Welcome
Building on the last 2 year’s success, IADC’s Young Professionals (YP) Committee is excited to offer this one-day summit specifically designed for YPs in the drilling industry. The event will offer a platform for YPs to network, exchange knowledge, and discuss key trends and challenges with peers as the next generation of talent in the industry.
This event is advertised in industry publications media including:
We thank you for your support!
The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) is a non-profit organization. Income from this event will be invested back into other IADC initiatives we develop to serve the drilling industry to connect, share knowledge, tackle common problems and develop solutions to critical issues in different parts of the world. By participating in an IADC event you will be improving and supporting your own industry.
IADC provides web links as a member service. IADC does not warranty or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content, or advertisements contained on websites linked to IADC.org or any of its subsidiary pages.
Venue
Transocean Offshore Training Facility
Address 1414 Enclave Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077
Room 203-205
Hotels
There is no negotiated hotel room block in conjunction with this event. There are many hotels in the area to choose from including Holiday Inn, Hyatt Regency West and Hilton Garden Inn.
Venue Details
To inquire about intern attendance, please contact registration@iadc.org.
Registration fee: $50
NOTE: IADC has updated our wire account. If sending payment via wire, please ensure you use the account listed on the above registration form.
Press Policy
Complimentary press registration is limited to one (1) person per company. This individual must be a titled editor, writer, reporter or other bona fide editorial representative of a legitimate industry or consumer publication. Publishers and sales and marketing specialists are excluded from this complimentary registration practice and must pay the full conference registration fee to attend an event.
No unauthorized photos, videos or recording allowed.
Recording in any form (audio, video, still photography, etc.) of presentations and/or speakers during sessions, poster presentations, workshops, etc., without the express written consent of IADC and the party to be recorded is strictly prohibited. *Those who do not comply with the Recording Equipment/Photo policy may be asked to leave the premises and barred from receiving complimentary press registration for future IADC events.
Press registration must be received 1 week prior to the event to ensure entrance. Members of the press will be identified with a green press ribbon attached to their name badge.
Need Help? registration@iadc.org / +1.713.292.1945
Thursday, 24 September
7:00 am Registration & Coffee Service Foyer
7:15 am Speaker Briefing (Speakers, Moderators & Session Chairs only) Rooms 207-210
8:00 am Introduction & Welcoming Remarks: Roddie Mackenzie, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Transocean
8:15 am Keynote Address – The Elements of a Successful Innovation Culture: Eric Kolstad, Executive VP, Wells, Catarus
8:45 am Pulling Back the Curtain on Contract Negotiation: Blake Denton, Senior VP Marketing & Contracts, Noble Drilling
9:15 am The Drilling Industry’s Impact Beyond the Rig
Representatives from redM, WHOlives, and Spindletop Charities will share how industry professionals & organizations are fighting human trafficking, bringing clean water to communities across Africa, and enhancing the lives of at-risk youth.
- Chris Golden, Spindletop Community Partners; SVP E&P USA & Argentina; USA Country Manager, Equinor
- David Reid, redM; CTO & CMO, NOV
- Maria Mejia, WHOlives; EVP, Ulterra
10:00 am Networking & Coffee Service
During the break, you can volunteer your time to fill redM hygiene bags with the provided supplies.
10:30 am Geopolitical Landscape: Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow, Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Houston
11:30 am Lunch & Networking Rooms 203-205
12:30 pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) Panel
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, solve problems, and make decisions. Hear from industry leaders as they discuss emerging AI technologies, real-world use cases, and how young professionals can prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
- Linda Addison, VP-Americas, Cognite
- Micah Garrison, VP Supply Chain Management, Patterson UTI; Doctor of Business Administration, Generative AI: Adoption and Performance with Non-Technical Workforce
- Rob Blue, Chief Architect and Director of Technology, Juniper
1:15 pm Career Pivots Panel
Career paths are rarely linear. Panelists will share their experiences navigating major career pivots—from changing industries, roles, and locations to stepping into leadership, balancing parenthood, and embracing new opportunities along the way.
- Isabela Louback – Director, Global Supply Chain, Precision Drilling
- Jacob Bruster – Marketing Manager, Cactus Drilling
2:00 pm Networking & Coffee Service
Moderator: Amelia Nelson, Noble Corporation
2:15 pm Technology Showcase
Learn about emerging technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of drilling.
3:15 pm Keynote Address – A Contractor’s Perspective: Samir Ali, CEO, Seadrill
3:45 pm Adjournment
4:00 pm Networking & Happy Hour Sponsored by the IADC Young Professionals Committee
Program Committee
- Amelia Nelson, Noble
- Anna Ramirez, SLB
- Catherine Chambers, Noble
- Eliza Drake, Caterpillar
- Grant Stinson, Patterson-UTI
- Ian Stinson, Noble
- Justyna Andruszkiewicz, Noble
- Lusy Kiseleva, Transocean
- Angie Gunden, IADC
2026 IADC YP Committee Sponsors
