{"id":102729,"date":"2026-06-25T04:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T04:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/102729\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T04:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T04:46:19","slug":"renewed-enthusiasm-exuded-in-canada-and-within-ipaa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/102729\/","title":{"rendered":"Renewed\u00a0enthusiasm exuded in Canada\u00a0and\u00a0within IPAA\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

KURT S. ABRAHAM, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF\u00a0& CHIEF FORECASTER\u00a0<\/p>\n

If\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0June,\u00a0it must be conference and exhibition time in multiple places.\u00a0Indeed,\u00a0we saw the Global Energy\u00a0Show\u00a0(GES)\u00a0in Calgary\u00a0amid\u00a0a much more upbeat tone that this editor\u00a0hasn\u2019t\u00a0seen in Canada\u2019s upstream sector in 10 years.\u00a0Meanwhile, south of the border, the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)\u00a0held its annual meeting in Colorado Springs.\u00a0This event\u00a0exuded more \u201cenergy\u201d than in recent past years, and it featured a strong program.\u00a0It was encouraging to see\u00a0the enthusiasm from industry professionals at both events. So, let me\u00a0examine each event in greater detail.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

GES\u00a0mirrors improved attitude across Canada\u2019s upstream.\u00a0The GES was held June 9-11, and it brought together more than 38,000 attendees, and 500 exhibitors and delegates from over 100 countries to discuss energy security, investment and the future of global energy development.\u202fThis represents a 5%-to-6% gain in attendance from the figure registered during the 2025 edition of GES.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Event organizer dmg events attributed the higher attendance and increased international participation to \u201cthe event’s influence as a global forum for energy, investment and infrastructure discussions.\u201d However, this editor would credit these improved numbers to not only events in the Middle East but also to last year\u2019s departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0no secret that Trudeau\u2019s administration over 10 years pushed a heavily renewables-laden agenda, along with a strong nod toward excessive environmentalism. In those many years, Canada\u2019s oil and gas sector experienced stunted growth. While current Prime Minister Mark Carney has not exactly been perfect, he has loosened up energy policy enough to give oil and gas professionals a renewed sense of optimism.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Held at Calgary’s BMO Centre, GES\u00a0featured\u00a0a good array of speakers, including government officials, energy executives, investors and technology leaders examining the geopolitical, commercial and technological forces shaping the energy sector. A recurring theme throughout the conference was Canada’s role as a reliable energy supplier amid growing global demand and increasing concerns over energy security.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Fig. 1. World Oil Editor-in-Chief Kurt Abraham (left) with Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright at the Global Energy Show in Calgary on June 9.<\/p>\n

\u201cCanada is back as a serious energy country. Canada is back as a place to invest capital,\u201d Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources\u202fTim Hodgson\u202fsaid during the event’s opening session.\u00a0Alberta Premier\u202fDanielle Smith\u202fhighlighted the province’s resource base, regulatory framework and ongoing efforts to attract investment and support project development. \u201cWe welcome continued partnership and collaboration with industry, governments and investors from around the world,\u201d said an enthusiastic Smith.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Chairman\u00a0Jim Wright\u00a0made the trip from Austin to Calgary, signifying the importance that the RRC places on working with Canada to ensure mutual energy\u00a0security between that country and the U.S. Accordingly, he participated in a panel discussion on early Tuesday (June 9) afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMy purpose in coming up here is because I’ve been saying this now for quite some time,\u201d Wright told\u00a0World Oil\u00a0afterwards,\u00a0Fig. 1. \u201cIn Texas, we’ve got a lot of oil, but our oil is a sweeter, lighter crude\u2026so, although our crude works as a blend, it doesn’t work in every market. The reason I wanted to come to Calgary is that Canada has 18-19 specific gravity oil that, when mixed with our oil, will make a lot more blends than what our own oil does now. This, to me, gives us more exposure to markets throughout the world. And I think, given the way the geopolitics are looking today, it’s going to be important for us to have these types of partnerships, as with Canada. And I’m looking at them as being more stable than anyone else. (Editor\u2019s note: An exclusive full interview with Chairman Wright will be forthcoming on the\u00a0World Oil\u00a0website and in the July issue.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

In general,\u00a0conference discussions\u00a0focused heavily on LNG development, energy infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, critical\u00a0minerals\u00a0and global energy trade. Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of market access and international partnerships in supporting future energy growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

International participation included delegations and representatives from Asia, Europe, the Middle East,\u00a0Africa\u00a0and North America, reflecting growing interest in Canada’s role within global energy markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The event also served as a venue for new business partnerships, strategic agreements and discussions on investment opportunities across the energy value chain. Executives and policymakers repeatedly pointed to rising global energy demand and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and supply development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

