Latin America holds large potential of undiscovered unconventional and deepwater hydrocarbon resources which represent the future towards a solid economic development and energy independence. Attendees of this forum will learn from regional regulator leaders the latest information and challenges on the regulatory framework that will enable the exploration and development of these resources in a sustainable but efficient way. This forum will provide an opportunity for regulators to discuss openly and share challenges associated with the development of unconventional resources and offshore fields. Lessons learned in the U.S. and Canada in revolutionary unconventional resources development will be key to enable the development in several Latin America countries including Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.

On the other hand, lessons learned from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the US in offshore E&P activities will also provide an interesting and valuable view for other countries in the region that are beginning offshore activities.

The following regulators will discuss their views in this panel:

• Juan Carlos Zepeda, Commissioner, CNH, Mexico
• Magda Chambriard, General Director, ANP
• Michael Celata, Regional Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, USA
• Orlando Velandia, President, Colombian Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH), Colombia

This forum will feature the top level officers of Latin America’s largest and most influential National Oil Companies discussing the challenges and opportunities within their own countries and in the international arena. The last decade has seen a significant transformation of some of the Latin American NOCs from national-only companies to international corporations that are aggressively taking advantage of opportunities in the region and in other areas of the world. Top leaders from Pemex, Petrobras, Ecopetrol, and Saudi Aramco will bring to the forum their recent experiences and plans for the future. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from these leaders their strategies, successes and challenges as they guide their corporations into the 21st century.

The following NOC executives will discuss their views in this panel:

• Jose A Gonzalez Anaya, President, Pemex, Mexico
• Max Torres, Vice President of Exploration, Ecopetrol, Colombia
  
• Mario Carminatti, Vice President of Exploration, Petrobras, Brazil
• Ibraheem Assa'adan, Vice President, Exploration, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

This plenary will discuss what drives global energy trends from an IOC’s perspective — it also presents an opportunity to gain perspective, learn from colleagues and build the relationships that will enable us to meet the energy challenges of the future.

The market and economic developments of the past 24 months have created unexpected volatility and new industry challenges. It is necessary to understand the linkage between population growth, economic progress and the amount and type of energy used around the world. Growing populations continue to advance economically over time and seek better living standards, which leads to increased energy use. Regardless of where resources are located around the world, technology will remain a key to unlocking them in the most efficient, effective and environmentally safe manner. It is the people that will find solutions to meet this demand.

To bring these resources to the market will continue to require significant ongoing investment that effectively and efficiently manages the risks inherent in our industry. Our common industry goal is to deliver reliable, affordable energy to the consumer. That is a simple proposition, but of course, it is far more complex to make it a reality, particularly in a volatile environment. It is what has brought success to our industry in the past — a commitment to continued technological advancement and strong, sustainable partnerships.

Speakers will address different aspects of the drive for global energy trends including markets, energy demand, technology, people, environment and partnerships.

Speakers:

• Erik J Oswald, Vice President Exploration, Americas, ExxonMobil Exploration Company
• Jonathan Peachey, Vice President Exploration Portfolio & New Business, Shell
• Michel Hourcard, Senior Vice President Americas, Total
• Liz Schwarze, General Manager Africa and Latin America Exploration, Chevron
• William Tedesco, Vice President Exploration Gulf of Mexico, Anadarko

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Argentina is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Argentina. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Argentina but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• ‭A New Deal for Argentina: Multiple Opportunities in Old Basins, ‭Carlos Macellari, Vice President Exploration, Tecpetrol
• Current and Future Activity of the Argentinian Oil Industry, ‭Juan Pablo Lovecchio, IAPG
• Exploration Offshore Uruguay: A Great Challenge in a New ‭Exploratory Province of the South Atlantic, Hector de Santa Ana, ‭ANCAP

The “Discovery Thinking” Forum will be the sixteenth presentation of the AAPG 100th Anniversary Committee’s program recognizing “100 Who Made a Difference.” This Forum, co-sponsored by AAPG’s Division of Professional Affairs (DPA), will feature four invited speakers who will describe major discoveries in Latin American exploration settings. The forum will celebrate: Giant Discoveries in Latin America and the GOM

Each speaker and their colleagues overcame significant business, technical, and professional challenges. Topics to be discussed will include philosophy of exploration, stories from remarkable careers, professional insights, colorful anecdotes, and lessons learned on the path to success. As technology advances and young geoscientists enter our profession, the organizers see continued interest in forums such as these. These forums provide a venue for explorers to discuss the personal side of success and what has been called the “art of exploration.” As always, the audience is fortunate to hear the speakers share abundant technical data and insights derived from costly and hard won experience.

