Schedule
Check back regularly for schedule updates!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
11:30 am – 7:00 pm | Registration Open
Sponsored by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 66 and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18
Note: Attendees may check-in and pick up their badge throughout the afternoon but will not be permitted beyond the registration area until the 5:00 pm Welcome Reception. Access before then is limited to exhibitors and authorized personnel.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Welcome Reception
Lead Sponsor: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Supporting Sponsors: Americans for Prosperity – PA, Endeavor Professional Services, LLC, EAS Regional Council of Carpenters, Mansfield Crane Service Corporation, and Moody and Associates, Inc.
Kick off SHALE INSIGHT® 2026 in style at the Welcome Reception on the water’s edge. Don’t miss this high-energy evening of networking, entertainment, and sunset views you won’t forget.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
7:30 am – 6:00 pm |Registration Open
Sponsored by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 66 and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18
7:30 am – 10:15 am | Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:15 am | General Sessions
Welcome to SHALE INSIGHT® 2026
General Session
Sponsored by Expand Energy
General Session
Sponsored by Range Resources
10:15 am – 11:00 am | Networking Break in Exhibit Area
Exhibit Area
University Research Showcase
Sponsored by PennEnergy Resources
Refreshments
Sponsored by Applied Construction Solutions
11:15 am – 12:30 pm | Breakout Sessions
A Comprehensive Approach to Data Center Development and the Pivotal Role of Natural Gas
Sponsored by Babst Calland
Today’s data center projects sit at the intersection of power generation, environmental regulation, land use, infrastructure and technology, requiring coordinated legal strategies across multiple disciplines. Babst Calland is currently guiding the development of well over 3,000 MW of new power generation capacity in data center development projects – spanning hyperscale campuses and smaller modular facilities. Projects include design, permitting, power generation, interconnection, and financing of both behind‑the‑meter generation assets (natural gas turbines, solar + storage, etc.) and fully islanded power systems that support mission-critical workloads. This session will address the phases of data center development critical to ensuring that the power infrastructure meets capacity goals while managing legal and regulatory risk across jurisdictions. Topics to be address include site acquisition and control, water and energy access, and regulatory and permitting risks across state and federal jurisdictions, and community response and local land use and zoning approvals.
Moderator
Robert “Max” Junker, Esq.
Shareholder, Babst Calland
Panel
Brian Peglowski
General Manager, Turner Construction Company
Jon Sutter
Vice President, Public Affairs, Nebius
Air Quality Investigations: The Power of Defensible Data
Sponsored by CleanAir Engineering
As the industry refines its approach to emissions management in the Appalachian Basin, the demand for high-quality, transparent, and defensible data has never been greater. This session reviews the changing landscape of fugitive emissions monitoring from a top-down perspective. It includes a critical examination of satellite remote sensing, aerial surveys, and ground-based continuous monitoring, as well as how these measurements are utilized within the industry. We will compare aerial surveys with satellite remote sensing, highlighting the advantages of aerial platforms for reliable leak detection and quantification. We will also explore advanced air quality risk-mapping tools, discuss the underlying assumptions and data products, while emphasizing the importance of validating model predictions against reliable data from continuous monitoring. This session will demonstrate how integrating these diverse methods provides a robust, science-based understanding of facility emissions, which enables more effective and defensible methane management.
Moderator
Volker Schmid, PhD
Senior Vice President, Measurement Services & Products, CleanAir Engineering
Panel
Doug Goetz, PhD
Air Quality Scientist, CleanAir Engineering
Seth Tribbey
Senior Director of Sales, Bridger Photonics
Mark Wayner, PE
Environmental Compliance Manager, Range Resources
Improving Asset Performance by Leveraging Advanced Surface and Subsurface Technologies
Sponsored by Halliburton
Halliburton will provide an overview of how they have deployed real time sub-surface measurement / models, integrated it with their industry leading controls systems to close the loop and deploy dynamic frac designs. This section will also cover innovations in surface solutions which have positively impacted operational efficiency. They will provide an overview of the enhancements deployed leveraging Halliburton’s digital capabilities and new equipment to enhance operational performance.
