How does conventional exploration fit into portfolios in the shale era?

Conventional exploration is back in the money following years of poor full-cycle returns. Today, there's a new context: tight oil has boosted the US to be the top oil producing country in the world, albeit without strong returns for some players.

It took discipline through the downturn to fix the broken economics of conventional exploration. Now, while absolute volumes are down, commercial viability is more certain for many discoveries thanks to lower costs and new approaches to development. Importantly, returns and values are up, and Wall Street is eyeing offshore assets as shale investment interest cools.

Wood Mackenzie and Verisk Maplecroft analysts are presenting on exploration and wider upstream trends throughout the week of 20 May at the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition in San Antonio, as well as the AIPN International Petroleum Summit in Houston.

Here's where to find our analysts:

AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition

Monday 20 May: Julie Wilson, research director, global exploration, Wood Mackenzie, opens the International Pavilion with a keynote address at 1:30pm to discuss exploration's return to profitability.

Tuesday 21 May: Julie Wilson, research director, global exploration, Wood Mackenzie, presents in a technical session in Room 207 A-B at 1:40pm covering conventional exploration.

AIPN International Petroleum Summit

Thursday 23 May:

• 9:15am-10:15am: RoseAnne Franco, director, head of oil and gas risk, Verisk Maplecroft, talks geopolitics and short-term pricing
• 2:45pm-3:45pm: Julie Wilson, research director, global exploration, Wood Mackenzie, participates on a panel discussing exploration strategy in the shale era
• 4:15pm-5:15pm: Dimitra Vlachou, investment research analyst, Wood Mackenzie, chairs a panel on disruptive technologies and practices in oil and gas.

We hope to see you at AAPG and AIPN as we share our insights on the new landscape for conventional exploration.