October 20-22, 2026
Bush Convention Center - Midland, TX
ALRDC’s ESP Workshop returns this October promising outcome-oriented courses and sessions designed to inform, equip, and inspire operators and producers.
If you have any questions, please contact the
ESP Workshop Team at espw@alrdc.com or the ALRDC Board at info@alrdc.com
Click Here for Sponsorship / Exhibition Information
Call for Abstracts
Presentations by operators and innovators are key elements of a successful workshop. If you have improved or optimized production, reduced operating costs or failures, overcome challenges, or discovered new and innovative techniques or products related to ESP, we invite you to submit an abstract for consideration as a technical presentation at the upcoming ESP Workshop. Contributing knowledge and experience is a valuable and critical opportunity to do your part to ‘give back’ and help ensure generations of ongoing success with ESP as a form of artificial lift.
We have 6 categories for the Abstracts
- How to Use the VSD to Address Gas Interference and Maximize Best Recovery and Runlife
- Best Methods for ESP Operations in High Solids and Corrosive Applications
- New Technology for ESPs in Unconventional Applications
- Optimizing ESPs in Unconventional Wells, Why is it Important? What are your goals for Optimization?
- Harmonic Mitigation Strategy: What is the right surface setup for your ESP application?
- Others
Abstracts requirements and conditions
- Abstracts must be a minimum of two hundred fifty words with a maximum of five hundred words.
- Topic must be ESP related or relevant to the artificial lift industry.
- Abstract deemed to be commercial only, will be rejected.
- Abstracts about research, lab testing, manufacturing processes, and field trials are acceptable.
- All abstract content accepted will be public and available for access on ALRDC’s website.
- Presentations will be grouped by topics for review by the sucker rod workshop committee.
- The use of company names and logos is prohibited in the title.
- The abstract shall be professional in nature and refrain from social or political statements.
Abstract submissions should contain the following
- Objective / Scope
- Methods,
- Procedures
- Processes
- Results
- Observations
- Conclusions
- Authors names and contact details
Abstract submission will close May 31, 2026
Event Registration
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Contact ALRDC for special rate below:
- Group Rate Available for groups of 5 or more
- Committee Members, Volunteers, Authors Receive additional $100 off on any bundle packages
- Instructors and Speakers Free 2-Day Conference entrance
- New to the Industry (Under Age 28), Must provide proof of age
- Economically Impacted Individuals, ALRDC offers support for those affected by economic hardship
Registration Cancellation, Refund, and Substitution Policy
Cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted via the workshop registration portal. Requests will be processed based on the date received.
Cancellations and Refunds
- Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event start date are eligible for a refund less a 6% administrative processing fee. The administrative fee covers non‑recoverable costs, including credit card processing and registration handling.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations received within 14 days of the event start date.
Substitutions
- Substitutions are permitted at no additional cost and may be made at any time prior to the event.
- For registrations cancelled within 14 days of the event, refunds are not available; however, a substitute participant may be designated in place of the original registrant.
- All substitution requests must include the full contact details of the substitute attendee.
No‑Shows
- Registrants who do not attend and do not notify the organizers in advance will not be eligible for a refund or credit.
Additional Information
Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment.
ALRDC reserves the right to review and resolve exceptional circumstances at their discretion.
Schedule
Tuesday 10/20
| Tuesday 10/20 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start | End | Agenda |
| 8:30 | 4:30 | Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs) |
| 8:30 | 4:30 | Dismantle, Inspection, and Failure Analysis (DIFA) |
| 8:30 | 4:30 | Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) |
| 5:30 | 7:30 | Valiant committee meeting/ opening night |
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Wednesday 10/21
| Wednesday 10/21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start | End | Agenda |
| 8:00 | 8:30 | Opening |
| 8:30 | 10:00 | Session 1 ESP Lifecycle |
| 10:00 | 10:15 | OSI Coffee Break |
| 10:15 | 11;15 | Panel 1: What ChatGPT Won’t tell You - Tacking Optimization through Innovation |
| 11;15 | 12:30 | Reynolds social lunch |
| 12:30 | 2:00 | Session 2 ESPs in High GVF Applications |
| 2:00 | 2:15 | OSI Coffee Break |
| 2:15 | 3:45 | Session 3 ESP Applications |
| 3:45 | 4:15 | Raffle Draw |
| 5:30 | 8:30 | Boomerang social night |
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Thursday 10/22
| Thursday 10/22 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start | End | Agenda |
| 8:00 | 9:00 | Keynote: ESP vs. Unconventional - Beating the Challenge |
| 9:00 | 10:30 | Session 4 How to Control Your ESP |
| 10:30 | 10:45 | Republic Oil Tools Coffee Break |
| 10:45 | 11:45 | Panel 2: M&A Impacts on Systems and Culture in the Oil & Gas Industry |
| 11:45 | 1:15 | ROAM AI Award Lunch |
| 1:15 | 2:45 | Session 5 Let's Talk Reliability |
| 2:45 | 3:15 | Closing / Raffle draw |
Technical Sessions
| Session and Presentation Title | Chair/Presenter | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 ESP Lifecycle | Michael Romer | Exxon Mobil |
