21–23 October 2026 | George R. Brown Convention Center | Houston, TX, USA
21–23 October 2026
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX, USA
21–23 October 2026
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX, USA
2026 Strategic Panels
Strategic Panels are a rare opportunity to hear from top industry leaders as they share insights and strategic visions shaping the future of E&P.
Engage in dynamic discussions on key trends, challenges, and innovations, and take part by submitting your questions to the moderators.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation driving the industry forward.
Time: 1545 - 1645
Location: Room 372BECF
The oil and gas industry sits on one of the most valuable and underutilized assets in the global economy — decades of proprietary operational, subsurface, and production data — and frontier AI labs, enterprise software vendors, and next-generation data center infrastructure are converging around a singular need for exactly that. This panel moves beyond the hype to examine what is actually working: from major enterprise platforms now orchestrated by autonomous agents, to individual engineers delivering breakthrough capabilities through vibe-coded applications nobody thought possible a year ago. Across that full spectrum, one requirement is non-negotiable — when billions of dollars and human lives depend on autonomous systems, trust and auditability are not optional. The most consequential results are coming not from conventional vendor relationships but from coalitions where operators, enterprise software, and frontier AI labs focus on shared upside rather than traditional procurement dynamics. Attendees will leave with a clear-eyed view of what Gen AI is delivering today, where the next twelve to twenty-four months are headed, and how to position their organizations to benefit from the agentic alliance already taking shape across energy.
Panelists:
|
Matan Agam |
Beau Bromley |
Chris Coley |
Sid Misra |
Charles Yorek |
Moderator:
Josh Etkind
CEO
ThinkOnward
Time: 0845 - 0945
Location: Room 372BECF
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services is driving unprecedented demand for data center capacity. Hyperscale AI training clusters now require power loads comparable to small cities. In many regions, this surge is outpacing grid expansion, straining transmission infrastructure, and raising questions about reliability, cost allocation, and decarbonization commitments.
Data centers are no longer passive electricity consumers. Increasingly, they are becoming active participants in energy markets — co-locating generation, signing long-term power agreements, financing new infrastructure, and in some cases exploring dedicated energy assets.
This panel will examine how the industry, utilities, policymakers, and investors are responding to this structural shift — and whether the current approach is sufficient to meet demand without destabilizing local grids or undermining sustainability goals.
Time: 1030 - 1130
Room: 372BECF
Global energy markets are being reshaped simultaneously by trade policy shifts, supply-chain realignment, capital discipline in the upstream sector, and a growing gap between decarbonization ambitions and deployment realities. This panel brings together chief economists from major producers, energy policy veterans, and leading researchers to examine where these forces converge—and where they collide.
The discussion is organized around three interlocking questions:
Panelists will draw on proprietary data, institutional research, and operational experience to move the conversation beyond broad narratives toward specific, actionable observations.
Time: 1400-1500
Location: Room 372BECF
While headlines often focus on the talent exiting oil and gas, this panel flips the script – spotlighting the impressive wave of professionals choosing to enter the energy sector and the fresh perspectives they bring. From aerospace to military service, nonprofit leadership to Silicon Valley, these panelists exemplify how cross-industry experience is becoming a catalyst for innovation, adaptability, and long-term resilience.
Join us for a strategic conversation on how companies are intentionally sourcing and integrating talent from beyond oil and gas – and why it’s working. Learn how this diversity of thought is helping organizations reimagine operations, strengthen their cultures, and spark new ventures. We’ll also explore how professionals from other sectors can navigate the transition and thrive in an evolving energy workforce.
Time: 0845-0945
Location: Room 372BECF
As the oil and gas industry evolves, so must its commercial models. The traditional day rate structure has long been the standard, but is it still the best approach for aligning incentives, driving efficiency, and fostering innovation? This panel will explore how operators, drilling contractors, and service providers are rethinking contract structures to create more value for all stakeholders.
From performance-based models and integrated partnerships to risk-sharing agreements and technology-driven pricing strategies, industry leaders will discuss what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. Join us for a candid conversation on the challenges and opportunities of moving beyond the day rate and unlocking the full potential of collaboration in oil and gas contracts.
