NEW ORLEANS — There’s nowhere like the home of Mardi Gras for a party, and that’s where the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) celebrated its 100-year anniversary, attracting 4,000 energy professionals from 66 countries.
The festivities kicked off with a Mardi Gras–style centennial celebration in the Great Hall Foyer of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, complete with mimosas and New Orleans pralines, and a grand marshal leading a brass band. Mardi Gras revelers greeted guests, took photos, and, of course, handed out thousands of strands of beads. The revelry then transitioned into the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Terry Palisch, 2024 SPE President; Jeff Miller, President and CEO, Halliburton; and Simon Seaton, SPE CEO and Executive VP officially opened the show, followed by the brass band leading the crowd through the exhibition hall.
In true New Orleans style, the opening reception featured a “Champagne Duchess” serving guests flutes that were attached to her dress, along with stilt walkers, strolling casino tables, and live Louisiana alligators for those brave enough to hold them for a photo opp. The celebration continued throughout the program, with features such as caricature artists and jugglers, and even miniature Mardi Gras floats.
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The opening general session focused on innovations within the oil and gas sector and the role of SPE in this journey.
“A century of innovation has grown our industry and society to where we are today,” said 2024 SPE President Terry Palisch, Vice President of Technology and Engineering at CARBO Ceramics. “This year, ATCE rightfully celebrated the past — past ATCEs, past innovations, past inventors and past pioneers of our industry. It is equally important that we look to the future: future innovations, future technologies and future generations.”
During the president’s luncheon, Palisch passed the gavel to Olivier Houzé, Co-Founder and Managing Director of KAPPA.
In addition to the slate of technical sessions and panels, ATCE celebrated the accomplishments of 42 members during its annual reception and banquet. There were also alumni receptions, a future talent zone, and a startup village competition for emerging startups in the energy field.
In 2025, SPE ATCE will be held in Dallas October 6-8.
Photo Credit: SPE/Todd Buchanan 2024