| Barry Nicholson | OXY | |
| Beyond Siloed Data: Lessons from Four Years of Permian Operator ESP Benchmarking | Shannon Kennedy | C-FER |
| Surface-Based Predictive Monitoring for Electric Submersible Pumps Using Electrical Signature Analysis | Simon Jagers | Samotics |
| High Speed Compact ESP System Overcame High-Dogleg Severity Challenges in the Permian Basin | Fengming Wang | slb |
| Session 2 ESPs in High GVF Applications | Marisela Rojas | Shell |
| Josh Hoffman | NOV | |
| Internal Flow Visualization of Gas Core Dynamics in Paddle Type Rotary Gas Separators under Slug Flow Conditions | Nicolas Botero | U- Tulsa |
| Successful PMM Performance in Unconventional Gassy Well Application through Modern VFD Technology | Miguel Irausquin | Reynolds Lift |
| An Integrated Framework for Proactive Detection, Intervention, and Predictive Control of Gas Lock in Electrical Submersible Pump Systems | Yousf Alnakow | Dwiggins Consulting |
| Session 3 ESP Applications | Tom Millar | GRC |
| Tim Spackman | Endurance | |
| Assessment of Safety Technologies for ESP Permanent Magnet Motors: Installation, Operation, and Removal | Charles Collins | Baker Hughes |
| Heat Transfer Analysis Under Two-Phase Flow In The Esp Motor | Gustavo Carvalho | U- Tulsa |
| Electrical Submersible Contra-Helical Pump and High-Resolution VSD Control System Improve Performance in Gas-Slugging Permian Unconventional Wells | David Willston | NOV |
| Session 4 How to Control Your ESP | Jose Gamboa | Chevron |
| Graham Breakey | Dwiggins Consulting | |
| ESD Evaluation & Mitigation in ESP Systems | Justin LaNoue | Baker Hughes |
| Intelligent ESP Control - Utilizing Edge for an Autonomous Super-Loop | Austin DeGraaf | Boomerang |
| Coordinated Tubing Pressure and Pump Speed Control for ESP GVF Optimization in the Permian Basin | Lindsey Mersman | ROAM-AI |
| Session 5 Let's Talk Reliability | Song Shang | slb |
| Shannon Kennedy | C-FER | |
| Advanced ESP Configuration Combined with an Integrated Chemical Program and Monitoring to Improve Run Life in Multi-Well Unconventional Operations | Luisa Valderrama | slb |
| Reducing ESP Failures in Unconventional Wells Through Proactive Design and Lifecycle Optimization | Benjamin Pepple | Exxon Mobil |
| Lifecycle Integration for Improving ESP Reliability in Unconventional Wells | Wahyu Wardani | slb |
Keynote
Thursday, October 22nd | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The ALRDC proudly presents our keynote speakers for the 2026 ESP Workshop
Steve Schreck and Jeff Dwiggins
ESP vs Unconventional – Beating the Challenge
What does it take to successfully deploy and operate ESPs in unconventional wells and how do those challenges look different depending on where you sit? In this keynote, Steve Schreck and Jeff Dwiggins will share their perspectives from both the operator and service-company vantage points. They will explore the unique challenges of designing, installing, and optimizing ESP systems in unconventional plays. By comparing these perspectives, the discussion will reveal how close collaboration between operators and service providers is essential to overcoming operational challenges and driving continuous improvement. Ultimately, these keynotes will demonstrate how the complexities of unconventional applications are not an obstacle but a catalyst for innovation in artificial lift.
Steve Schreck
ExxonMobil - Permian Artificial Lift Manager
Jeff Dwiggins
Dwiggins Consulting LLC, Artificial Lift Solutions Pte Ltd
Steve Schreck serves as Permian Artificial Lift Manager for ExxonMobil. Before joining ExxonMobil he was with Pioneer Natural Resources for 19 years. With Pioneer Steve served as Production Engineer, Facilities Engineer and Environmental Manager.
The Permian Artificial Lift team consists of ESP and Gas lift specialists and engineers assisting operations staff to run over 6000 Horizontal Unconventional wells.
Steve holds a master’s degree in engineering from the Colorado School of MInes. Steve enjoys sailing and rooting for the Buffalo Bills. He Lives in Cypress, TX with his wife and three children.
Jeff has led the development of an online failure analysis application and other data-gathering tools designed to improve ESP performance and efficiency. His work encompasses the full range of ESP operations, from initial design and installation through operation, factory acceptance testing, and other technical and operational support activities.
Jeff has worked extensively throughout the world, including significant experience supporting unconventional oil and gas operations in the United States. Jeff remains active in the industry and has held leadership roles within the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the American Petroleum Institute (API).
He served as chairperson of the 2023 SPE Electric Submersible Pump Symposium and has led API committees focused on developing recommended practices for electric submersible pumps.
Panel Session 1 Discussion
Weednesday, October 21 – 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
What ChatGPT Won’t tell You – Tacking Optimization through Innovation
This panel will dive into practical, field-driven approaches to optimizing ESP performance and well production in challenging unconventional environments. Industry leaders and technical experts will share real-world experiences, highlighting how they are applying digital tools, advanced analytics, and operational strategies to improve volume recovery, reliability and overall value. The discussion will focus on lessons learned from implementation and evolving trends in ESP optimization, from automation and closed-loop control to data-driven decision-making, offering attendees actionable insights to enhance performance.
