Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Event Schedule

• Drill Bit Forum Registration: 7:30 AM
• Golf Tournament Registration: 11:00 AM
• Shotgun Start: 1:00 PM

Location

Highland Pines Golf Club
6700 Highland Pines Drive
Porter, TX 77365

Conference Agenda

Registration opens (for both events), coffee and light breakfast, exhibits open

Introduction and safety briefing

Session 1 – Permian & Delaware Basin – Drilling Challenges

Moderators

• Ole Gjertsen, SLB
• Derek Nelms, Baker Hughes

Operator Panelists

• Ross Durkee – OXY
• Vladimir Crvenjakov, Wells Engineer – Chevron

Bit Providers

• Halliburton, Greg Grosz: Shankless Bit Technology: From Steel to Matrix
• SLB, Dalia Garduno: Taking Unconventional Curve & Lateral Next Level
• NOV, Moustafa Saleh: Improving Delaware Intermediate Performance with Strategically Oriented Shaped Cutters
• Taurex, Cameron Devers: Diagnostic Bit Forensics – Case study of rapid cutter development and testing for rapidly advancing lateral wells in the Delaware Basin
• Baker Hughes, Armin Kueck: Smooth is Fast – A New Simulation-Based Approach to Design Stable PDCs for RSS

Break, exhibits open, golf check-in

Session 2 – Drilling Challenging Intermediate Sections in the Western United States and East Texas/Northern Louisiana

Moderator

• Douglas Stephens, Ulterra

Operator Panelists

• Brad Huggard – AETHON
• Allen Sinor – The Competency Alliance

Bit Providers

• Ulterra, David Desormeaux: Improving Drilling Performance of the Intermediate Section, Travis Peak Formation
• Taurex, Cameron Devers: 14.5 mm Cutter Technology and Bit Design as a Response to Hard Rock Challenges in the Travis Peak Intermediate Sections
• Ulterra, Matt Case: PDC Bit Technology Shears Fractured Granite to Access Geothermal Power
• NOV, Richard Rivera: Cutter Grade and Shape Selection for Geothermal

Session 3 – Technical Challenges in Jumbo-Size Drill Bit Applications for Deepwater Operations

Moderator

• Gloria Agudelo

Operator Panelists

• Oscar Sanchez, Drilling Optimization Specialist – Chevron
• Piero d’Ambrosio, Drilling Optimization Specialist – BP

Bit Providers

• Baker Hughes, Brandon Cherry: 26-inch Deep Water Drill Bit Development
• Halliburton DBS, Deysy Baez: 26″ PDC Bit Development – GoA
• SLB, Dexter Trahan: GoA 26″ Section Challenges & Solutions
• Ulterra, Jorge Silveus: Addressing Technical Challenges or Torque Management

Break, exhibits open

Lunch and presentation by David Bat

Golf check-in ends

Closing remarks from Derek Nelms, Baker Hughes & Douglas Stephens, Ulterra

Golf tournament

Exhibits remain open

Registration & Sponsorship

Sponsorships and registration are now open.

Pricing

Drill Bit Forum

• Member: $175
• Non-Member: $195

Golf Tournament

• Single Golfer: $275
• Foursome Team: $875

Join the Committee

Interested in helping shape this event or know someone who would be a great fit? Submit a quick committee application and we will respond within 24 hours.

About the Event

BITS & BALLS is an exclusive experience for professionals in the drill bits and downhole tools space. The event combines in-depth technical discussions on drill bit performance, innovation, and optimization with a premium golf experience alongside industry peers.

What to Expect

• Technical insights into drill bit design, durability, and downhole performance
• Real-world perspectives on data, technology, and efficiency in oil & gas drilling
• High-value networking with drilling professionals and industry leaders
• A relaxed yet competitive round of golf at a top-tier course

Why Attend

Just like golf, drilling requires precision, strategy, and the right tools. BITS & BALLS connects the science behind drill bits with the relationships that
drive the industry forward in an environment built for meaningful conversation and memorable experiences.

Who Should Attend

• Drill Bit & Downhole Tool Professionals
• Drilling Engineers & Technology Specialists
• Oil & Gas Decision-Makers & Technical Leaders

Sharpen your edge. Strengthen your network. Drive performance—on the course and downhole.