Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday | September 15-17, 2026 | Tulsa, Oklahoma

The 2026 Rosa Energy Conference is organized around a progression from awareness to understanding to engagement, creating space to:
* Develop a grounded understanding of today’s energy realities
* Focus on knowledge transfer, learning, recognition, understanding and respectful exploration.
* Hear multiple perspectives across Tribal, Industry, Government, and Academic voices
* Engage in meaningful, informed dialogue

Tuesday | SEPTEMBER 15, 2026

2:00 – 4:30pm | TULSA UNIVERSITY’S NORTH CAMPUS RESEARCH FACILITY | Address: 2450 E. Marshall St, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Optional Pre-Conference Activity. Pre-Registration is Required

Discover this innovative research facility through a guided tour with other conference attendees. The goal of UTulsa’s North Campus is to explore innovations for the petroleum industry and foster learning by students, researchers, private industry and governments. The research projects have generated millions of dollars and hundreds of research projects designed to solve the problems of today’s energy industry. The land and buildings were donated to The University of Tulsa by Humble Oil and Refining Co. in 1965. The property included a drilling research laboratory and a full-sized enclosed drilling rig. The gift provided an avenue for academia, industry and government to join forces to fund major research initiatives.
Watch a short 3-minute video about this facility…a working lab like no other.

5:00-6:30 pm | WELCOME RECEPTION

101 Archer Building – 1st Floor | Downtown Tulsa | Conversation and Engagement Begin Here!

Start building connections before the conference begins. Join other conference participants for a time of introductions, networking and conversation. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, welcome remarks from TEC and University of Tulsa, student research poster presentations (click here for list of accepted posters), and energy displays. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse voices shaping the future of energy and to begin the meaningful discussions that will continue throughout the conference.

Wednesday | SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

8:00 – 8:30am | Conference Sign-in & Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:00am | WELCOME to ROSA  by the Conference Chairs with the INVOCATION given by Max Bear, TTHPO, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

I. ENERGY REALITY & AWARENESS

9:00 – 10:15 am | KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

TRISHA CURTIS
Founder and CEO of PetroNerds

Trisha is known for connecting what is happening on the ground in energy with the larger market and geopolitical forces shaping the industry. Her expertise spans U.S. shale, global energy markets, geopolitics, China, and macroeconomics, bringing together the “micro and the macro” to provide practical market intelligence and insight.
That perspective is particularly timely. Across the energy landscape, decisions are increasingly connected to larger questions about markets, infrastructure, investment, technology, economic development, and changing energy demand. Having access to good market intelligence and a better understanding of the forces driving change can provide valuable context as organizations and leaders consider what lies ahead.
Rather than a traditional keynote, Trisha will join us for an interactive virtual fireside conversation exploring what she is seeing in today’s markets, the forces shaping what comes next, and what those changes could mean as we navigate an evolving energy landscape.

10:30 – 11:30 am | ENERGY MULTI-PERSPECTIVE DIALOGUE
Leaders from across sectors and perspectives (International, National, Regional/State, Tribal) share how energy realities are experienced within their respective roles and responsibilities; followed by “voice backs” from Tribal Leadership, Industry, and Government.
PANEL MEMBERS:
– James Slutz, Managing Director, National Petroleum Council | National Perspective | US DOE Office of Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy 8/31/26 NPC Report to Unlock America’s Vast Energy Resources
– Buford Pollett, The University of Tulsa | International Perspective
– Roger Fragua, Tribal Energy Consortium | Tribal Perspective
– Rodrigo Rojas, Public Service Company of Oklahoma | Regional Perspective

11:45 – 12:45 pm | LUNCH | “Oil and Gas: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?”
SPEAKER: Kristie Ferguson, President, KLF Geological, LLC, Tulsa, Ok

II. DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS & UNDERSTANDING

1:00 – 1:45 pm | GOVERNMENT & REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
Permitting Pathways; Consultation Processes; Funding Opportunities; Regulatory Timelines
PANEL MEMBERS:
– Ken McQueen, University of Tulsa
– T. Lane Wilson, Williams Companies