Michael Romer, P.E.
ExxonMobil
Principal Artificial Lift (AL) Engineer
Dakai Yin
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
ESP technology expert
Michael C. Romer, P.E. is Principal Artificial Lift (AL) Engineer at ExxonMobil and is on the Global Production Optimization team in Houston. He has been with ExxonMobil for more than 20 years, primarily focusing on global AL.
Michael developed ExxonMobil courses on gas lift, ESPs, rod pumps, and deliquification and enjoys delivering them worldwide. Michael is the API 19G (Gas Lift) Task Group Chair, 2028 SPE Americas AL Conference Chair, an SPE ESP Symposium committee member, and a 2026-2027 SPE Distinguished Lecturer.
Michael holds BS and MS degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee and the University of Illinois, respectively
Dakai is a distinguished professional in the oil and gas sector with over 20 years of experience. She joined Oxy in 2014 after excelling at Schlumberger for 12 years in roles ranging from Field Engineer to Technical Sales Lead.
With a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Tsinghua University, Dakai is an ESP technology expert. Her role at Oxy involves new tech evaluation, vendor management, and failure analysis. Dakai’s commitment to training has earned her recognition, and she’s an active contributor to industry events and committees, including ALRDC, SPE and API.
Simon Suarez
Flowco, Inc.
Product Line Director for Automation
Derek Meier
SLB
Artificial Lift Product Champion
Simon holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad del Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He was also a Fulbright Scholarship recipient from 2009-2011 and attained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Houston.
Simon brings over 18 years of expertise and knowledge from a variety of roles within the Energy industry environment where he has held multiple technical and leadership roles in Artificial Lift Systems (ALS) operations, sales, and product line management in Houston, Midland, Mexico, Venezuela and globally.
In 2024, he joined Flowco as their Product Line Director for Automation. He also currently serves as the Events Chairman for the SPE Artificial Lift Technical Section and has authored several papers in the Artificial Lift realm.
Artificial Lift Expert | Intelligent Wellsite Control,Automation, and Power Delivery | Remote Connectivity and IOT Systems | Customer-centric, Pragmatic Product Management | Rapid-Delivery Software | On-prem vs Cloud
Shannon Kennedy (moderator)
C-FER Technologies
Senior Project Engineer
Shannon Kennedy has worked exclusively in the Oil and Gas industry focused on ESP application since graduating from the University of Alberta Mechanical Engineering program in 2017.
Shannon started her career as a field engineer installing, pulling, commissioning and troubleshooting ESPs across Alberta and currently holds a Senior Project Engineer position focused on ESP reliability as part of the ESP-RIFTS (Reliability Information and Failure Tracking System) Joint Industry Project (JIP).
Panel Session 2 Discussion
Thursday, October 22 – 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
M&A Impacts on Systems and Culture in the Oil & Gas Industry
Mergers and acquisitions are fundementally reshaping both operators and service providers. This panel examines how value from M&A is ultimately realized-or lost- through effective system integration and cultural alignment. For operators, consolidation brings scale and efficiency, but success depends on integrating subsurface data, digital platforms, operating models, and decision processes across legacy organizations. For service providers, M&A adds complexity in aligning technologies, field operations, safety practices, and customer engagement models while supporting increasingly consolidated clients. The discussion will highlight practical lessons on integrating systems, aligning cultures, retaining talent, and maintaining operational performance across the operator-service ecosystem-focusing on what separates successful integrations from those that struggle to deliver promised synergies.
Maggy Burns
ExxonMobil
Water Management Superintendent
Steve Schreck
ExxonMobil
Permian Artificial Lift Manager
Maggy Burns is an operations leader with more than 18 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. As current Water Management Superintendent and formerly Artificial Lift & Chemical Superintendent for ExxonMobil’s Permian operations, she leads artificial lift strategy, optimization, and workforce development across one of the company’s largest unconventional assets. Her career has encompassed field operations, construction, artificial lift, digital transformation, reliability, and operational excellence. Known for her ability to bridge field execution and technology innovation, Maggy is dedicated to advancing safe, efficient operations while building capable, high-performing teams.
Steve Schreck serves as Permian Artificial Lift Manager for ExxonMobil. Before joining ExxonMobil he was with Pioneer Natural Resources for 19 years. With Pioneer Steve served as Production Engineer, Facilities Engineer and Environmental Manager.
The Permian Artificial Lift team consists of ESP and Gas lift specialists and engineers assisting operations staff to run over 6000 Horizontal Unconventional wells.
Steve holds a master’s degree in engineering from the Colorado School of MInes. Steve enjoys sailing and rooting for the Buffalo Bills. He Lives in Cypress, TX with his wife and three children.
Ryan Hughes
SLB
Director of Sales & Customer Experience - USL
I am a passion driven leader focused on empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in dynamic economic and political environments. As a leader I believe in living a life of continuous improvement and challenging the status quo to deliver best in class customer experiences. As an expert in the energy production process and development of product lines sector I understand the importance of having a strong technical background. Equally important is the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts. These abilities have blessed me with a track record of building and guiding high performance teams to elevated levels of success.