ARC Financial Corp.\u00a0CEO\u00a0Brian Boulanger\u00a0told attendees that global demand for Canadian energy\u00a0remains\u00a0strong, while other speakers highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in LNG, carbon\u00a0management\u00a0and energy technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Organizers said the event generated an estimated C$70.6 million in economic impact for the Calgary region.\u00a0Global Energy Show Canada will return to Calgary June 8-10, 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Fig. 2. One of the various topical sessions at IPAA\u2019s Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo.<\/p>\n

IPAA\u00a0puts forth solid effort at\u00a0annual\u00a0meeting.\u00a0Just like the Global Energy Show, IPAA achieved an increase in attendance at its annual meeting in Colorado Springs. Some of that may have been due to the critical issues affecting independents, like permitting reform, commodity prices, environmental regulatory reform and the Middle Eastern situation. And some of the increase might have reflected interest in the strong agenda that IPAA assembled for this annual meeting, Fig. 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But this editor also suspects that the location of the meeting\u2014The Broadmoor\u00a0hotel and resort\u2014might have attracted a few more folks, with its high-end facilities and world-class Rocky Mountains backdrop.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0certainly a very pleasant place to hold any event. Of course, The Broadmoor holds deep meaning for IPAA, because it was at this very location that U.S. independent producers back\u00a0on\u00a0June 10,\u00a01929,\u00a0formed this association, when they didn\u2019t like what they heard from then-President Herbert Hoover\u2019s Secretary of the Interior,\u00a0Ray L. Wilbur during Hoover\u2019s\u00a0national and state Oil Conservation Conference. So, the IPAA has been returning to The Broadmoor periodically for meetings ever since, over the last 97 years. And in 2029, IPAA will again\u00a0holds\u00a0its\u00a0annual meeting at The Broadmoor, to celebrate its 100th\u00a0anniversary. If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0wondering where IPAA\u2019s annual meeting will be next year, it will be at the Boca Raton resort in Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n

IPAA\/DEPA merger.\u00a0The most\u00a0significant news coming out of this event is that IPAA and DEPA (Domestic Energy Producers Alliance) are merging, effective July 1, 2026.\u00a0These associations say that they are doing this \u201cto\u00a0better advocate for the interests of America\u2019s independent oil and gas producers.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

IPAA has represented independents for 97 years, while DEPA was co-founded in 2008 by Continental Resources founder and Executive Chairman Harold Hamm. At present, Hamm is still DEPA\u2019s chairman. Leaders for both groups are touting the merger as a case of being \u201cStronger Together\u201d and creating \u201cOne Voice for American Independent Oil & Gas Producers.\u201d While at The Broadmoor, IPAA\u2019s board of directors approved the merger with DEPA on June 17. But such a merger requires a two-thirds affirmative vote by the IPAA membership present, so a vote was taken on June 18. The membership proceeded to approve the merger with a unanimous voice vote.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) voted this month to consolidate under the IPAA brand, effective\u202fJuly 1,\u202funifying the voice of independent producers of oil and natural gas across the country and strengthening our position as an advocacy organization in Washington,\u201d said IPAA President and CEO Edith Naegele. “For nearly 100 years, IPAA has served America’s independent oil and natural gas producers, while DEPA has emerged as an influential advocate for the industry under the leadership of Harold Hamm. This merger marks a defining moment for America’s independent oil and natural gas industry.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Fig. 3. Buddy Kleemeier, Chief Executive Officer of Kaiser-Francis Oil Company (KFOC), was presented with the 2026 Chief Roughneck\u202fAward during IPAA\u2019s Annual Meeting on June 18. Image: IPAA.<\/p>\n

