Attendees await the next session at the Executive Oil Conference in Midland.
MIDLAND, TEXAS—In an industry event that convened a scant two weeks after the momentous general election, oil and gas decision makers and professionals gathered Nov. 21 in the Horseshoe Arena in this oil-minded metropolis, where Hart Energy’s DUG Executive Oil Conference fetched attendees from Texas, New Mexico, and around the nation. No matter what one’s politics were, the mere fact that the elections were settled seemed to bring focus to the proceedings. While conferences in this sector are known for their technical and business emphasis, this year’s event brought a fresh sense of purpose and collaboration.
Shifting Vibes in the Oil Patch
The event showcased more than a few new technologies and financial products. The sessions conveyed a sense of responsibility and long-term commitment to the industry, aligning with an overarching theme of sustainability and innovation. The tone was set by keynotes, including the message of Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub, who spoke about industry consolidation and emphasized challenges like emissions and water management as drivers for innovation. Her remarks highlighted a forward-thinking energy landscape, blending traditional and emerging strategies.
Attendees included top-tier executives, financial leaders, and innovative entrepreneurs. Jordan Driskell, Senior Vice President at Petro Ledger Financial Services, emphasized the strategic value of the event: “It’s a no-brainer for us, Driskel said. “The location, the caliber of attendees, and the insights shared make it indispensable for staying ahead.” Driskell’s team, based in nearby Abilene, saw the conference as an opportunity to solidify connections and enhance their visibility in the heart of the Permian Basin.
New Voices and Evolving Strategies
Among the attendees were fresh faces eager to learn and grow in the industry. Katey Church, owner of Tactical Water, shared her perspective: “I’m here to be the dumbest person in the room,” Church said. “This conference is about gaining knowledge from those who’ve been in the game longer, building connections, and learning to better serve our customers.” Similarly, Jon Peters of First Choice Construction saw the conference as a gateway to forging lasting direct relationships with end-users, bypassing intermediaries.
These insights were echoed across the arena. The vendors and exhibitors—ranging from heavy equipment auction companies like Iron Bound Auctions to financial and technology firms—represented a “best of class” group. Their goals? To address the industry’s critical challenges, many of which remain invisible to the public—consumers who are nonetheless 100 percent reliant on the end results of challenges being solved.
Changing Public Perceptions
A recurring theme was the industry’s growing concern over public misconceptions. Speakers highlighted the reality that oil and gas productivity is not just about fueling vehicles but also about producing indispensable products for modern life—from plastics to pharmaceuticals. Addressing this gap with the public’s understanding is critical for the sector’s long-term survival and relevance.
Daniel Romero of Enverus, a keynote speaker, underscored the robustness of the industry despite challenges. He predicted structural uplifts in oil prices and discussed how Permian operators are innovating to meet future global demand. His optimistic outlook was mirrored by the event’s general bullish sentiment both on the stage as well as on the floor.
Collaboration in the Infinite Game
Beyond the technical and financial discussions, the event underscored a collaborative mindset. While competition for contracts remains fierce, the “infinite game” of shared opportunities and sustainable growth permeated the atmosphere. Marc LaCour (founder of OGGN),Daniel Radabough (COO of SCU), Dawn Porter (Onward Resources), Rey Trevino (CEO of Pecos Operating), Derrick Black (FET), and Keith Stelter (Maze Environmental) exemplified the local leadership contributing to this synergetic vibe.
The Hart Energy DUG Executive Oil Conference was more than an industry meetup—it was a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and shared vision of the oil and gas sector. With its mix of seasoned experts and ambitious newcomers, the event illustrated the dynamic future of an industry critical to global progress.
The occasion also included a trade show.
Christian Lombardini, an oilfield professional, is also an author, father, and entrepreneur. He’s founder and host of the Oil Field Leader Podcast. Christian shares insights and content on LinkedIn.
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