Performance Management • Strategic Business Planning • Operations Management
Leading & Mentoring • Customer Relationships • Marketing Strategy
Bid Tender Process • Product Line Management • Advanced Negotiations
Turnaround Operations • Change Management • Team Leadership
Continuing Education
This year's ESP Workshop offers three courses that oil and gas operators and producers with every level of experience are sure to find valuable.
Continuing Education Classes are 8AM-4PM
Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs)
Sponsored by
This course gives artificial lift and production professionals an impactful look at how PMMs boost performance in unconventional wells. Participants will see how PMMs reduce operating costs, improve uptime, and deliver strong, measurable value in today’s demanding environments.
The morning session highlights the key advantages of PMM technology—higher efficiency, lower power consumption, reduced heat, improved reliability, longer run life, and seamless ESP integration—supported by real‑world field results. In the afternoon, a hands‑on workshop at the Levare facility lets attendees work directly with PMM equipment, reinforcing technical concepts and safety practices while building practical skills they can apply immediately in their day‑to‑day field operations.
Course Instructors
- Carlos Yicon (Oxy Permian)
- Hany Zakhary (Levare U.S., Inc.)
- Walter Dinkins (Levare U.S., Inc.)
Dismantle, Inspection, and Failure Analysis (DIFA)
Sponsored by
This course is designed for artificial lift and production professionals who work with or manage ESPs. ESP DIFA represents the final phase of the ESP lifecycle, yet it offers critical insights into performance, reliability, and failure mechanisms.
In the morning session, participants will learn the key components and best practices of conducting a thorough ESP DIFA. In the afternoon, these concepts will be reinforced through a hands-on experience, applying the framework during a live DIFA at an ESP supplier facility.
Course Instructors
- Kristen Munguia (SM)
- Mark Harding (ConocoPhillips)
- Graham Breakey (Dwiggins Consulting)
Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
Sponsored by
This course is designed for professionals working in the field of artificial lift who seek an understanding of modern VSD technologies. Participants will gain an in‑depth perspective on the operating principles, capabilities, operational simulation, and practical applications of current drive systems.
The morning session provides a structured exploration of drive theory, including foundational concepts, system behavior, and industry‑aligned operational and safety practices. In the afternoon, attendees will transition to a hands‑on workshop hosted at the Baker Hughes facility. This applied session offers direct experience with multiple drive types, reinforcing key concepts through guided interaction with real‑world equipment.
Course Instructors
- Alejandro Gonzalez (Baker Hughes)
- Shawn Stewart (Baker Hughes)
- Paul Allen (ExxonMobil)
Program Chair
Anthony Allison
Senior Artificial Lift Advisor, Occidental Petroleum
Anthony Allison is a Senior Artificial Lift Advisor for Occidental, where he provides in-house support for the analysis, optimization, and troubleshooting of sucker rod pumps for Occidental’s operations globally. He has seventeen years of experience with sucker rod pumping systems and currently serves as chairman of API Subcommittee 11, which oversees standards related to artificial lift equipment. Anthony is a recipient of the SPE Regional Production and Operations Award, has previously served as chair of the SPE Artificial Lift Conference and Exhibition-Americas, and was an SPE Distinguished Lecturer for 2020–2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, both from Texas A&M University.
Sponsored By
PLATINUM SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
SOCIAL EVENING SPONSOR
COFFEE SPONSOR
BADGE/LANYARD SPONSOR
SOCIAL EVENING SPONSOR
COFFEE SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
Exhibiting Companies
Exhibit Hall
Included with session registration
To enhance learning opportunities for workshop attendees, a variety of leading and innovative solutions, products and services will be on display in our nearby exhibit hall, where participants are encouraged to browse during designated breaks. Representatives from oil and gas operating companies, manufacturers, suppliers, and service companies will be available to engage with and answer questions.
Root Cause Failure Analysis
Tuesday, September 9th
Abstract: Root cause failure analysis is the key to identifying appropriate solutions to problems with single well repairs as well as systemic problems within a lease, asset, or specific well population. Establishing a comprehensive RCFA process with the appropriate foundations is essential to ensuring producers are maximizing the knowledge gained from historical failures. This course presents the key items needed to create and maintain a proper RCFA program. It will cover the foundations of a proper program, the important information needed for a proper RCFA to be conducted, recognition of failure mechanisms for the different components in an SRP system, as well as some possible solutions for those failures.
Course Outline
Overview (Courtney Richardson – Oxy)
– What is RCFA?
– Why is it important?
