2026 Speakers
2026 Permian basin water in energy conference
The Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference drives conversation and collaboration to advance water management – how it’s moved, reused, financed, and regulated – across the entire energy value chain. As a program of The University of Texas Permian Basin, net proceeds directly benefit the future and UT Permian Basin students.
The 2026 conference will convene more than 50 speakers over two and half days – bringing together commercial executives, engineers, innovators, policy experts, lawmakers, capital partners and regulators, all to champion responsible resource management and sustainable solutions.
keynote speakers
Maynard Holt
Wednesday, April 8 – Lunch Keynote
Maynard Holt is the founder and CEO of Veriten, a research, investing, and strategy firm focused on long-term energy markets and strategic decision-making. Built on the momentum of the widely followed Close of Business Tuesday podcast, Veriten brings together diverse perspectives from across the energy sector to inform investors and industry leaders. Holt previously served as CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. and brings more than 27 years of experience in energy investment banking and strategic advisory.
Billy Murphy
Tuesday, April 7 – Welcome Reception Keynote
Billy Murphy is Chief Executive Officer of University Lands, which manages 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral estate in the Permian Basin on behalf of the University of Texas System’s Permanent University Fund. The organization generates billions of dollars annually to support higher education across Texas. Before joining University Lands, Murphy served as Vice President and Executive Officer at King Ranch, Inc. and previously practiced energy law at Bracewell LLP.
Christian Wallace
Wednesday, April 8 – Dinner Keynote
Christian Wallace is a screenwriter and journalist from West Texas whose work explores the people, culture, and industries that shape the Permian Basin. Raised in Andrews, he worked on oil rigs outside his hometown before building a career in journalism. Wallace joined Texas Monthly in 2016, where he became a staff writer and senior editor, authoring multiple cover stories and earning three National Magazine Award nominations. He is the creator and host of the hit podcast Boomtown, which has garnered more than 7.6 million downloads, and co-creator of the Paramount+ series Landman with Taylor Sheridan.
Featured speakers

Lesli Allison

Tracee Bentley

Eric Bernard

Richard Brantley

Lucy Brash

Hannah Chittenden

Alistair Clague

Robert Crain

Bill Curry

First Last

Mark Ellison

Brady Franks

Adam Friedman

Cody Harris

Harley Henninger

Ashley Kegley-Whitehead

Damon Kennedy

Jordan Lake

Adrianne Lopez

Rick McCurdy

Robert Moak

Sara Morey

Robert Norton

Laura Ortiz-Huerta

Pat Patton

Brooke Paup

Ray Perryman

Isaac Ramirez

Stephen Robertson

First Last

Katie Smye

Becky Spurlock

Caleb Tash

Jesse Thompson

Paul Tough

Alan Van Reet

Gregory Williams
