The Petroleum Connection has been hosting the industry’s leading frac sand conference for over a decade now. Pete Cook saw a need for a high-quality conference that focused on frac sand supply-chain issues instead of just technical concerns. It’s shifted over the years from the complexity of a NWS dominant market to the rise of in-basin sand in the Permian and the maturation of an ever-evolving industry.
But this year is different…
- Money is back in the industry. No, we’re not talking about the crazy throw-big-bags-of-money-at-it of the past. Frac Sand prices are up big this year (around 200%+ y/y). Supply-demand equilibrium is allowing frac sand mines who nearly bled to death finally make it back in black. This organic cash increase gives the flexibility for those mines to invest in very-delayed maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, mine expansions, etc. The increase in Texas local sand prices also brings it closer to NWS prices. We know there was some NWS shipped down earlier this year when supply was lowest, but could this be more of a Permian feature going forward?
- This will be the biggest conference in the past few years. Representatives from over a dozen operators are already committed. Liberty’s Ron Gusek and a few other surprise shale leaders will be sharing their overall industry outlook. Senior frac sand executives are speaking. Supporting industry suppliers have ramped up their investments. Come join us as we look forward into 2023 and what it holds for frac sand. Hundreds of attendees will be discussing everything from sand demand to E&P capex growth to trucking to damp sand.
- The industry has finally matured. After years of saying “we’ll be more disciplined”, we’ve actually done it. Despite the increase in frac sand prices, we haven’t seen a crazy number of mines go up. Despite the early year’s boom in oil and gas prices and the administration’s pleas for more production, operators have stayed strong keeping their growth in moderation. The industry is no longer a rowdy college kid, but a mature adult who can turn down that one more drink. We’re tired of riding the cycles and are ready for more sustainable, healthy growth that allows us all to sleep a little easier at night. It’s Frac Sand Industry 2.0
Now, more than ever, relationships are key. The field of companies is being set for long-term, sustainable growth. As we all learned during COVID, in-person conversations are the foundations of relationship. Those conversations, those interactions, those partnerships are what help our industry grow and provide responsibly-sourced energy for the world.
Come help us shape the future of frac sand: 11th Annual Frac Sand Supply & Logistics Conference – Petroleum Connection