The Oklahoma City (OKC) YP Chapter recently played host to Oklahoma’s first annual Young Professionals Energy Forum. The purpose of the forum was to engage YPs working in all aspects of the energy industry in a format that provides an opportunity to enhance knowledge of the business and to develop successful careers. More than 360 young engineers, geologists, landmen, and interns attended the forum.
The program began with a question-and-answer session over lunch with Larry Nichols, executive chairman and cofounder of Devon Energy. The second session was a multidisciplinary panel discussion with Steve Hinchman, Highmount Exploration and Production; Jack Stark, Continental Resources; Roe Patterson, Basic Energy Services; and Scott Stone, Spartan Resources. The panelists discussed their careers, and shared experiences and advice for YPs entering the industry. Jeff Hume, vice chairman of Strategic Growth Initiatives at Continental Resources, provided a technical presentation about crude oil pipelines and their impact on Oklahoma royalty owners.
The final session of the forum brought together government leaders Dewey Bartlett Jr., mayor of Tulsa and president of Keener Oil and Gas; Patrice Douglas, Oklahoma corporation commissioner; Mike Cantrell, vice president of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Continental Resources; and Oklahoma State Senator Bryce Marlatt. They provided a look at how policy and regulations affect the industry and their professions. The half-day event culminated with a technical exhibition and mixer with the 20 sponsoring companies.