“America\u2019s independent producers helped transform the United States from a nation concerned about energy scarcity into the world\u2019s leading energy producer,\u201d continued Naegele. \u201cBy uniting nearly a century of industry leadership with one of the most effective and influential advocacy organizations in American energy, we create a single, stronger IPAA voice for America’s independent producers. “At a time when the world is looking to the United States for energy leadership, this unity carries significance far beyond our industry. As one voice, we will be better equipped to advance the policies needed to sustain American energy leadership, support our allies, and deliver abundant, affordable, and reliable energy for generations to come.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chief Roughneck\u00a0selection.\u00a0The other significant news to come out of the IPAA annual meeting\u00a0is this year\u2019s\u00a0selection\u00a0of the annual Chief Roughneck award.\u00a0On June 18,\u00a0Buddy Kleemeier, Chief Executive Officer of Kaiser-Francis Oil Company (KFOC), was presented with the 2026 Chief Roughneck\u202fAward,\u00a0Fig.\u00a03. This was the 67th annual presentation of this oil & gas lifetime achievement award. It dates back to 1955, this award has long recognized individuals whose leadership and innovation have left a lasting mark on the industry. The award recognizes one individual whose accomplishments and character represented the highest ideals of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The award was given on June 18 during the 2026 IPAA Annual Membership Luncheon sponsored by U.S. Steel. The award was presented by Tubular Synergy Group and the Byron Dunn Family.\u00a0\u201cBuddy Kleemeier\u2019s years of service and leadership reflect the very best of IPAA independent oil and gas producers,\u201d said\u00a0IPAA President and CEO Edith Naegele.\u202f He has given freely and generously of his time, advocating in the halls of Congress and in the great state of Oklahoma for our shared industry.\u202f Buddy is an integral part of the fabric of IPAA.\u202f We are honored to recognize him with the Chief\u202fRoughneck\u202fAward in 2026.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI am humbled to receive this very prestigious industry award,”\u202fsaid\u00a0Buddy Kleemeier. “The IPAA has been the glue that holds the independent producers together. When I look at what our industry has done in my lifetime to take horizontal drilling and multistage fracture stimulation technologies and turn the United States into the world’s largest powerhouse of oil and natural gas production, I find it amazing. That achievement is because of the independent producers that IPAA represents.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kleemeier has led Tulsa-based KFOC since 2004. In his more than 40 years with the company, he has overseen the growth of KFOC\u2019s exploration and development efforts in the Mid-continent, Texas, Wyoming, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Western Canada. While CEO, he helped create and manage Excelerate Energy (EE) in 2003, a privately owned LNG Regas vessel operating company and assumed chairman responsibilities of KFOC subsidiary Cactus Drilling Company (CDC). CDC is the largest privately owned land-based drilling company in the U.S. with 49 operating rigs currently (9% of total land rigs operating in the country).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kleemeier\u00a0graduated from\u202fTexas A&M University in 1966 as a petroleum engineer, and in 2008 was named to the Texas A&M petroleum engineering academy of distinguished graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

IN THIS ISSUE\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Special focus:\u00a0Artificial Lift.\u00a0We have\u00a0five\u00a0articles in this month\u2019s lead theme, four of which are from four of the \u201cBig 5\u201d service companies.\u00a0Halliburton has a piece that\u00a0describes\u00a0how\u00a0\u00a0extended-length gas separation improves ESP stability in slug-prone Permian wells. This is followed by\u00a0a Lufkin expert explaining how\u00a0faster\u00a0well\u00a0design\u00a0is reshaping rod lift optimization.\u00a0Then, an SLB author details how a multiphase surface pump\u00a0has\u00a0boosted\u00a0revenue for Pemex while reducing costs and environmental impact. After that,\u00a0a Weatherford author describes how\u00a0permanent magnet motors attract powerful savings for existing ALS technologies. Finally,\u00a0a Baker Hughes executive assesses how the\u00a0artificial lift market continues to evolve globally,\u00a0and how his firm\u00a0is playing a key role with innovative technologies that enhance the performance of ESPs and provide operators with greater efficiencies, lower costs, and improved safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Production\u00a0optimization.\u00a0Three\u00a0QuantumPro\u00a0authors\u00a0discuss how a\u00a0multi-tracer stage-level injection test\u00a0validates\u00a0production-flow and tracer quantification in a\u00a0Middle\u00a0Bakken well.\u00a0The field study evaluated transient flowback measurement consistency across five completion stages, using 50 unique liquid-phase nanoparticle tracers and monitoring oil and water production over five discrete sampling intervals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Exploration\u00a0technology.\u00a0A\u00a0Viridien\u00a0author\u00a0examines the\u00a0process of\u00a0unlocking the untapped potential of legacy seismic data,\u00a0using modern processing and imaging technology.\u00a0A technical reassessment of legacy acquisitions in mature basins\u00a0can often yield some impressive values for the operators.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Related Articles<\/p>\n

FROM THE ARCHIVE <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"KURT S. ABRAHAM, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF\u00a0& CHIEF FORECASTER\u00a0 If\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0June,\u00a0it must be conference and exhibition time in multiple places.\u00a0Indeed,\u00a0we saw the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":102730,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[37106,17,33188,37100,37105,3178,37096,37097,37102,37099,37093,37092,37095,37094,37104,37107,37098,111,37101,9394,37108,37103,37109],"class_list":["post-102729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-canada","tag-buddy-kleemeier","tag-canada","tag-canada-energy-sector","tag-canadian-upstream","tag-chief-roughneck-award","tag-danielle-smith","tag-depa-merger","tag-domestic-energy-producers-alliance","tag-energy-conferences","tag-first-oil-column","tag-ges-calgary","tag-global-energy-show-2026","tag-independent-petroleum-association-of-america","tag-ipaa-annual-meeting-2026","tag-jim-wright","tag-kaiser-francis-oil-company","tag-kurt-abraham","tag-mark-carney","tag-north-american-oil-and-gas","tag-tim-hodgson","tag-u-s-independent-producers","tag-upstream-industry","tag-world-oil"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=102729"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102729\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/102730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=102729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=102729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=102729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}