Live & Online Conference 28 & 29 January 2025, Houston Tx.
Regulatory Compliance Successes. Remote Location Solutions. Operationalizing Data Analytics.
28 & 29 Jan 2025, Houston
Regulatory Compliance Successes. Remote Location Solutions. Operationalizing Data Analytics.
28 & 29 Jan 2025, Houston
Four key themes shape this year's agenda.
Firstly, adopting a more strategic approach to change management to extract more value from well-site data and operationalize it effectively. This is essential at the field operator level and across different organizational departments. Many operators we interviewed during the research process had a lot to say on this matter, and it was a recurring topic in conversations at our recent facilities engineering event.
Secondly, given the increasing regulatory pressures, a focus on automating emissions measurement and continuous monitoring, particularly around methane leaks, flaring, and venting.
Third, low-power automation and communication solutions, specifically for remote sites. These sites often need more reliable access to power, electricity, or communication infrastructure, making automation more challenging and essential. Locations like West Texas, for example.
Finally, the last theme links to the above: exploring how new emerging technologies can solve challenges and better utilize the available data. This includes applications of AI, whether integrated into edge devices, dashboards, or predictive maintenance. Additionally, we’re examining new hardware solutions with smaller footprints designed for wellhead monitoring and emergency shutdown systems. These smaller, scalable automation solutions are becoming increasingly critical for remote operations.
A related area within emerging technologies is technical integration. This overlaps with the first theme of better utilizing well-site data. It involves keeping pace with the latest updates on communication protocols and managing the complexities of multiple APIs. API management can be a bottleneck in automation projects, so understanding how to centralize data effectively is crucial, especially for small to mid-cap operators.
As in previous years, we anticipate many case studies from the Permian Basin, but we aim to broaden the discussion beyond just this region. For example, when we talk about change management, data integration, and wellsite automation, valuable lessons can be learned from other areas of the USA/Canada and European operators. Many European operators have made significant strides in data integration and change management, which offer valuable insights applicable to unconventional oil and gas operations in North America, especially in the Permian Basin.
Our conference format will retain its most popular elements, such as panel sessions and extended Q&A segments.
However, we are adding curated roundtables to every morning and afternoon session this year. These sessions will feature questions and allow attendees to share experiences. One representative will summarize the discussion for the broader group, ensuring rich dialogue beyond the presentations.
While well-site automation is inherently technical, feedback suggests bringing discussions back to a more strategic level.
We’ll still explore technical enablers like data integration but will focus on how well site data can be leveraged effectively among field operators and departments.
Day one will have a more strategic focus. For example, when discussing emissions control technologies, we will explore the technical details and what these technologies can achieve, how much they cost, and the considerations for scaling them across operations. The emphasis will be on understanding the broader business implications of technology rather than getting too bogged down in every technical minutia.
In terms of specific technologies to be explored, the agenda includes:
This is just a high-level overview of the rich content we will cover this year. The depth and breadth of the discussions will make it a valuable event for operators and technology providers alike.
Finally, all of the discussions will be summarized and distributed in a comprehensive post-conference report circulated to all attendees.
EXAMPLE SCENARIO ONE Integrating new automation technologies with existing legacy systems is often complex and costly. Many wellsites still operate with older infrastructure that does not easily interface with modern digital solutions.
Could you help by assessing current systems and design tailored integration strategies?
Do you offer customized solutions that facilitate seamless integration between new and legacy systems.
EXAMPLE SCENARIO TWO Effectively managing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by automated systems to drive actionable insights and improve decision-making processes.
Do you offer powerful analytics tools and platforms that can handle large data sets and provide real-time insights? Or could you assist with the integration of various data sources into a unified platform for better visibility and analysis?
EXAMPLE SCENARIO THREE
Protecting automated systems and sensitive data from cyber threats is a top priority. As automation increases, so do the risks associated with cyber-attacks. Do you offer
comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to the specific needs of wellsite automation?
Do you provide regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
EXAMPLE SCENARIO FOUR
Ensuring that automation solutions are scalable and flexible to adapt to changing operational demands and future growth. Do you provide details modular automation solutions that can be easily expanded or reconfigured, potentially cloud-based platforms offering scalability and flexibility without significant upfront infrastructure investments? Or future-proof technologies designed to be forward-compatible with anticipated industry advancements and regulatory changes?
EXAMPLE SCENARIO FIVE
Balancing the costs of deploying new automation technologies with the expected return on investment (ROI). VPs need to justify expenditures and demonstrate tangible benefits to stakeholders. Are you able to share case studies and success stories that highlight the financial benefits and efficiency gains achieved through similar automation projects.
