Wil VanLoh, founder and CEO of Quantum Capital Group, has been instrumental in shaping private equity investments within the oil and gas sector since establishing the firm in 1998. Under his leadership, Quantum has raised over $10 billion for energy-focused funds, including a $5.25 billion commitment for Quantum Energy Partners VIII, which blends traditional and sustainable energy investments. VanLoh emphasizes the importance of technical and operational expertise in enhancing asset value, advocating for a hands-on approach to energy investments. In this opening keynote address, Van Loh will share his unique perspective on energy capital finance and capital, U.S. energy development trends and more. 

Operator discipline, along with ever-improving well efficiencies and economics, have helped usher in the era of free cash flow in unconventional development. Oversized drilling programs with varying results caused investors to leave the sector, but sentiments have changed. Capital is readily available, and investors are seeking new opportunities. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear from energy capital leaders as they share more about where and how funding is available, and what investments are the best bets.

Family offices are increasingly playing a significant role in traditional oil and gas capital, with many seeking direct investments in energy assets to diversify their portfolios. These private wealth entities are drawn to the stability and long-term returns often associated with the oil and gas sector, especially as it continues to be a cornerstone of global energy markets, and U.S. energy security remains a top domestic priority. As family offices bring both capital and strategic vision, they are shaping the future of energy investments, navigating complex regulatory environments and driving operational improvements in the sector. This panel discussion will feature insight from family offices making significant investments now in the oil and gas industry.
 

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, identifying new investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector requires a strategic approach, as well as an understanding of the ups and downs of the markets. This session will explore the key factors that investors consider when evaluating potential investments, including asset quality, operational efficiency, and market conditions. Panelists will share their insights on the most promising areas for growth and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with investing in emerging technologies and new unconventional plays.

Oil and gas operators are increasingly focused on demonstrating financial discipline and operational efficiency when raising capital, as investors prioritize risk mitigation in a volatile market. That focus has resulted in record free cash flow, reassuring investors. Operators are adapting their strategies to emphasize asset management, with many turning to joint ventures and partnerships to access funding without overextending financial resources. In this operator session, you’ll hear from top companies who have found the right recipe with operational success with free cash flow generation.

Chord Energy was formed in 2022 following the merger of Oasis Petroleum and Whiting Petroleum. Today, Chord Energy is a leading pure-play operator in the Williston Basin, holding more than 1.3 million net acres and running five rigs. With a $7 billion market cap, Chord Energy has returned more than $4 billion to shareholders since 2021. In this keynote address, CEO Danny Brown will discuss how Chord Energy has allocated capital between organic investments, M&A and shareholder returns.

The landscape of private equity in energy finance is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on diversifying investments beyond traditional oil and gas. Investors are increasingly looking for opportunities in emerging energy sectors, prompting private equity firms to adjust their strategies. But with operators consistently producing solid returns, stable oil prices, and growing demand for natural gas, traditional oil and gas investments remain appealing to investors. This panel discussion will feature top private equity companies who will share their perspectives on lending practices and what they seek in a smart investment. 
 

Immense opportunities—and challenges—are presented by the rapid growth of AI data centers, driving an unprecedented demand for computing power and storage. However, this expansion comes with its share of risks, particularly as the increased energy needs of these centers place significant pressure on power grids and contribute to the rising demand for natural gas. This one-on-one Q&A discussion will explore how the industry can strategically navigate these opportunities while addressing the challenges of energy supply and environmental impact in this evolving landscape.
 

This panel of deal-makers will explore the distinct perspectives from both the buy-side and sell-side in the oil and gas industry, particularly as they relate to energy capital. From the buy-side, panelists will examine how investors are identifying undervalued assets with strong cash flow potential, aiming to capitalize on strategic acquisitions in a rapidly evolving market. On the sell-side, industry leaders will discuss how companies are divesting non-core assets and streamlining operations to unlock value and attract capital, shedding light on the key trends shaping decision-making on both sides of the market.
 

This session will explore how new sources of capital are emerging, with a particular focus on the evolving roles of private equity, institutional investors, and sustainable finance. Discussion will focus on the trends shaping the future of energy investment and cover how companies can position themselves to capitalize on these changes while navigating the challenges ahead. Attendees will gain valuable insights into where the energy capital market is heading and what it means for the industry’s future.