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 The University of Tulsa, student research poster presentations, 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 | CONFERENCE OPENING: WELCOME REMARKS

9:00 – 12:00 pm | ENERGY REALITY & AWARENESS

ENERGY REALITY & THE FUTURE OF ENERGY BRIEFING
A grounded overview of the current energy landscape, including key constraints, trends, and considerations shaping decision-making today.

GUIDED TABLE DIALOGUE
Participants will discuss the opening briefing focusing on 1) KEY TAKEAWAYS; 2) PERCEIVED OPPORTUNITIES; and 3) CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS

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.

12:00 – 1:00pm | LUNCH | “Oil and Gas: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?”
SPEAKER: Kristie Ferguson, President, KLF Geological, LLC, Tulsa, Ok

1:00 – 5:00 pm | DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS & UNDERSTANDING

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:
– Amanda Hill, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Kiowa Tribe
– Dave Williams, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation

GOVERNMENT & REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
Permitting Pathways; Consultation Processes; Funding Opportunities; Regulatory Timelines
SPEAKER:
– Ken McQueen, University of Tulsa

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, Project Manager Western US/Solar, Williams Companies

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

OPEN FLOOR CONVERSATION
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

8:30 – 9:00am | Continental Breakfast

9:00 – 12:30 pm | ENERGY ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICE

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:

• Energy Planning | Facilitator: Dwayne Purvis, Purvis Energy Advisors
• Transmission (molecules and electrons) and Infrastructure | Facilitator: Mike Davis, Tribal Energy Consortium
• Workforce Development Pathways | Facilitator: Gary Hines, Switch Energy Alliance
• Financing Energy Projects | Facilitator: Nicholas Stuart, KeyBanc Capital Markets
• Orphan Wells | Facilitator: Mike Stafford, The University of Tulsa
• Regulatory Navigation | Facilitator: Greg Guedel, Guedel Strategic Law
• Tribal Utilities and Grid Reliability
• AI / Data Centers
• Critical Minerals

MOCK ENERGY NEGOTIATION
Experience the complexities of energy project development through this mock negotiation exercise. Stakeholder roles and realistic scenarios involving competing priorities, interests, and objectives will be showcased. The exercise is designed to highlight the importance of communication, relationship-building, and informed decision-making while providing a practical understanding of the perspectives that shape energy development.

12:30 – 1:30pm | CLOSING LUNCH | Connection + Next Steps
The Conference Chairs will lead the room in a discussion focusing on
– Key insights, take-aways and reflections
– Remaining questions and concerns
– Opportunities for continued conversation and collaboration

*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)