– Foundations of RCFA
Key points for proper RCFA
– Surveillance/Operational strategy prior to failure (Chris Cavazos – Oxy)
– Understanding chemical Program (Kristen Barnes – Apache)
– Methods of application
– Tracking
– Effects of improper inhibition
Understanding SRP components and how they fail – 3 hours
– Rods (Scott Malone – TRC)
– Tubing (Anthony Allison – Oxy)
– Pumps (Rickey Rodrick – Champion X)
Example RCFA scenarios (Courtney Richardson – Oxy)
RCFA data analysis/action items (Courtney Richardson – Oxy)
– Accountability for action items
– Identifying systemic issues
Course Instructors
Chris is a Sucker Rod Pump Optimization Lead for Occidental where he has been employed since 2006. His experience has been with artificial lift design, surveillance, analysis, and optimization, with a focus on sucker rod pumping. He has been leading teams in these disciplines since 2014. Most recently leading the sucker rod pump optimization team for Occidental onshore assets. Chris has taught in house trainings for Occidental since 2014 focusing on sucker rod pumping. He also currently teaches the Sucker Rod Pump Analysis and Optimization course at the SWPSC. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.
Courtney has been with Oxy since 2016. Her early career experience with data management for well servicing operations triggered deep interest in understanding failure data. This guided her path to the QA/QC Artificial Lift team which is heavily involved in RCFA process standardization. A primary function of QA/QC is understanding lift equipment through its life cycle, from manufacturing to failure mode. This requires a heavy collaboration with manufacturers, engineers, lift design experts, and well servicing teams to increase run times by learning how to mitigate specific failure mechanisms. She is a proponent of standardizing the methods by which data is captured in order to reap the full benefit of analytics and make sound operational decisions based on data.
Anthony Allison is a Senior Artificial Lift Advisor for Occidental, where he provides in-house support for the analysis, optimization, and troubleshooting of sucker rod pumps for Occidental’s operations globally. He has seventeen years of experience with sucker rod pumping systems and currently serves as chairman of API Subcommittee 11, which oversees standards related to artificial lift equipment. Anthony is a recipient of the SPE Regional Production and Operations Award, has previously served as chair of the SPE Artificial Lift Conference and Exhibition-Americas, and was an SPE Distinguished Lecturer for 2020–2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, both from Texas A&M University.
Kristen Barnes is a graduate of West Texas A&M with a degree in Engineering Technology. She began her career with ChampionX, 10 years ago in the Unconventional Resources Development Program. For 6 years she managed and maintained chemical programs in Enhanced Oil Recovery (CO2 and Water Flood) fields and 4 years in unconventional fields. During this time, she played vital roles in the RCFA process
for those assets by helping the producers understand and identify different corrosion types and the different methods of application of chemical. She currently has transitioned to a production ops technical lead for Apache.
Ricky Roderick boasts over 40 years of experience in Sucker Rod Pumping. Renowned for his storytelling abilities, he is also recognized as an industry expert in sucker rod pumps. He has shared his knowledge in the field by co-authoring papers, delivering presentations at conferences, and instructing numerous pump schools for universities and partners worldwide.
Scott’s primary responsibilities with TRC are Rod String Design (RODSTAR) for (Steel, FG and continuous rod) and make rod guide recommendations. He trains string designers to provide consistent designs from TRC. He provides written Failure Analysis for sucker rods for various operators. He participates in failure meetings several times a month to support our product, troubleshoot repeat failures and recommend solutions. Scott has also served on the API 11B committee for over ten years, and taught Failure Analysis and Corrosion Inhibition classes SWPSC, ALEOC and customer locations for about 20 years.
Rod Design and Rod Guide Fundamentals
Tuesday, Sept 9th
Rod Design – Sara Million
This course will discuss basic sucker rod design practices and how to optimize designs while utilizing modern rod design programs in deviated and vertical wells.
Rod Guide Fundementals – Esteban Oliva
This module will cover basic concepts of the Rod guides for sucker Rod Lifting systems. An initial walk through the historic progression of the initial attempts for guiding and the major challenges found. The evolution to polymeric solutions and the current state of the guiding industry. An overall revision of the guiding goals to prevent rod and tubing wear, improve stress distribution and fluid dynamics in the sucker rods.
Learning Objective: To get an overall understanding of the rod guides in the industry, their challenges and the available strategies to solve the problems targeted in rod lift systems.
Course Outline
- Pumping Unit selection
- Downhole pump types/limitations
- Sucker Rod Metallurgy/Proper selection of rods
- Determining Rod Guide placement
- Sinker Bars vs. Sinker Rods
- Setting Program Defaults
- Adding Custom Rods and Pumping Units into the software
- How to read and understand the Design Output Reports
- Recommended Practice for designing steel and fiberglass rod strings.
Course Instructors
Sara Million holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean and Coastal Systems Engineering from Texas A&M University where her love for oil and gas began. She is a Reciprocating Rod Lift Engineer at Liberty Lift with seven years of experience in the Permian Basin and Bakken. She began her career in Bakersfield with Weatherford and rotated between gas lift, sucker rods, continuous rod, rod pumps, capillary, pumping units, jet pumps and sucker rod failure analysis.
She currently uses the knowledge she gained by moving around different AL operations teams in multiple regions to increase run times, reduce failures and optimize reciprocating rod lift systems. She is enthusiastic about understanding every aspect of a problem or situation and helping to construct a solution. When she is not focusing on RRL optimization, she spends her time on hobbies that keep her active and outdoors.
