By Michele Harmon
The 2022 Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference (PBWIEC) is almost here! After more than a year of planning and preparing, the fourth edition of the PBWIEC will spring to life February 23 and 24, 2022, at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena. I’m looking forward to this important event as a faculty member of The University of Texas Permian Basin, a PBWIEC Executive Board member, and an original volunteer.
The central focus of the conference is water and its use throughout the oil and gas production process. That topic alone is paramount right now in the energy industry. Yet, the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference is even bigger than that focus, as it also helps bolster our future energy workforce, by providing opportunity to UT Permian Basin students.
The PBWIEC is a program of The University of Texas Permian Basin. It was founded in 2017 with the help of several UT Permian Basin deans and faculty members – past and present – and Jim Woodcock, the CEO of Midland Portfolio Partners and JJW Oil & Gas. The conference idea sprung from Jim’s long-standing experience in the energy industry and staunch commitment to future sustainability. Jim continues to serve as the PBWIEC Executive Board President. The conference would not be here today without Jim’s leadership and dedication. The PBWIEC is housed at UTPB’s Shepperd Leadership Institute, with Kate Williamson, the Executive Director of the Shepperd Leadership Institute, and Shelby Landgraf, the Director of Community Engagement, pouring their talents and time into the event as well.
There is no better way to learn from energy experts, contribute to the education of our workforce, and support our Permian Basin economy, than for you to participate in this event. All proceeds raised from the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference return to UT Permian Basin. Thus, by purchasing your PBWIEC registration, you’re broadening your industry knowledge, and supporting the future of our region and its workforce in both direct and indirect ways.
As a columnist for the Permian Basin Oil & Gas Magazine, I often write about the shortage of workers across the Permian Basin and country. The Great Resignation is happening, and we need to backfill the vacant positions of both degreed and non-degreed positions. UT Permian Basin students will be volunteering at the conference and are excited to network with attendees. What an excellent way for industry professionals to meet potential future employees.
In addition, students have the opportunity to present their own research in the field of energy and water through the annual Student Poster Competition. Elevation Resources, and its CEO Steve Pruett, are generously sponsoring this portion of the conference. Scholarship prizes totally $6,000 will be awarded to six students across two categories: undergraduates, and graduate students. (For more information or to enter the PBWIEC Student Poster Competition, please email: [email protected].)
As for your professional development or that of your business, the conference offers the chance to learn new practices and stay on top of cutting-edge technology supporting the oil and gas industry, particularly for those interested in upskilling themselves and critical staff. Attracting and hiring outside talent takes time and money. Help retain your best staff by supporting them with professional development. The PBWIEC offers continuing education credits for professional engineers and landmen.
The PBWIEC kicks off with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Petroleum Museum. Then the conference runs for two full days (February 23 – 24, 2022) at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena, with more than a dozen conference sessions. The presentations and panel discussions will cover a variety of related subjects, including: “Alternative Uses for Produced Water,” “The Impact of ESG on Business and Investment Strategies,” and “Gaining a Better Understanding of Earthquakes in the Permian Basin.” All told, we’ve packed in close to two dozen dynamic speakers from across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. into the PBWIEC lineup.
Finally, the PBWIEC offers many personal networking opportunities. There will be ample time between sessions to meet new and old friends. It has been a long two years, since our 2020 PBWIEC, but the 2022 Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference is promising to be the best one yet! For more information and to purchase your registration, please visit: WaterInEnergy.com. I hope to see you at the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference in February!
Michele Harmon is the University of Texas Permian Basin Faculty member and a PBWIEC Executive Board Member.
