IPAA’s annual meeting to re-visit site of association’s founding

Fig. 1. The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs is the site of this year’s IPAA Annual Meeting.

INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA     

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) returns to Colorado Springs and the legendary Broadmoor Resort for their 97th Annual Meeting June 17-18, Fig. 1. The Broadmoor is the site of the association’s founding in 1929 and a favorite among IPAA members.  

IPAA invites professionals across upstream oil and natural gas—including operators, financial partners and service providers—to take part in this premier multi-day event. The Annual Meeting will feature notable keynote speakers, expert-led deep-dive sessions and breakouts, and unparalleled networking with the decision-makers and industry leaders driving the future of American independent energy. 

Fig. 2. Fossil fuel advocate Alex Epstein will deliver a keynote address to the Annual Meeting.

With new President and CEO Edith Naegele at the organization’s helm and Dan Naatz steering regulatory and legislative efforts with his elevation to Chief Policy Officer, the meeting comes at a time of renewal for IPAA. 

Featured speakers. Alex Epstein, the author of The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Fossil Future and founder of Center for Industrial Progress (CIP), will deliver the Annual Meeting’s keynote address, Fig. 2. Alex will share his latest insights into the evolving energy landscape and the outlook for the oil and natural gas industry in the years ahead.   

In addition, Ambassador David Satterfield of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University will be featured in the session, “Workforce Challenges Facing Producers.”

Fig. 3. Annual Meeting session topics will include U.S. regulatory priorities, forecasts for the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections, global developments and their impact on American markets, and best practices for industry collaboration, among others.

Session topics. Speakers will discuss regulatory priorities, including air and water initiatives.  Attendees will hear forecasts for the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections and potential implications of the results. Both domestic and international experts will highlight global developments and their impact on the American markets.   

IPAA will spotlight best practices for industry collaboration and building sustainable companies and workforces throughout the event. The “Big Break - Discoveries from the Oil Patch” session will be a cross-generational conversation on pivotal breakthroughs that have shaped today’s oil and gas landscape.  

Other sessions with provide idea sharing across basins. A top priority for the new IPAA leadership is strengthening the association’s collaboration with state and regional groups. Edith asserts that it’s essential “for independent producers to speak with one voice to support robust American oil and natural gas production.” 

IPAA’s Annual Meetings also serve as gatherings of IPAA’s policy committees. Companies and their representatives that interface with environment and safety, federal lands, natural gas and tax issues are encouraged to participate in these breakout meetings. A full list of IPAA committees and staff liaisons is available at https://www.ipaa.org/committees/ 

Fig. 4. The Chief Roughneck Award is IPAA’s highest honor.

Chief Roughneck Award. A mainstay and favorite for attendees is the annual presentation of the Chief Roughneck Award (Fig. 4), IPAA’s highest honor. The Chief Roughneck lifetime achievement award dates back to 1955 and has included pioneers in the industry. Don Sparks, co-founder and chairman of the board of Midland, Texas-based Discovery Operating, Inc., was the 2025 recipient.  

For nearly a century, IPAA has hosted events that engage its members and connect them with industry partners who share the common goal of a strong, independent oil and natural gas sector. It was at The Broadmoor that IPAA was built—the seeds of nearly a hundred years of advocacy were first planted there. The knowledge shared and relationships strengthened and forged this summer will continue to sustain and advance the industry for years to come.