Born in Argentina, raised in Venezuela, adopted by Alberta and conquered by Texas. Esteban is currently the Technical Sales Sr Manager for Tenaris Rods division in North America. Having spent about half of his 29yrs in the oilfield in the service side and the other half in the Operator side, it has been always Artificial Lift and Production Engineering his focus. New Technology development and implementation and the relentless search for a new (and better) ways to produce our wells have been always in his mind. Thankful to the core for meeting everyday the amazing people that shape up our energy patch and paint with bright colors the future of mankind.
Sponsored By
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
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SIGNS SPONSOR
HAPPY HOUR SPONSOR
LANYARD SPONSOR
Rod Pumping Fundamentals and Dynamometer Analysis
Monday, August 28th | $400
This comprehensive course offers real-world training by industry experts for optimization, design and best practices. The training course will provide all attendees with an all-encompassing understanding of the rod pumped system to allow for improvements in optimization techniques to achieve additional production, runtimes, and minimized failures.
Course Outline
- Pumping Unit
- Rods
- Pump
- BHA
- Dynagraph Interpretation
- Automation
- Design
Course Instructors
Matt Raglin began working for Diagnostic Services (DSI) in 1985, traveling and analyzing rod pump wells first in the United States and later globally until it was purchased by Halliburton. In 1989, Raglin formed his first company, Reservoir Evaluation Services, which continued his work in the rod pump system analysis field. RES was sold to Wood Group in 1995.
From 1995 to 2001, Raglin was an independent consultant for rod pump analysis and design and he worked with many of the largest producers in the industry, including Shell, BP, Exxon, Occidental and Chevron. In 2001, Raglin began working for Lufkin Automation as the General Manager of Permian Operations. It was here he began a close working relationship with Dr. Sam Gibbs and Ken Nolen and was instrumental in helping design and introduced the industry to the SAM Controller, which is now used worldwide.
Raglin left Lufkin and formed Spirit Global Energy Solutions in 2008. Headquartered in Midland, the primary focus of Spirit Global was analyzing wells with portable dynograph and fluid level equipment. The company also provided remote analysis utilizing a SCADA host. Wanting to provide additional solutions to the industry, Raglin invented several patented downhole tools to mitigate gas and sand issues and a laser positioning device. Spirit Global also released the Genesis Controller, which is now known as the ChampionX Smarten Controller, under Raglin’s guidance. Spirit Global had offices in every producing basin in the United States as well as regional operations in Canada. The company was purchased by Dover Artificial Lift in 2013 and now operates as ChampionX.
Raglin formed WellWorx Energy in 2018 with a mission to offer in-person trainings and webinars focusing on rod pump principles and best practices as well as dynagraph interpretation. These education-based solutions were taken a step further and he began to design and patent the ToolWorx product line of downhole tools. Raglin currently holds 14 patents and his designs are focused on gas and sand mitigation efforts. The product line includes the Super Max System, the Helix Sand ByPass, the Halo, the Dominator and the ESP Gas ByPass with additional products planned for the future.
Seeing additional needs within the industry, Raglin purchased GreenShot LLC from Dr. Sam Gibbs and Ken Nolen. GreenShot is patented as the first fully permanent and automated fluid level system. It is also the only true ‘green’ system in existence, functioning without high-pressure nitrogen or C02 and instead utilizing the well’s naturaly-producing casing gas.
In the last 25 years, Raglin has taught hundreds of Rod Pump classes across the world. Throughout his career, Raglin has published more than a dozen technical papers and is partnered with multiple Texas universities to organize internships with field training as well as served as a guest lecturer to offer insight into the petroleum industry.
Jason Jones, ConocoPhillips
Kenneth B. (Ken) Nolen attended Texas A&M College and graduated in 1957 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined Shell Oil Company as a Production Engineer. His career was temporarily halted for three years while he served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weather Officer at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Returning to Shell, he gained further experience in artificial lift as production engineering section head.
In 1970, he left Shell and teamed up with Dr. S. G. Gibbs to become co-founder and Vice President of Nabla Corporation, a high-tech services and manufacturing firm in Midland, Texas. While there, he pursued his career-long passion of optimizing production from artificially lifted wells. Lufkin Automation acquired Nabla in August 1997. Nolen continued his career as Technical Coordinator for the new firm until his retirement in 2002.
Retirement was short lived and he started working as an artificial lift consultant specializing in technical support and training. Again, Nolen and Dr. Gibbs teamed up in 2014 and formed GreenShot LLC, a company specializing in automated oil well fluid level technology. WellWorx Energy acquired GreenShot in 2018 and Nolen is currently employed by WellWorx as R&D Advisor.
Nolen has been a key contributor to the art and science of artificial lift his entire career. He was a co-developer with Dr. Gibbs of wellsite diagnostic methods (dynamometers, fluid level sounders and pump-off controllers) for sucker rod pumping systems. These diagnostic methods are widely used within the industry to remotely access data through automated continuously monitoring systems.
Nolen has been active in SPE his entire career and is a registered professional engineer emeritus in Colorado and New Mexico. He has eight patents, has written textbooks on artificial lift subjects and has written or co-written numerous technical papers to serve the industry. In the past 50 years, Nolen has taught more than 200 schools on artificial lift (mainly rod pumping technology) throughout the world.
