The week of February 3rd, we participated in NAPE, the worlds largest oil & gas property and prospect expo in Houston, Texas. It’s the ultimate gathering of international wheeler dealers in the oil business all under one roof.  The majors, large independents and even small independents from all over the world, gather to hawk and buy prospects at exhibit booths.  Buyers comb the aisles snapping up deals flush with production and investor money to explore new drilling opportunities.  Lots of animated arm waving, maps and sales pitches for two full days.  The hotel bars and restaurants are full of networking and deal-making.

This pandemonium of capitalism was heralded beforehand by two full days of presentations and panels of executives from the most successful energy companies on Earth.  These titans gave us their take on where the industry is going, pending regulatory issues and policies to support in Washington.  And the new technologies unlocking hydrocarbons with newfound riches and independent security for the United States and its geopolitical partners.

Gaylan Pinkerton and Rich King from R. King & Co. attended literally every presentation and panel to learn the current issues impacting its many mineral owner clients.  We also enjoyed seeing Robert Gates, past-Secretary of Defense for Bush and Obama, speak on world geopolitics and the growing benefits that America’s booming shale production is bringing to our country’s employment, economy and international partners.

We met with clients, partners, colleagues, friends and dozens of prospect assignees in a very exciting whirlwind week.