2026 SPE President

Nearly 4,500 energy professionals from 57 countries gathered in Houston for SPE’s Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), where more than 150 exhibitors and hundreds of technical papers highlighted the latest advances shaping the future of oil and gas.

Speakers at ATCE said innovative technologies will play a critical role in balancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability in the years ahead.

The SPE Board of Directors is developing an updated strategic plan to position the Society for the future of subsurface energy. Before the plan is finalized, members are invited to review the draft vision, mission, and strategic objectives and provide input on the roadmap that will guide SPE’s next phase of growth and impact.

In her final column as SPE President, Jennifer Miskimins reflects on a year of service, celebrates the people behind SPE’s success, shares updates on the Society’s future, and encourages members to remain engaged in advancing the profession and the energy industry.

This month’s column shares practical ideas gathered from professional sections and student chapters worldwide, including fresh approaches to communication and meeting formats as well as creative ways of building community and recognition. These real‑world examples highlight the diversity of SPE and offer plenty of “food for thought” for leaders looking to strengthen e…

An update on SPE’s path to financial sustainability: stronger revenues, new partnerships, and emerging opportunities—from geothermal initiatives to AI-driven licensing—are improving the outlook. While challenges remain, recent progress highlights a more resilient Society and a forward-looking strategy focused on long-term member value.

This month’s column highlights how artificial intelligence is influencing SPE programming, publications, and new tools, while also transforming day‑to‑day operations across our industry. The column explores energy supply implications and practical field applications, showing how SPE is helping members turn AI into a tool for progress.

What makes SPE membership truly worthwhile? Technical resources, professional development, global networking, and industry recognition—SPE membership offers more than meets the eye. In this month’s column, discover how SPE benefits members at every career stage—and why investing in your membership (or your team’s) pays off long-term.

ExxonMobil's Jason Gahr uses the five stages of grief to explain how the upstream industry should respond to the rise of AI.

Petroleum engineering education is at a crossroads, with university enrollments shrinking and a talent gap looming. Take a look at what the data really show about degree trends, why Gen Z is turning away from engineering, and how SPE—from K–12 outreach to lifelong upskilling—is uniquely positioned to impact the industry’s future workforce.