1:45 – 2:30 pm | TRIBAL LEADERSHIP PANEL
This panel will explore how Tribal Nations, as sovereign governments and rightsholders, make decisions, balance economic opportunities with cultural and community priorities, and navigate internal considerations such as governance, timing, and capacity. Attendees will also gain insight into what meaningful and effective partnerships look like from a Tribal perspective.
PANEL MEMBERS:
– Arvin Trujillo, ASTrujillo Consulting, LLC, Navajo Nation
– Marshall Pierite, Chairman, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

2:45 – 3:30 pm | INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE PANEL
Industry experts will discuss the lifecycle of energy projects from concept to completion and decommissioning, addressing project development, financing, workforce and infrastructure needs, key risks, and project timelines. The conversation with conference participants will reflect on what surprised them, examine lessons learned, anticipated challenges, and important considerations for organizations evaluating future involvement.
PANEL MEMBERS:
– Wes Pebsworth, Sr. Legal Counsel and Director of Tribal Government Relations, ONEOK
– Ronnie Stephens, Sr. Project Manager – Power Innovation & Solar, Williams Companies
– John Kuba, VP Environmental, Grid United
– Jeremy Westphal,Sr. Land Manager, Fervo Energy

3:30 – 4:15 pm | ACADEMIA AS A RESOURCE PANEL
Academic leaders will discuss how academic institutions serve as trusted resources, providing research, workforce training, engagement, and neutral perspectives.
PANEL MEMBERS:
– Dr. Mohan Kelkar, The University of Tulsa
– Dr. Buford Pollett, The University of Tulsa
– Dr. Cem Sarica, The University of Tulsa

4:15 – 4:30 pm |From Sovereignty to Energy Power: Noteworthy Considerations from the Persian Gulf for Native Nations
– Tanner Kropf, University of Tulsa/Tribal Energy Consortium

4:30 – 5:00 pm | The CONVERSATION CONTINUES: Reflections & Takeaways from Day One
Drawing on shared insights, the conference chairs will guide this discussion focusing on the foundations of successful partnerships in energy development. Participants will discuss what fosters trust and mutual respect, where misunderstandings and challenges commonly arise, and how thoughtful preparation can improve engagement and outcomes. Join us for an open exchange of ideas focused on strengthening relationships and advancing responsible energy development.

Thursday | SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

8:00 – 8:30 am | Continental Breakfast & Conference Sign-In

III. ENERGY ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICE

8:30 – 9:00 am | CANDID CONVERSATION
– Amanda Hill, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Kiowa Tribe (virtual)

9:00 – 11:00 am | REAL-WORLD ENERGY ENGAGEMENT LABS
Participants will engage directly with one another in a structured facilitated small-group setting designed to support meaningful conversation on specific topics. They will explore 1) Key information gaps, 2) Partnership opportunities, 3) Realistic next steps, and 4) Considerations related to resilience, cost and long-term planning/partnerships. Table Conversation Topics and Facilitators:

11:15 – 12:00 pm | BUILDING STRONGER TRIBAL-INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIPS
A candid, interactive conversation about what it takes for Tribal Nations and industry to work together, particularly when interests, priorities, timelines or desired outcomes do not align.
FACILITATORS:
– Hamel B. Reinmiller, CPL, Command Energy, LLC
– Terra Argo, Tribal Energy Consortium
– Drew Guntert, Director, NAPE Expo LP
– Roger Fragua, Tribal Energy Consortium

12:00 – 1:00 pm | LUNCH
CANDID CONVERSATION: Tribal Utilities, Sovereignty in Action
– Ray Wiseman, General Manager, Yakama Power (Virtual)

1:00 – 1:30 pm | WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Reflections, Takeaways & the Road Ahead

Building on themes and perspectives shared throughout the conference, including our candid conversation with Ray Wiseman, the Conference Chairs will lead participants in a reflection on key insights, remaining questions, and opportunities to strengthen connections and advance collaboration beyond ROSA.

*Agenda, speakers, topics subject to change
*All conference events will be held on the 1st Floor of TU’s 101 ARCHER BUILDING (unless otherwise indicated)