Live & Online Conference 14 & 15 July 2026, Houston Tx.
Operator-Led Approaches That Work: Proving Fair Splits & Strengthening Audit-Proof Practices
14 & 15 July 2026, Houston
Operator-Led Approaches That Work: Proving Fair Splits & Strengthening Audit-Proof Practices
14 & 15 July 2026, Houston
Hosting the Onshore Wellsite Automation Conference 2024 brought together a diverse group of operators, technology providers, and industry leaders, all focused on the evolving role of automation in upstream operations. Discussions highlighted both strategic imperatives and technical advancements, reflecting a fast-moving landscape where AI-driven solutions, data standardization, and low-latency communications are reshaping wellsite management. The event was defined not only by high-calibre presentations but by deep, practical discussions during Q&A sessions—where real-world challenges, implementation hurdles, and breakthrough solutions were debated in detail. While automation is unlocking new efficiencies, companies must navigate regulatory shifts, workforce adaptation, and the integration of scalable AI-driven automation solutions.
Example Macro Takeaways (please watch the video or read the post-conference report for a more comprehensive analysis)
AI & Machine Learning in Wellsite Automation
o Operators are moving toward exception-based surveillance, where AI-powered diagnostics
detect inefficiencies and optimize production in real-time.
o Predictive analytics in ESP failure prevention, gas lift optimization, and liquid loading
mitigation are significantly reducing downtime.
Regulatory Uncertainty & ESG-Driven Compliance
o The shifting U.S. regulatory landscape is forcing operators to balance automation investments
with evolving environmental standards.
Data Standardization vs. User Customization
o While unified historian systems and standardized platforms improve efficiency, they often reduce
user-specific customization.
o Companies are struggling to balance enterprise-wide data visibility with field-specific
operational flexibility.
Communication Infrastructure & Edge Processing
o Hybrid communication systems—including LoRaWAN, LTE, and satellite connectivity—are key to ensuring secure and reliable data transmissionin remote areas.
o The role of edge computing is expanding, allowing real-time data processing without dependency on cloud-based infrastructure.
AI-driven Downtime Reduction is Event-Specific: For liquid loading mitigation, downtime dropped from 15 days per event to just 2–3 days, showcasing the highly targeted benefits of AI automation.
Scalability of AI for Mid-Sized Operators: Larger companies have 20+ engineers building in-house AI models, whereas smaller operators must rely on vendor solutions and cloud-based integration.
Cybersecurity in Wellsite Automation: The increased reliance on digital platforms raises concerns over data integrity and cybersecurity, making secure communication protocols and encrypted AI processing more critical than ever.
Onshore vs. Offshore Operational Cultures Differ: Offshore teams develop deep, well-specific knowledge, while onshore operations rely on broader, data-driven automation strategies.
This conference demonstrated that onshore wellsite automation is entering a new era, where AI, data integration, and scalable communications are shaping the next decade of oil and gas operations. While challenges remain—particularly in scaling AI for mid-sized operators, balancing regulatory demands, and adapting the workforce—the industry is well-positioned to leverage automation for increased efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. The rich technical discussions and in-depth Q&A sessions reflected the industry's growing commitment to a digital transformation that is both scalable and pragmatic. Below you find a selection of highlights and takeaways from the individual presentations. The comprehensive conference report package, featuring full event video recordings, all available presentations, and a detailed summary report, is now available for purchase on this website.