Faraaz Adil
Global Business Development, Production Enhancement, Halliburton
Des Murphy
Business Development Technology Manager, Northeast/Rockies, Halliburton
Breakout Session
Sponsored by Williams
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Luncheon and General Sessions
Luncheon
Sponsored by Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency
General Session
Sponsored by EQT Corporation
General Session
Sponsored by MPLX LP
Closing Remarks and Networking Reception Invitation
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm | Networking Break in Exhibit Area
Exhibit Area
University Research Showcase
Sponsored by PennEnergy Resources
Refreshments
Sponsored by Applied Construction Solutions
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Breakout Sessions
Building Community Support for Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Projects: Creating the Conditions for Growth through Engagement, Transparency, and Partnership
Sponsored by Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
As demand for data centers and energy infrastructure continues to grow, successful project delivery depends on more than sound engineering and financing—it requires public trust, effective stakeholder engagement, and a clear path through environmental permitting. This panel will explore how developers and community leaders can build durable support through early and meaningful public engagement, transparent communication, and collaborative partnerships. Panelists will discuss strategies for addressing community concerns, navigating environmental review and permitting processes, and aligning projects with local priorities while meeting regulatory requirements.
Panel
Mike Archer, PE
Principal, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Amanda Black
Vice President, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Brian Regli
Entrepreneur and Consultant, Former Executive Director, Critical Investments, Commonwealth of PA
Can We Build? Risks, Strategies, and Lessons for Navigation of Current Challenges to Energy Infrastructure Development
Sponsored by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
As energy demand accelerates, so does a renewed opposition to the infrastructure needed to meet it. Whether it’s a natural gas pipeline, transmission project, renewable facility, or data center, developers increasingly face organized campaigns aimed at delaying, reshaping, or stopping projects altogether. This session will examine the growing influence of NIMBY and BANANA movements on pipelines, transmission lines, power generation, renewable projects, and data center development. Legal, industry, and government relations leaders will share perspectives on emerging risks, stakeholder engagement strategies, and practical lessons for advancing projects in a complex development landscape. Attendees will gain insight into the evolving dynamics influencing project development and what they mean for the future of energy reliability, affordability, and growth.
Moderator
Carrie Lewis DelRosso
Principal-Government Relations, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Panel
Victoria Bechtold Kush, Esq.
Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Robert Burns, Esq.
Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Brendan Lucas, Esq.
Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Jim Rodgers
Regional Development Director, Woolpert
Immersive by Design: Building the Next Generation Energy Workforce
Sponsored by Devon Energy
This session explores how immersive technology is reshaping technical workforce development across the upstream and midstream space. Attendees will get a hands-on look at the Xalter Virtual Wellsite Training System — an innovative VR platform that pairs physical training equipment with high-fidelity digital twins to accelerate skill-building for the energy workforce of tomorrow.
We’ll walk through the integrated learning model that blends hands-on physical trainers (including the Flange Trainer) with VR digital-twin practice in environments modeled on real wellsite and midstream assets. Participants will see how learners progress from foundational component knowledge to full disassembly, reassembly, and application within a realistic virtual site — and how this approach is being extended to address the unique demands of midstream operations.
The session will also highlight the growing collaboration between industry and education. In partnership with one or more higher-education and career & technical education institutions, this work is creating scalable, replicable training pathways that connect classroom learning to field-ready competency.
Technology Showcase
Sponsored by Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
The SHALE INSIGHT® 2026 annual Technology Showcase provides a premiere opportunity for developers of emerging technologies to introduce new innovations to the natural gas industry and its service providers. Selected from a competitive field of entries by the MSC Research Collaborative, the Technology Showcase will highlight the latest technologies coming to the industry.
