IPAA 97th Annual Meeting

June 17–18, 2026 | The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Registration Closing Soon

Registration is still open for IPAA’s 97th Annual Meeting, but advance registration will close soon. We encourage attendees to register before arriving in Colorado Springs to avoid onsite registration fees and ensure all members of their party are properly registered for conference activities.

Whether you’re joining us for industry insights, networking, family activities, or all of the above, this year’s Annual Meeting promises to be one of IPAA’s most engaging gatherings yet.

Inspired by the Spirit of the Colorado Gold Rush

Join industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at IPAA’s flagship gathering—this year inspired by the pioneering spirit of the Colorado Gold Rush. Just as prospectors once ventured west in search of opportunity, today’s energy leaders are forging new paths in innovation, resilience, and growth across the oil and natural gas industry.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

Attendees will hear from industry leaders including Harold Hamm, who will provide special remarks on the state of the industry, leadership, and the future of American energy production.

One of the meeting’s featured sessions, “BIG BREAK — Discoveries from the Energy Frontier,” will spotlight breakthrough discoveries, modern-day wildcatting, M&A success stories, and the innovations transforming exploration and production. Moderated by Cye Wagner, the session features Mike Hillebrand of Huntley & Huntley and Buddy Kleemeier of Kaiser-Francis, who will share defining moments, lessons learned, and the paths that led to their biggest discoveries.

Attendees will also hear from Marvin Walker, Chaplain for the Dallas Mavericks, during Thursday’s Prayer Breakfast. His presentation, “From Football to Faith to Fortitude,” will offer a powerful perspective on resilience, leadership, and walking alongside others through life’s challenges.

The meeting concludes with keynote speaker Alex Epstein, author of The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Fossil Future. In “The Future of Oil & Gas,” Epstein will discuss the critical role of reliable, affordable energy in supporting modern life and global economic growth while sharing his perspective on the future outlook for the industry.

More Than a Meeting

The Annual Meeting is designed to bring together industry leaders and their families for a memorable experience at one of America’s premier resorts. Attendees can enjoy:

• Networking receptions and special events
• Live music throughout the meeting
• The Annual Prayer Breakfast
• Falconry demonstrations and outdoor experiences
• Award-winning dining at The Broadmoor
• Golf, spa, tennis, pickleball, shopping, and other resort activities

Please note that all attendees, spouses, guests, and family members attending conference functions must be registered and wear their event credentials throughout the meeting.

Event schedules and outdoor activities may be adjusted due to weather or operational considerations. Attendees are encouraged to check the website regularly for the latest updates and onsite information.

Join Us in Colorado Springs

Register today and be part of the conversations, relationships, and ideas shaping the future of American energy.

Before You Arrive

View the Agenda

Register Now

Dining Reservations 

Full Agenda

Download PDF

(Times and details are subject to change)

Experience local peer and/or family fun such as golf, paddle boating on Cheyenne Lake, exploring Seven Falls, or zip lining on the Soaring Adventure (scheduled on your own).

Visit Broadmoor Adventures to explore local adventures!

IPAA 97th Annual Meeting

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Registration

Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Foyer

Check in and pick up meeting materials before the day’s sessions begin.

Prayer Breakfast

Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom CD

Speaker: Marvin Walker, Chaplain, Dallas Mavericks

Join fellow attendees for breakfast, fellowship, and inspirational remarks to begin the day. Hear from Marvin Walker, chaplain for the Dallas Mavericks, as he presents From Football to Faith to Fortitude—a powerful message centered on resilience, purpose, and showing up for others when it matters most. More than a keynote, this experience is designed to challenge perspectives, strengthen leadership, and leave a lasting impact.

Welcome & Opening Remarks — Mike Hillebrand, IPAA Chairman

Time: 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Speaker: Mike Hillebrand, Chairman, IPAA

Mike Hillebrand, Chairman of IPAA, will welcome attendees to the 97th Annual Meeting, set the tone for the day’s discussions, and provide a high-level overview of the meeting’s key themes and priorities for the independent oil and natural gas industry.

Special Address — Harold Hamm

Time: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Speaker: Harold Hamm, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Continental Resources, Inc.

Harold Hamm will provide remarks reflecting on the current state of the oil and natural gas industry, leadership perspectives, and the importance of continued innovation and development across the U.S. energy sector.

