About this Forum

The Eagle Ford formation has delivered on its promise. Only a decade ago, a flurry of leasing activity, followed rapidly by multi-billion-dollar deals and an influx of drilling rigs, led to the creation of one of the largest oil fields in the world. Following in the footsteps of the Bakken play, the Eagle Ford dominated much of the conversation regarding unconventional resource plays and much of the rig count. To say that the Eagle Ford has been at the center of a renaissance in US domestic oil production is not an understatement, nor hyperbole. However, the days of the Eagle Ford play topping the rig count charts are likely behind it. Today, the Permian has more than five times the rig activity, while the Eagle Ford looks ahead to what is next. 

The Eagle Ford remains a top-tier oil and gas asset. The play is at the forefront of technology for unconventional reservoirs, such as miscible gas-injection enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) and hydraulic re-fracturing of existing wellbores. Advancements in hydraulic fracturing have doubled and tripled proppant concentrations, while cutting costs in half or even a third. There have been big shifts in artificial lift methods, from rod pump systems to gas lift, and now gas assisted plunger lift. The incorporation of big data and predictive analytics, complemented with physics-based numerical modeling and rate transient analysis, has offered insight on the multi-variate drivers of performance.  

This Forum will focus on learning from the past and opportunities for the future in the Eagle Ford. Recognizing there is plenty of room to improve both existing operations and future development decisions, we must prepare now for the next phase of Eagle Ford growth. The key challenges going forward are how to extract the massive amount of oil and gas remaining in this generous reservoir and how to innovate and optimize development decisions to be able to compete in a low-cost environment. 

Who should attend:

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.