Keynote Speaker
Patty Horvatich
Senior Vice President, Business Investment, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
Presenting Companies (to be announced)
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Networking Reception in Exhibit Area
Networking Reception
Lead Sponsor: Repsol
Supporting Sponsor: Lindhome & Songster
Exhibit Area
University Research Showcase
Sponsored by PennEnergy Resources
6:00 pm | Open Night
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
7:30 am – 12:00 pm | Registration Open
Sponsored by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 66 and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18
7:30 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:00 am | General Sessions
Welcome Back to SHALE INSIGHT® 2026
University Research Showcase Student Recognition and Highlights
Sponsored by PennEnergy Resources
General Session
Sponsored by ExxonMobil
General Session
Sponsored by Devon Energy
10:00 am – 10:45 am | Networking Break in Exhibit Area
Exhibit Area
University Research Showcase
Sponsored by PennEnergy Resources
Refreshments
Sponsored by Applied Construction Solutions
11:00 am – 12:15 pm | Breakout Sessions
Accelerating AI Data Center Development: Integrated Siting, Infrastructure Planning, and Risk Management
Sponsored by Geosyntec Consultants
AI‑driven data centers are expanding at unprecedented speed, placing new demands on energy systems, water resources, land availability, and linear infrastructure. This presentation will provide a comprehensive look at the strategies required to successfully plan and deliver large‑scale data center projects, particularly in regions with co-located pipeline, power generation, and transmission development activity.
Drawing on the panel’s national experience supporting hundreds of prospective data center sites, the session will highlight best practices in due diligence, site selection, environmental and community risk minimization, and stakeholder engagement. The discussion will also emphasize the importance of coordinated planning across all supporting infrastructure, including natural gas pipelines, electric transmission and distribution, water supply, and onsite or regional power generation.
Moderator
Chuck Whisman, PE
Senior Principal Engineer, Geosyntec Consultants
Panel
Mark Johnson
Senior Principal, Geosyntec Consultants
Abby Smith
President and CEO, Team PA
Scott Walker
Senior Principal, Geosyntec Consultants
All About the Endangerment Finding and What It Means to You
Sponsored by Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP
From Massachusetts v. EPA to EPA’s 2026 recission of the Endangerment Finding, this session will provide practical insight into the legal and policy bases and regulatory implications of EPA’s climate-focused actions under the Clean Air Act. The session will cut through the complexity of this issue to answer questions like “what’s now?” and “what’s next?” for state and federal air permitting and regulatory programs, and how such changes may affect the oil and gas industry. Hear from legal practitioners and industry experts for multidisciplinary perspectives on this important topic.
Moderator
Todd Kantorczyk, Esq.
Partner, Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP
Panel
Carol McCabe, Esq.
Managing Partner, Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP
Joe Rykowski, QEP, CHMM
HES Professional – New Programs/Advocacy, MPLX LP
Vanessa Stewart
Policy Specialist – Upstream, Expand Energy
Environmental Permitting and Mitigation for Complex Development
Sponsored by Davey Resource Group, Inc.
As the energy and digital infrastructure demand increases across the environmental permitting landscape for FERC-regulated pipelines and large-scale data centers, it has become more complex, scrutinized, and frequently challenged. This panel includes a team of experienced environmental consultants alongside legal counsel and PADEP, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on environmental permitting in a climate defined by heightened public engagement and judicial review. At the core of the discussion is a shared premise: durable permitting outcomes are rooted in intentional, strategic planning that begins at the earliest stages of project development. The panel will emphasize that stakeholder engagement is not simply procedural, but a substantive opportunity to shape projects in ways that are both responsive and resilient. A critical component of this early coordination is the development of a clear and credible mitigation strategy. The panel will explore how advancing mitigation planning early on, can meaningfully shape project outcomes. Attendees will gain practical, actionable strategies for navigating the evolving permitting environment, with insights into how interdisciplinary collaboration can reduce risk, enhance credibility, and improve long-term project outcomes.
Moderator
Christie Blevins, PWS, CESSWI, LEED AP
Director of Regulatory and Permitting, Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Panel
John Dixon, Esq.
Counsel, Saul Ewing LLP
Josh Henry
Director of Energy, Davey Resource Group, Inc.
David Lach
Director of Business Development, Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Cristine Vinciguerra, PG
Licensed Professional Geologist, Major Projects Permitting Division, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Breakout Session
Sponsored by PSATS
12:15 pm – 1:25 pm | Luncheon and General Sessions
Luncheon
Sponsored by Seneca Resources/National Fuel Midstream Company
General Session
