done, the driving forces behind recent successful transactions, and the future outlook for M&A activity as the industry adapts to new market conditions.
Technical Track: Exploring New Subsurface Energy Sources: Geothermal, Lithium, Hydrogen
Moderator: Franek Hasiuk | Geologist, Sandia National Laboratories
Panelists: Galen Huling | Geologist, Grounded Energy
Ken Wisian | Associate Director — Environmental Division, Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin
Andrew Cassidy | NA Business Development Manager — Hydrogen Storage, Vallourec
This session focuses on emerging subsurface energy sources, including geothermal energy, lithium extraction, and hydrogen storage. Experts will discuss the technical challenges, opportunities, and the potential these resources hold for the energy transition.
Session 3
Luncheon Keynote: Energy Security and Practical Realities of the Energy Transition
Wil VanLoh | Founder & CEO, Quantum Capital Group
Keynote speaker Wil VanLoh will address the critical balance between energy security and the global push toward energy transition. The discussion will highlight the practical challenges and potential pathways to achieving a secure and sustainable energy future.
Session 4
Future Energy Demand: Strategies to Meet Global Needs
Moderator: Jim Wicklund | Managing Director, PPHB
Panelists: Josh Viets | EVP & COO, Expand Energy
Chris Wright | CEO, Liberty Energy
Tara Righetti | Occidental Chair of Energy & Environmental Policy, University of Wyoming
Explore the future of energy demand and the strategies needed to meet the world's growing energy needs. Panelists will discuss technological innovations, policy developments, and market dynamics shaping energy supply in the coming decades.
Technical Track: Enhancing Decision-Making in Exploration and M&A: Strategies to Counteract Generative AI Misconceptions
Moderator: Susan Nash | Director of Innovation, Emerging Science & Technology, AAPG
Panelists: Pushpesh Sharma | Director of Product Management AspenTech
Andrew Muñoz | COO, 4Cast
Kim Padeletti | Head, Energy Data Insights, Amazon Web Services
Sashi Gunturu | Co-Founder, Petrabytes Corp.
David Baker | Data Scientist, ConocoPhillips
The advent of generative AI is transforming the approach to Exploration and Mergers & Acquisitions, making the integrity of AI-generated data pivotal for critical investment decisions. This panel session delves into protective measures against the misinterpretation of data—commonly known as AI hallucinations—that can compromise data integrity and increase risk. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders on effective strategies to reinforce AI's role in augmenting decision-making, thereby adding tangible value to Exploration and M&A ventures.
Session 5
Business Track: The Election's Impact on the Oil & Natural Gas Industry: What Lies Ahead
Moderator: Dan Naatz | COO & Executive Vice President, IPAA
Panelists: Anne Bradbury | President & CEO, American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC)
Kathleen Sgamma | President, Western Energy Alliance
Chuck Yates | Podcast Host, Chuck Yates Needs a Job and Digital Wildcatters’ The BDE Show
This session will analyze the potential ramifications of the recent election on the oil and natural gas industry. Experts will discuss policy changes, regulatory shifts, and the broader political landscape's influence on the industry's future.
Technical Track: Unlocking Hidden Value: Evaluating Oil & Gas Acreage for Emerging Energy Opportunities
Moderator: Richard Ball | Vice President of Geosciences, Tri-Star Group
Panelists: Herman Acuña | President, Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
John Wheeler | President, Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc.
Jeff Aldrich | Principal Geoscientist, Sproule
Steve Tedesco | President, Running Foxes Energy Inc.
This session delves into the evolving landscape of oil and gas property valuations as new energy opportunities such as geothermal, lithium, hydrogen, helium, CCUS, energy storage and carbon credits emerge. Industry experts will discuss how to assess the potential of your acreage for these diverse value streams and explore the impact of geology, seismic data and other critical factors. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for maximizing land value, the potential for hybrid and combo applications and the pitfalls to watch out for in this complex and dynamic market.
BONUS SESSION
Governors Forum: Perspectives on Shaping the Future of Energy in America
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon
Moderator: Roger A. Soape, CPL
General Assembly Theater, 3rd Floor
NAPE Badge or NAPE Charities Celebration Ticket Required
Join a panel of U.S. governors as they share their perspectives on energy policy, state-level initiatives, and the future of energy in their respective regions. The forum will offer insights into how state governments address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.
