SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the 44th SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition, taking place 9–11 March 2027 in Stavanger, Norway.
It is a pleasure to bring the global drilling community together once again. We are glad to welcome you to Stavanger, a city that has stood at the heart of Norway’s energy industry for more than fifty years. As we mark the 44th edition, at a time when secure and affordable energy matters more than ever, this conference continues to serve as a platform for technical collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancing drilling and wells across a wide range of operating environments.
This year’s conference theme “Advancing Wells. Securing Energy.” reflects on how much will need to change, and what is expected of us. With the cost pressure here to stay, one question runs through the programme: how do we deliver more with less?
Drilling, completions, and the well lifecycle are treated as one connected challenge rather than three separate tracks. Digital tools and AI are embedded across the programme, not as a theme of their own but as practical ways to work smarter and leaner. Efficiency and standardization get attention, as we work to extend the life of existing fields, develop new fields, and to get more from every well. There is also a strong focus on field-proven applications and lessons learned, ensuring technical insights remain practical and transferable.
The strength of this conference is the people it brings together: different disciplines, regions, and generations across operators, contractors, service companies, technology providers, and academia. The most valuable results come when these perspectives meet, connecting technology, execution, and field experience to drive our industry forward, and keep energy flowing safely and reliably for the long term. I hope you will use the week to engage openly with the sessions and technology showcase to share experiences, challenge ideas, and connect with each other.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Programme Committee, the Advisory Committee, and the many authors and speakers for shaping a relevant technical programme, contributing high-quality papers and discussions, and supporting the conversations that make this conference valuable. I would also like to thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their continued support and participation. Their commitment helps create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen our industry. I look forward to engaging with you in Stavanger in March.
Yours sincerely,Rune Nedregaard
Conference Chair, 44th SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition
Senior Vice President, Wells, Equinor