IADC/SPE International Drilling Conference and Exhibition
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN OCTOBER.
DSATS (SPE’s Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section) is entering a new era as it transforms its scope from a focus purely on automation to a broader view of Drilling Systems. This shift reflects evolving industry needs and emerging trends, and the 2026 DSATS Symposium is designed to help define this next phase.
This event will be combined with ART (IADC’s Advanced Rig Technology Committee) as DSATS seeks alignment and additional steerage from this esteemed organization.
The symposium will kick off with a DSATS and ART update including the DSATS annual officer and board elections. The working session will be initiated by four key industry experts from various areas of the business (Jason Gahr, ExxonMobil; Austin Groover, NBR; Moray Laing, Halliburton; David Reid, NOV) giving short presentations highlighting their perspectives on the future needs of drilling systems. A moderated panel session will follow to discuss key themes and challenges.
The rubber will hit the road during an interactive working session where attendees, seated in assigned teams, will collaborate on specific focus areas through a structured, facilitator-led process. This work will translate key insights into recorded session output to guide DSATS's future direction. Outputs from the session will be reviewed by the DSATS Board and Officers for integration into the technical section’s strategic plan.
A networking reception will follow the symposium working session.
Seating is limited so early registration is recommended for those wanting to input their thoughts, views, experience, and expertise into this program.
- 12:30–13:30 | Registration Check-In (Check in at the main registration desk located near the exhibit hall)
- 13:00–17:00 | Symposium
- 17:00–18:30 | Networking Reception