AAPG offers many technical sessions. “Discovery Thinking” forums fill an important gap in how technical and professional skills combine to turn prospects into discoveries. Speakers are encouraged to share personal stories about discoveries they know well, to bring forward appropriate technical data, and to address questions from the audience and fellow explorers.

Cancun is a great venue to celebrate significant game changing discoveries in Latin America and the GOM.

Speakers:

• Mikel Erquiaga, Repsol, “The Giant Perla Field: Discovery and Impact in the Caribbean”
• Jorge Calvache, Colombia Offshore & Exploration, Ecopetrol
• Guillermo Mora, Vice President Geosciences and Technical Assurance, PEMEX, “Discovery and Challenges of the Southern Gulf of Mexico Gas Province”
• Brian Horn, Senior Vice President, ION, “Regional Mapping Across the Entire Gulf of Mexico Basin — New Plays, New Perspectives, New Discoveries”

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Brazil is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Brazil. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Brazil but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• ‭Petroleum Systems of Brazilian Basins, Henrique L. Penteado, ‭President of Brazilian Petroleum Geologist Association ABGP
• Offshore Brazil Challenges and Opportunities for Medium Private Oil ‭Companies, Renato Bertani, Chief Executive Officer, Barra Energia
• Opportunities in Brazil Go Far Beyond the Pre-Salt, ‭Magda Chambriard, General Director, ANP

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Colombia is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Colombia. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Colombia but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• ‭Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities for Oil and Gas Exploration ‭in Colombia, Orlando Velandia, President, ANH
• Colombia, A Case of Success and Challenges, Francisco Lloreda, ‭President, ACP
• Geopark’s Experience as an Independent and Successful Company ‭in Colombia, Enrique Velasquez, New Business Director, Geopark
• Colombia Caribbean Basin: Unlocking the Potential of a Frontier ‭Area, Jorge Calvache, Colombia Offshore Exploration Manager, ‭Ecopetrol

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Mexico is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Mexico. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Mexico but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• ‭Challenges and Strategies for Oil and Gas Exploration in ‭México from a Regulatory Perspective, Alma America Porres, ‭Commissioner, CNH
• Exploration for Oil and Gas in México Under the New Energy Reform, ‭Alfredo Guzman, Casa Exploration
• New Paradigms for the New Oil and Gas Industry in Mexico, ‭Jaime Buitrago, Amexhi
• Petroleum Exploration Challenges and the Role of Partnerships, ‭Jose A. Escalera, Vice President Exploration, Pemex

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Peru is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Peru. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Peru but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• Peru Current Hydrocarbon Industry Status and New Acreage ‭Opportunities, Rafael Zoeger, President of Perupetro
  • Giant Camisea, Ucayali, Ene and Madre de Dios Hydrocarbon ‭Potential, Federico Seminario, Exploration Manager, ‭Pluspetrol Perú
• Impact of Gas in Peru Economy, Pre and Post Camisea, ‭Barbara Bruce, Peru Energy Expert

Regional integration is one of the key objectives of ICE 2016. Special Country Session Trinidad and Tobago is intended to provide participants with a synopsis on what is currently happening in the oil industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Presenters will outline the key trends, challenges and emerging plays, which represent a significant amount of crude production. Discussions will not only revolve around the geological potential of Trinidad and Tobago but also the overall political and economic outlook that will impact business decisions and exploration strategies. This panel will have the participation of key industry players.

• ‭Trinidad and Tobago’s Current Deepwater Campaign: Implications ‭of the Contractual Obligations and Taxation Regime, Javed Mikhail ‭Razack, AAPG YP T&T Vice President
• Current Business Climate for Small Operators in Trinidad & Tobago ‭and The Impact on Careers in The Sector, Kim Gillezeau, GSTT ‭President
• Developments in the Up and Downstream of Staatsolie Suriname, ‭Wim Dwarkasing, Director Upstream Staatsolie
• Exploration Opportunities in Suriname’s Shallow Water Acreage, ‭August Nelson, Manager Exploration Division Staatsolie