The Energy Conversation That Matters
April 9, 2026
James M. Collins Executive Education Center
8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
The Energy Conversation That Matters
April 9, 2026
James M. Collins Executive Education Center
8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
April 9th is quickly approaching. Don’t miss out!
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POWERING POSSIBILITIES: The Next Chapter in Energy is where the industry's most influential voices come together to shape what's next. Expect sharp insight, bold ideas, and candid dialogue on the trends reshaping global energy-from market movements and commodity forecasts, energy security, carbon reduction, nuclear and the evolving role of U.S. independents. This isn't just another conference-it's a front-row seat to the conversations that are defining the future of energy.
Join a curated, high-impact community of senior leaders across the energy value chain. You'll connect with executives from oil, gas, power, and utilities; U.S. independents; policymakers and regulators; market analysts; investors; and technology innovators. With representation from every corner of the industry, this is a rare opportunity to expand your network, learn from diverse perspectives, and build relationships that spark ideas and action.
Walk away with the insight and clarity you need to stay ahead. The symposium delivers practical, data-rich perspectives on the forces transforming the energy industry-from global supply and demand shifts to security, carbon strategy, nuclear industry trends, as well as the recent return to exploration. You'll gain fresh thinking, actionable analysis, and direct access to the decision-makers who are shaping policy, capital, technology and markets. Beyond the sessions, the real value comes from dynamic conversation and strategic connections that continue long after the event ends.
Agenda for the Day
Bruce Bullock - Executive Director, MEI
Tim Perry - Chairman, MEI
LNG is paving the way to transform natural gas from a local/regional energy source to one which is competitive with other energy sources on a global basis.
Armand Lumens - CFO, Mid-Ocean Energy
Moderator - John Stevenson - CFO Terra Energy Partners
Dr Pierru will provide a global perspective on long-term oil demand in an evolving energy landscape.
An assessment of how oil will compete with renewables, natural gas, and emerging technologies.
Insights into structural demand trends across developed and emerging markets.
Perspectives on OPEC’s strategic priorities amid shifting geopolitics and energy transition pressures.
An outlook on Saudi Arabia’s approach to balancing market share, price stability, and long-term revenue objectives.
Dr. Axel Pierru - VP of Knowledge & Analysis, Head of Research, KAPSARC
Nuclear, Geothermal have been considered to be leading energy supply sources with zero carbon footprints and Carbon Capture will allow us to produce oil with less carbon. Will these sources develop significant market share as a supply of energy?
Carbon Capture / Geothermal Current Strategies:
Danny Rice - CEO, NetPower
Chris Kendall - Director, CRC & Range Resources
Alex Biholar - Manager, Devon Energy Ventures
Moderator: Jim Wicklund - PPHB
Nuclear Panel
Jim Burke - President & CEO, Vistra
Ray Rothrock - CEO, FiftySix Investments
Moderator: Robert Bryce - Author, reporter, and film producer
Bryan and Scott Sheffield share their personal journeys at the forefront of the Permian shale revolution. A look back at the technological breakthroughs and capital cycles that reshaped global energy markets. Insights into consolidation, capital discipline, and the evolving M&A landscape. Their outlook for Permian production growth and competitiveness. Perspectives on oil price forecasts and the basin’s role in a shifting global energy market
Scott Sheffield - Director, Williams, Tamboran Resources; Formerly CEO, Pioneer Natural Resources
Bryan Sheffield - Founder & CEO, Formentera Partners
Moderator: Tim Perry - Chairman, MEI
US Oil focused Independents have led the way over the last generation with the development of Shale in the Lower 48 in the US. What will these companies look like in 2030? Will they remain primarily in the US? Will they begin to focus on exploration? Meanwhile in the gas market, US Gas independents are now trading at higher multiples than oil-focused companies as they race to supply LNG and AI driven demand growth. How will they use this higher valuation to grow? Will they grow through horizontal or vertical integration?
Meg Molleston - President & CEO, GeoSouthern Energy Partners
Lauren Read - SVP, DCarbon Ventures, BKV Corporation
Moderator: Mark Schlueter - Managing Partner, Sagefield Capital
Energy security is now a central strategic priority for the U.S., Europe, and other major economies. Panelists will explore how the conflict involving Iran is affecting supply risk and price dynamics. Discussion will include the impacts of disruption risks in Venezuela’s oil sector and potential responses from major producers. They’ll assess how these geopolitical shocks are shifting global gas supply flows and demand patterns, particularly in Europe. How are governments and markets adapting strategies to maintain energy security amid rising geopolitical volatility.
Ken Hersh - Chairman, HFI Capital Management
Helima Croft, PhD - Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets
Bob McNally - Founder & President, Rapidan Energy Group
Moderator - Tim Perry - Chairman, MEI
Over the last half decade, the world’s automakers have retooled their assembly plants from ICEs (Internal Combustion Engines) to EVs (Electronic Vehicles) but recently some have returned their focus to ICEs. What are the expectations for 2030?
Ray Washburne - Chairman, Sunoco
Steve Greenfield - General Partner, Automotive Ventures
Steve Center - Former COO, Kia America
Moderator - John Casesa - Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners
Capital expenditures on exploration have been limited globally over the last decade as the focus was on Lower 48 Shale development and oil demand forecasts were also declining; with the decreasing amount of remaining Shale inventory in the US coupled with new, higher oil demand forecasts, will global exploration return? Will independents compete or will it only be the province of the majors/IOCs?
Bill Armstrong - Founder & CEO, Armstrong Oil & Gas
John Christmann - CEO, APA Corporation
Nathan Strik - Chevron
Moderator - Chris Paulsen - CFO, USA Compression
Closing Remarks
Bruce Bullock, Executive Director, MEI
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