The Strategic Barrel: Energy Dominance, Private Capital & the New Geopolitics of American Energy

Time: 9:15 AM – 10:05 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Introduction by Harold Hamm, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Continental Resources, Inc.

Speakers:

• The Honorable Mitchell Silk, Group General Counsel of Waterton Global Resources and the Cedarfield Group
• Matt Most, Director and Former Acting Co-Chairman, Council for a Secure America, Executive Committee

A moderated discussion and critical look at the independent’s product as an instrument of national power, how the importance of the energy value chain highlights the need for midstream build out and downstream demand, risk management stemming from the direct impact of the Gulf War on basin economics and capital formation as the decisive strategic variable.

Networking Break

Time: 10:05 AM – 10:25 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Refreshments and networking opportunity for attendees.

Big Break — Discoveries from the Energy Frontier

Time: 10:25 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Moderator:  Cye Wagner – Exploration & Executive Management, Cooper Oil & Gas, Inc.

Introduced by Blu Hulsey, Senior Vice President HSE, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Continental Resources

Panelists:

• G. “Buddy” Kleemeier, CEO, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company
• Mike Hillebrand, President & CEO, Huntley & Huntley

Panelists will share defining moments, discoveries, and lessons learned from their careers, highlighting the paths and choices that led them to their “big break.” Attendees will hear how previously overlooked formations, modern-day wildcatting, M&A stories, and emerging technologies continue to transform exploration and production. This is a storytelling-driven panel offering perspective on the ingenuity of leaders in our industry, and the stories that got them there.

Networking Break

Time: 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Opportunity for networking and transition between sessions.

Idea Sharing Across Basins — State Trades

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Introduced by Jennifer Mull, CEO,  Mull Drilling Company Inc

Moderator: Brook Simmons, President, Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma

Panelists:

• Rikki Hrenko-Browning, President, Utah Petroleum Association
• Rob Brundrett, President, Ohio Oil and Gas Association
• Lynn Granger, President & CEO, Colorado Oil and Gas Association
• Karr Ingham, President & Petroleum Economist, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers

State oil and gas trade associations will share key insights and policy updates from across major basins. Panelists will highlight workforce and member engagement approaches while exploring opportunities for collaboration across regions.

Lunch Program — Chief Roughneck Award

Time: 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom CD

Welcome and Introduction: Scott Dorn, Senior Vice President – Tubular Solutions, U. S. Steel Tubular Products

Presentation:

Moderator: Edith Naegele, President and CEO, IPAA

• David Kimball Jr., President and CEO, Burk Royalty Co. Ltd
• Don Sparks, Cofounder and Chairman of the Board, Discovery Operating, Inc
• Diemer True, Managing Member, Diamond Oil, LLC

Past Chief Roughneck Award recipients—among the industry’s most respected leaders—will reflect on the evolution of IPAA and the independent producer community. Drawing on decades of experience, panelists will share insights on key moments in IPAA’s history, enduring leadership values, and how the organization continues to adapt in a changing energy landscape.

Chief Roughneck Award Presentation:

Byron Dunn, IPAA Treasurer,

International Market Trends

Time: 1:35 PM – 2:25 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Introduced By Edith Naegle, President and CEO, IPAA

Speakers:

• Ambassador David M. Satterfield,  Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy
• Kenneth B. Medlock III, James A. Baker. III and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics | CES Senior Director

This session will provide an overview of key global oil and gas market trends, geopolitical dynamics, and emerging risks shaping the international energy landscape. Attendees will gain timely insights into how global developments may impact domestic markets and industry strategy.

Breakout Sessions

2:30 PM – 3:20 PM

Capital Markets Outlook

Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom CD

Introduced by Steve Pruett, President & CEO, Elevation Resources LLC

Moderator:  Mike Gaudreau – Senior Director, FTI Consulting

Panelists:

• Michael Rigg, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Diversified Energy Company PLC

• Paul C. Lee Jr., Operating Partner, Tailwater Capital
• Frost W. Cochran, Managing Director, Post Oak Energy Capital

This session will explore capital availability, investor sentiment, and evolving financing strategies within the energy sector. Panelists will provide insights into deal activity, valuation trends, and investor expectations shaping the current and future capital markets landscape.

