Set amidst snowbanks 10 feet tall at the beautiful Sundance Mountain Resort with a fresh coat of powder on the slopes, the 2023 UPA Annual Meeting was two full days of stimulating conversation, new connections, and abundant industry insights.
The action on the mountain was matched by the energy in the conference rooms as a killer lineup of presenters and panelists shared their knowledge on subjects spanning federal policy, a very busy Utah legislative session, air quality, tribal relations, gas prices and a multitude of other subjects. The goal of any good conference is to provide attendees with maximum value for their time and attention. This year’s conference made sure to cover this industry from as many angles as possible.
Fresh powder greeted our skiers outside while, inside, knowledgeable speakers shared insights about what’s really going on with gas prices, technological advances in the oilfield and what ideal United States energy policy would look like. UPA favorite Jeff Nichols from Stancil & Co. gave a detailed rundown of all the intermingling factors that ultimately determine gas prices in our first presentation. In the afternoon, a panel of experts shared advances coming to an oilfield near you. And in the evening, four experts discussed how the United States could (and probably should) craft policy that not only provides security, economic benefit and environmental protections for our citizens at home but also many of those same values for our allies across the globe.
Our second day began with a lively and spirited discussion about Utah’s record-breaking legislative session with its many accomplishments and its many challenges. That conversation gave way to an overview of current federal energy policy and a producers’ roundtable where insights directly from the basin were shared. A standout takeaway was the need for this group to deliver on collaboration and be proactive rather than reactive. Our lunch keynote featured lessons learned from the successes and missteps of other states in terms of how best to foster and embolden oil and gas development. After lunch, the presentations came quickly one after another. Discussions of regulatory priorities at the state level were followed by a candid and insightful presentation from Chairman Chapoose of the Ute Tribe regarding the optimal way of working with his nation. The day concluded with Steven Cook providing a new lens through which to look at environmental justice and some constructive foresights of what lies ahead for our projects.
The days flew by because the energy in the rooms was high. Utah’s oil and gas industry continues to grow and thrive, yet many challenges still exist. The Annual Meeting captured that tension with members in generally good spirits and filled with ideas. Thanks to incredible snow conditions, energized panelists and presenters, and a sold-out crowd, we left Sundance Mountain Resort filled with excitement, resolve and warm feelings toward representing such a determined industry. We can’t wait to do it again next year.