Exhibit Hall
September 8th & 9th | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Included with session registration
ALRDC's Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop returns this summer promising outcome-oriented courses and sessions offered in a variety of engaging formats designed to inform, equip, and inspire operators and producers.
To enhance learning opportunities for workshop attendees, a variety of leading and innovative solutions, products and services will be on display in our nearby exhibit hall, where participants are encouraged to browse during designated breaks. Representatives from oil and gas operating companies, manufacturers, suppliers, and service companies will be available to engage with and answer questions.
Interested in showcasing your company, products, or services at the upcoming Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop?
Sponsorships & exhibitor packages focus on creating opportunities for meaningful connections between artificial lift vendors and prospective buyers, through a variety of digital and traditional means. ALRDC's subscribed audience includes thousands of energy industry workers ranging from students to executive leadership, researchers, and inventors. The 2025 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop venue can accommodate an audience of 250 production engineers, lease operators, foremen, superintendents, production managers, service providers, and students.
Exhibiting Companies
Diversity & Inclusion – Bridging the generation gap for a stronger industry
Thursday, August 31st | 12:00 PM
In our industry today, the workforce is comprised of no less than five generations, each of which thinks differently, learns differently, communicates differently and values different priorities. This is due to the environment each generation has developed and flourished in. In this panel discussion, our panelists will share their experience and views relating to work, life and interacting with other generations in both their personal and professional journeys. We hope this will bring insight and help our audience to relate with other generations, appreciate their input and value their contribution so we can all thrive and do our best for our industry.
Panel Members
Dr. Victoria Pons has served as ALRDC Vice President since 2020 and member of the ALRDC board since 2017.
Dr. Victoria Pons is also the Director of Research and Strategic Development at WellWorx Energy where she leads the research, planning and implementation of innovative new programs and products for WellWorx. As an industry SME, Dr. Pons has greatly contributed to the advancement of new algorithms for rod pump control and other forms of artificial lift.
Victoria is very passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and created a D&I Committee at ALRDC to help educate and enrich our industry.
Dr. Rajan Chokshi has over 35 years’ work-experience in artificial lift, real-time production optimization, software development, and management. His current work is on artificial lift optimization, multi-phase flow calculations, failure prediction, virtual flow meter, emission reduction, and competency management. Chokshi has worked for national oil companies, majors, independents, service providers and technology companies. He has co-authored over fifteen SPE papers, two patents, and has delivered several SPE webinars and training courses. Besides conducting professional workshops globally, he has taught at Texas Tech, Missouri S&T, U of Southern California and U of Houston. Twice selected as an SPE distinguished lecturer, he also volunteers on multiple SPE technical committees. Recently he was selected to serve on the ALRDC board of directors. Dr. Chokshi holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in chemical engineering from the Gujarat University and IIT-Kanpur, India, and a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa, USA.
Lynn Rowlan education includes a Bachelor and Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering graduating in 1976 from Oklahoma State University. Mr. Rowlan was registered as an Oklahoma Professional Engineer July 1980 and received: the 2000 J.C. Slonneger Award from the, SWPSC, SW Petroleum Short Course Association, Inc; the 2010 SPE Distinguished Production Operations Award; the 2011 SWPSC Crawford Service Award; and the SPE 2020 SPE Legend of Artificial Lift Award.
During the 43 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry Mr. Rowlan has authored more than eighty research works/papers for the SWPSC, ASME, the Solution Mining Research Institute, the Artificial Lift Research and Development Counsel, the Russian Oil & Gas Technologies Magazine, the Canadian Petroleum Society and the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He co-authored a book for gas well production optimization “Gas Well Deliquification” holds a US Patent # 6,634,426 on Plunger Lift Analysis. Beginning in September 2019 Mr. Rowlan retired from the position of Vice-president of Engineering for Echometer Company and now works as a consultant. His primary interest is to advance the technology of all artificial lift production systems and to present seminars and talks on the efficient operation, analysis, optimization, and troubleshooting of oil and gas wells.
Shivani Vyas is a Business Development Manager at Odessa Separator Inc. (OSI). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas Tech University. Shivani firmly believes in innovation and giving back to the community. She is also actively involved with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and served as the Chair for the Permian Basin Section. Shivani Vyas is technically driven and has co-authored several papers including for SPE and Artificial Lift Forums. Shivani strives to make a positive impact through her vision, technical skills, and services.
Simon Suarez holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad del Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He was also a Fulbright Scholarship recipient from 2009-2011 and attained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Houston. He brings over 15 years of expertise and knowledge from a variety of roles within the Energy industry environment. His vast international and multiple business and leadership experiences makes him a strong addition to any team.
Simon began his career in 2007 working as a Sales & Applications Engineer with Weatherford. Since then, he held multiple technical and leadership roles in Artificial Lift Systems (ALS) operations, sales, and product line management in Midland, Houston, Venezuela, Mexico and throughout Latin America. In 2019, he became Weatherford’s Global Business Director for Production and in 2021 he joined Silverwell as their Western Hemisphere Sales Director.