Workforce Challenges Facing Producers

Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom CD

Introduced by Marc Dingler, Sr Vice President, Govt & Reg Affairs, Diamondback Energy

Moderator: Doug Orr — Founder and President, Pioneer Leadership Advisors

Panelists:

• David Meek, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Diamondback Energy, Inc
• Ron Ness,  President, North Dakota Petroleum Council
• Jennifer W. Sloan,  Managing Director, The Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center
• Randy Zimmerman, Senior Director of Talent Management, Halliburton Co.

Industry leaders and experts will discuss the workforce challenges impacting oil and gas producers, including labor shortages, skills gaps, and evolving workforce needs. Panelists will share perspectives on training, recruitment, and retention strategies to support a strong and sustainable energy workforce.

Networking Break

Time: 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Ballroom Foyer

Short networking and transition period before the closing keynote.

Closing Keynote — Alex Epstein — The Future of Oil & Gas

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Introduced by: Jeff Kirtland, VP of Regulatory & Government Relations, Flywheel Energy

Speaker: Alex Epstein

Alex Epstein, author of The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Fossil Future, will share his perspective on the critical role of oil and natural gas in powering modern life and supporting global economic growth. His keynote will focus on the importance of reliable, affordable energy, the continued demand for oil and natural gas, and how innovation and responsible development can help meet the world’s energy needs while improving living standards. Attendees will gain insight into the evolving energy landscape and the future outlook for the oil and gas industry.

Closing Remarks

Time: 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Location: Rocky Mountain Ballroom AB

Speaker: Edith Naegele

Final remarks and adjournment of the Annual Meeting.

Connect & Dine Event

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Lakeside Terrace

Entertainment featuring live falconry demonstrations followed by music while attendees enjoy networking, food, and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Airports & Local Transportation Options

Flying into Colorado for The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is easy thanks to two key airports:

• Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – Domestic Airport is about 8–11.5 miles (≈15–19 minutes) from the resort
• Denver International Airport (DEN) – Major International Airport is around 75–90 miles (≈90 minutes by car) to The Broadmoor

Ground transportation:

• The Broadmoor offers shuttles & private sedan/SUV service via Gray Line (reservations required).
  Visit https://www.broadmoor.com/meetings-events/meeting-at-the-broadmoor/transportation for more information.
• Taxis/Uber/Shared Bus rides cost varies depending on vehicle and distance from airport to resort.
  Visit https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Denver-Airport-DEN/Broadmoor-CO-USA for DEN.
  Visit https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Colorado-Springs-Airport-COS/Broadmoor-CO-USA for COS.
• Enterprise is The Broadmoor’s official car rental partner, with locations at Colorado Springs Airport, Denver International, and the resort. They offer great one-way rates, flexible rentals, and exotic cars. Reserve at Enterprise.com or call 719-635-8029.

Conference Dress www.broadmoor.com/policies

Here’s what you need to know about slipping into The Broadmoor’s spirit with the ideal wardrobe: The Broadmoor embraces a refined “Western elegance” dress code that extends throughout its resort grounds and dining outlets. Gentlemen should avoid sleeveless shirts and hats must be properly worn or removed indoors. Guests can expect three tiers of accepted attire depending on activity: Recreation wear (e.g., Bermuda length shorts, pool cover ups, athletic gear, soft spike golf or tennis shoes) for casual, active settings.

Casual dress (smart denim or Bermuda shorts with collared shirts for men, no athletic wear or hats) for general resort dining and lounging.

Dressy resort attire (slacks or dressy denim, Bermuda shorts okay in some contexts, collared shirts required for men, and a seasonal sport coat is suggested) for refined dining and evening events.

This thoughtful code ensures a seamless experience across The Broadmoor’s world class amenities—from multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and championship golf courses to the award-winning spa and elegant restaurants. The resort’s upscale venues like the Hotel Bar,

Golden Bee, and signature dining rooms typically expect Casual to Dressy Resort attire, helping maintain the polished and welcoming ambiance. Here’s what you need to know about IPAA’s suggested attire during our scheduled events at The Broadmoor: Business casual attire is suitable for all conference events (pants and optional jacket with collared shirt for men; and