Energy Business Conference

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.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

2026 Energy Business Conference Schedule

8-9 a.m. Registration & Breakfast

9-9:55 a.m. 
Business Track Session 1: State of the Industry & Market Outlook
Overview: Macro outlook, U.S. production trends, future demand
Speakers: Bernadette Johnson, Enverus; Michelle Michot Foss, Rice University; Trisha Curtis, PetroNerds; and Dan Naatz, IPAA

Technical Workshop A: AI & Machine Learning in the Energy Industry Part 1
Overview: How AI and machine learning can be leveraged to enhance operational outcomes in the energy industry, with a focus on applied solutions and lessons learned from actual deployments. Case studies, workflow applications and operational “how-to” guidance.
 Speakers: Camilo Rodriguez, S&P Global; Andrew Munoz, 4Cast; Sashi Gunturu, Petrabytes; Marat Zaripov, AI Driller; and Bryan McDowell, Sabata Energy Consultants

9:55-10:15 a.m.
Q&A/Break

10:15-11:10 a.m.
Business Track Session 2: Produced Water & Lithium Extraction
Overview: The operational, regulatory, and emerging market opportunities around produced water, with a particular emphasis on lithium extraction and innovative reuse strategies.
Speakers: Jeremy Smith, Texas Pacific Land Corp.; Jeremy Humphrey, Galvanic

Technical Workshop A: AI & Machine Learning in the Energy Industry Part 2
Overview: How AI and machine learning can be leveraged to enhance operational outcomes in the energy industry, with a focus on applied solutions and lessons learned from actual deployments. Case studies, workflow applications and operational “how-to” guidance.
Speakers: Camilo Rodriguez, S&P Global; Andrew Munoz, 4Cast; Sashi Gunturu, Petrabytes; Marat Zaripov, AI Driller; and Bryan McDowell, Sabata Energy Consultants

11:10-11:30 a.m.
Q&A/Break

11:30 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.
Luncheon Keynote and NAPE Hall of Fame Awards
Overview: High-level energy leadership dialogue
Speakers: Kyle Koontz, bpx energy; moderated by Ann Bluntzer Pullin, Hamm Institute

12:55-1:05 p.m.
Q&A/Break

1:05-2 p.m.
Business Track Session 4: AI & Data Center Power Needs
Overview: Energy sourcing for hyperscale AI/data centers
Speakers: Mike Sommers, API

Technical Workshop B: International Exploration/Offshore Business Part 1
Overview: Exploring global bid rounds, contract frameworks, geological datasets, and seismic access
Speakers: Paul Mann, University of Houston; Buford Pollett, University of Tulsa; David Hajovsky, TGS; Huyen Bui, Shell; and Mohamed Khalil, Murphy Oil Corp.

2-2:20 p.m.
Q&A/Break

2:20-3:15 p.m.
Business Track Session 5: Private Equity's Role in Energy
Overview: Investment trends in upstream/energy services, private capital’s influence on strategy and innovation
Speakers: Jonathan Hickman, Lime Rock Resources; David Hobson, PetroCap; and Rachel Rosenfeld, Norton Rose Fulbright

Technical Workshop B: International Exploration/Offshore Business Part 2
Overview: Exploring global bid rounds, contract frameworks, geological datasets, and seismic access
Speakers: Paul Mann, University of Houston; Buford Pollett, University of Tulsa; David Hajovsky, TGS; Huyen Bui, Shell; and Mohamed Khalil, Murphy Oil Corp.

3:15-3:25 p.m.
Q&A/Break

3:25-3:50 p.m.
NAPE Charities & American Hero Award Presentations

3:50-4:45 p.m.
Governors Forum
Overview: Energy Security, Infrastructure & Policy
Speakers: Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy; Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves; Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt; moderated by Jacki Pick Deason, Jacki Daily Show