Strategic Panels

Time: 1545-1645
Location: Room 320AB

AI has advanced rapidly in the last few years with breakthroughs in generative AI, AI agents, autonomous systems, and scientific discovery. AI agents are expected to augment and enhance human capabilities and transform industries. AI is already impacting the energy industry by enhancing predictive maintenance, optimizing supply chains, improving decision-making, and reducing carbon emissions. However, we're seeing rapid AI progress in other industries such as the medical industry with the advent of tools like AlphaFold 3 that has mapped protein folding and function across all known proteins. In the energy industry AI adoption and advancement remain uneven and, in some cases, controversial due to concerns such as data security, reliability, regulation and ethics, job displacement, and clear business cases.

Executives from within and outside our industry will offer various insights into the strategic planning and execution of AI projects and strategies, sharing their success stories and lessons learned. The discussion will also address the acceleration in AI capability improvements, techniques and patterns to enable human and AI collaboration, ethical considerations, risk management, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Panelists:

Moderator:

Jing Wan
Technical Manager
ExxonMobil

Time: 0845-0945
Location: Room 320AB

With the global population increasing by approximately one million people every six days, the world of 2050 will be vastly different. Yet, the need for energy will remain just as critical. The United States, currently producing over 13 million barrels of oil per day, faces a pivotal moment as many of its major basins approach or have already reached peak production. Where will the next wave of US supply come from? At the same time, energy demand is evolving rapidly, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and widespread electrification. These dynamics open the door for innovation and technological advancements in energy production, storage, and efficiency. This panel will explore the key trends shaping the future of energy, with a particular focus on the U.S. energy outlook. Experts will provide insights into the energy challenge —balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability—while examining the role of emerging technologies, policy shifts, and investment strategies.

Panelists:

Moderator:

Kemal Farid 
Co-Founder and
General Partner 
L37 Venture Capital

Time: 1030-1130
Location: Room 320 AB

The oil and gas industry faces a pivotal transition toward a low-carbon future. This panel examines corporate strategies driving carbon management, the evolving global policy landscape, and the development of effective carbon market mechanisms. Industry experts will discuss how companies are integrating emission reduction into business models, the challenges of standardizing carbon accounting globally, and the economic implications of emerging carbon pricing. Join this focused conversation on how strategy, policy, and market forces are reshaping the industry's approach to climate governance.

Panelists:

Moderator:

Deborah Ryan
Co-Founder and
General Partner 
L37 Venture Capital

Time: 1400-1500
Location: Room 320AB

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.

Panelists:

Moderator:

C. Susan Howes
President
Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC

Time: 0845-0945
Location: Room 320AB

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.

Panelists:

Moderator:

Alejandro Duran
VP Subsurface & Consulting Services
Baker Hughes