The Unconventional Resources Technology Conference was held this year in Denver, Colo., and once again, it did not disappoint. It was packed with technical presentations and exhibits and it continued to push boundaries and remain as the premier industry event focused on the latest science and technology in exploration and development of unconventional resources.
But why should young professionals in particular attend these types of conferences?
As a first-time attendee to URTeC, I could not disagree when peers said, “It’s all you want to hear and see under one roof.”
This is due to the collaboration between different disciplines, which is a characteristic feature of URTeC. The event is a joint effort between AAPG, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. From presentations about reservoir characterization, geochemistry and fracture modeling to formation evaluation, rock properties and machine learning – there was always something of interest each day. The event included a midstream session for an even more thorough evaluation of efficiencies throughout the upstream and midstream process. The biggest challenge was in narrowing all of the different options down and figuring out what I wanted to listen to on any given day.
If you don’t get overwhelmed by the endless options for technical presentations, you sure will when you step into the exhibit hall. Buyers, developers, products and services cover the floor showcasing new technologies, opportunities to recruit and chances to meet new or current clients. This is their time to shine as they show off their brand, and it’s why it takes hours to comb through the exhibit hall, doing switchbacks down each aisle. When we hear of a new and exciting play, advances in artificial lift or an up-and-coming application that helps to mitigate risk, these are the innovators that recognize the ever-evolving nature of our industry and needing to stay informed. They bring us the latest and greatest based on what is trending technologically. There is no doubt that this is why URTeC has had record-breaking attendance and an incredible industry response.
By far, URTeC also represents one of the best opportunities for YPs to meet new people and catch up on the latest news. This is mainly done at the networking receptions and dinner events. Yes, this would be the time to start wrapping up your day and relaxing with a drink and a light snack, but there’s something better in store for you: Grab a drink and join the crowd where exhibitors are continuing the presentations and discussions, because there’s always more knowledge to soak in. Or, mingle around because you’re bound to run into someone you know.
From everyone who’s been to URTeC, this is the conference to attend and it’s noticeable that there’s a wide variety of industry experience represented here, as well as different disciplines. There’s such a wealth of knowledge in our industry from which we can constantly learn, which in turn creates opportunities and advancements for ongoing success. By having these societies join together to give us a conference like this, it’s only going to make us stronger.
At the time of publication, organizers are preparing to commence with URTeC in Brisbane, Australia, and there are URTeC workshops planned for next year in Denver; Midland, Texas and Oklahoma City, Okla. Also, there is still time to submit an abstract for next year’s URTeC in Austin, Texas July 20-22. Additional expansions to URTeC are currently in the works, so check back at URTeC.org to stay updated.