Speaker Bio:
Keith Smelker leads the full drilling program for bpx energy, overseeing a multi-basin organization that consistently delivers safe, efficient, and top-quartile well execution. His leadership emphasizes ownership, operational discipline, continuous improvement, and building a culture where people grow as leaders and teammates.
Since joining bpx in 2022, Keith has strengthened the company’s drilling performance through a focus on collaboration, empowerment, and technical excellence. He is particularly passionate about developing his people—equipping engineers, supervisors, and frontline teams to lead confidently, communicate effectively, and elevate each other’s performance.
Keith brings 16 years of prior experience from Shell, where he worked across wells engineering, drilling operations, and supply chain in both offshore and onshore environments. His work across multiple U.S. shale plays has centered on improving drilling and completions efficiency and advancing integrated execution models that unlock consistent, scalable performance.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
*Note Pricing Details
SPE Members:
$30 if paid by Wednesday, September 2, 2026
$35 if registered by September 2, 2026, and select Pay at Door.
Note the email invoice will show $30, but $35 will be charged at the door.
$35 if no pre-registration.
NON-SPE Members:
$40 if paid by Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
$45 if registered by Septebmer 2, 2026, and select Pay at Door.
Note the email invoice will show $40, but $45 will be charged at the door.
$45 if no pre-registration.
NOTE: The Petroleum Club of Lafayette will no longer allow PC members to use their personal PC accounts to pay for outside organizations meetings/events' meals held at The Petroleum Club. This decision was made by The Petroleum Club's senior management.
Students/Faculty: First ten (10) are free; >10 then $10 / $15 at the door. Students/Faculty must email Grant Trahan for lunch vouchers by Wednesday, September 2, 2026 and there is no need to register on the SPE website. Valid for current SPE Evangeline Section SSPE members only.
Members in Transition (looking for work) $0 in-person if pre-registered by Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Join us to network and keep your industry knowledge current at no cost if you are not currently employed. To receive a lunch voucher, you must email Grant Trahan. Valid for current SPE Evangeline Section members only.