About this Forum

The oil and gas drilling industry has seen significant improvement in drilling efficiency and costs over the last 5 years. Technology and improved processes have contributed, but these gains are also the result of commoditization and the erosion of margins, especially for contractors and providers of services and equipment. Some believe that advancements in technology and automation will significantly contribute to operator value while redressing margins. However, there are significant barriers to development and adoption of technology and automation. A long-term vision is missing, with a resultant lack of consensus on a development roadmap and value proposition. Benefits promised to the drilling industry by technology and automation advancements include reduced environmental impact, safer working environments, as well as reliable, consistent, and improved performance and well quality. It is believed that these benefits will contribute to operator value and redressed margins.

The purpose of this forum is to investigate the reality or fallacy of these promised benefits. Participants will:

  • Discuss other potential values of increase technology uptake
  • Review the vision and roadmaps across industry players
  • Examine the extent to which these technology and automation should be developed for the drilling industry

What is a Forum?

SPE Forums are unique, by-invitation-only SPE events that bring together top technologists, innovators, and managers to address a specific industry challenge. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to contribute their experience and knowledge, rather than be spectators or students.

The objective is to create a collaborative, idea-generating arena that stimulates new ideas and innovation about future challenges facing the E&P industry.

If you have a role to play in meeting the challenges of tomorrow head-on, apply today.

Who should participate?

  • Are you a young professional with relevant experience and knowledge of the forum topic? Get involved now. Forums are a window on the future that belongs to the next generation of professionals.
  • Do you want to exchange ideas with others in your technical area of expertise? Participation in a forum committee builds a professional network that will last a career. Forums offer an exclusive opportunity to interact with innovators, seasoned professionals, and leading technologists.
  • Are you looking to establish your technical reputation throughout the industry in a way that benefits your company? Forums provide the perfect setting because they serve as early incubators for future trends and technologies.

Benefits to You and Your Organization

  • Gain insight and perspective through conversations with peers who share your same interests.
  • Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of learning through one-on-one interaction.
  • Meet with other experts from international companies, research institutes, and universities in an off-the-record format.
  • Form professional relationships that will continue after the forum has ended.

Forum Guidelines

  • Brief, facilitated presentations promote maximum discussion.
  • Conducted off the record to support the free interchange of information and ideas.
  • Extensive note taking is not allowed.
  • Recording of any portion of the forum (photographic, electronic, etc.) is prohibited.
  • Information disclosed at a forum may not be used publicly without the originator's permission.
  • Participants are requested to omit reference to forum proceedings in any subsequent published work or oral presentation.
  • A written summary may be prepared and distributed to attendees after the forum with unanimous attendee agreement and SPE approval.
  • Participants are expected to attend every session.

Application Information

Participants at SPE Forums are selected by the Forum Steering Committee based on the ability to contribute to the discussion of the topic. Attendance is limited to maximize each person's opportunity to contribute.

Accepted applicants will receive their registration form and other materials within two weeks of the application deadline. For those requiring visas to attend the forum, please ensure that you leave sufficient time for your visa to be processed.