Emmanuel Alaeze was born and raised in South Korea where he attended an American international school from grades 1-12. His favorite subjects are history and literature, but Emmanuel also has a love for physics and an aptitude for math. Emmanuel is an engineering student at UTPB where he loves learning new things and staying curious about the world around him.
Additional Information & Resources
Please email info@alrdc.com with any inquiries.
Click the + to expand each section and view more information below.
Bush Convention Center
105 N Main St
Midland, Texas 79701
(432) 687-8250
Venue Website | Map
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available for workshop participants:
Wyndham Midland Downtown
117 West Wall Street
Midland, Texas 79701
(432) 683-6131
Why it’s nice: Full-service hotel literally across from the Convention Center. Rooftop bar, restaurant, pool, business center, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
Home2 Suites by Hilton Midland East
4104 N Big Spring St.
Midland, Texas 79705
(432) 682-6000
Why it’s nice: Modern all-suite hotel with in-room kitchens, free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, pet-friendly, and strong guest reviews.
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Midland Odessa
5716 Deauville Boulevard
Midland, Texas 79706
(432) 682-6000
Why it’s nice: Stylish all-suite property with free breakfast, fitness center, outdoor pool, and consistently high ratings from guests.
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
Hilton Garden Inn Midland
1301 N. Loop 250 W,
Midland, Texas 79706
(432) 689-0022
Why it’s nice: Upscale feel with on-site restaurant and bar, cooked-to-order breakfast, outdoor pool, gym, and 4,500 sq ft of event space.
Townplace Suites Midland South/I-20
912 Crump Street
Midland, Texas 79701
(432) 682-6000
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
Holiday Inn Express and Suites-Midland Loop
5309 West Loop 250
North Midland, Texas
(432) 520-3600
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
Holiday Inn Express Midland South
900 Crump Street
Midland, Texas
(432) 695-9020
Hotel Website | Map | Reserve a Room
Midland, TX – Area Information
Website
How to Register as a Sponsor
Visit the Sponsorship page on the ALRDC website to review Sponsorship packages.
How to Redeem Complimentary Workshop Passes Included with Sponsorships
Complimentary workshop passes are included with the purchase select sponsorships, as indicated. If your purchase includes complimentary passes, you will receive a follow-up email within 3 business days of registration containing a unique promo code to be redeemed for workshop passes.
Daily meals are included with registration. Breakfast will be served from 7:00AM to 8:00AM, lunch from 12:00PM to 1:00PM, with morning and afternoon snacks available during breaks.
Each vendor may purchase up to two booths, which will be assigned side by side unless otherwise requested. Requests for specific booth locations will be considered, with priority given to registrants on a first come, first serve basis.
How to Register as an Exhibitor
Visit the Exhibitor page on the ALRDC website.
Booths will be assigned to fully registered exhibitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. Assignment will take place after exhibitor registration closes. Exhibitors will receive confirmed booth numbers by email.
2026 ALRDC ESP Workshop
Exhibitor Instructions
Dear Exhibitor,
We are excited to welcome you as a valued exhibitor at the 2026 ALRDC ESP Workshop in Midland, Texas at the Bush Convention Center (105 N Main St, Midland, TX 79701).
Please review the important shipping, access, setup, and breakdown details below:
Shipping Information
All shipments must arrive on October 19th .
Address for deliveries: 105 N Main St, Midland, Texas 79701
There will be no access to secure storage prior to this date.
Building Access
<need date> at 6:00 AM – Exhibitors will have access to the building.
Booth Setup
Tuesday, October 20th at 12:00 PM – Exhibitors may begin setting up their booths for the Vendor Marketplace.
Wednesday, October 21st at 8:00 AM – Vendor Marketplace officially opens.
Booth Breakdown
Thursday, October 22nd at 2:30 PM (after the last break) – Exhibitors may begin dismantling booths. Please do not begin breakdown earlier than this time.
Power & Equipment
Each booth will have access to one 120V outlet.
Each 10′ x10′ booth comes furnished with a 6 foot table and 2 chairs.
Each 20′ x10′ booth comes furnished with 2 each 6 foot tables and 4 chairs.
Please remember to bring your own power strips and extension cords as needed.
We are grateful for your participation and commitment to making this workshop a success. Thank you for exhibiting with us—we look forward to a fabulous show!
How to Redeem Complimentary Workshop Passes Included with Sponsorships
Complimentary workshop passes are included with the purchase select sponsorships and exhibitor, as indicated. Form will be sent out by email to provide the people names that are going to participate in the training class and workshop.
Daily meals are included with registration. Breakfast will be served from 7:00AM to 8:00AM, lunch from 12:00PM to 1:00PM, with morning and afternoon snacks available during breaks.
We are grateful for your participation and commitment to making this workshop a success. Thank you for exhibiting with us—we look forward to a fabulous show!
Prior to the first day of the workshop, please contact us by email at espw@alrdc.com or info@alrdc.com with any inquiries.
Prior to the first day of the workshop, please contact us via email at espw@alrdc.com or info@alrdc.com with any inquiries.
Your on-site contact for the workshop will be Ronda Brewer. Ronda can be reached by email at ronda@alrdc.com. During workshop hours, Ronda will be at the registration table.