Since 1978, the Mid-Continent Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has been organizing this biennial conference, and the 2026 SPE IOR Conference will uphold this long-standing tradition as the leading event for discussions on enhanced oil recovery (IOR). If you were with us in 2024, you’ll know the value of these gatherings in advancing our industry.

The theme for the 2026 conference, “Advancing IOR: Proven and Emerging Strategies for Maximizing Recovery,” underscores the latest innovations and established practices in IOR. It promises to remain highly relevant to global operators and a variety of production environments across different geological contexts. The focus will be on both conventional and unconventional reservoirs, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and economic feasibility. At this event, the foremost global IOR experts will convene, creating a platform for sharing insights, debating ideas, and discovering cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing oil and gas recovery while reducing carbon footprints.

Our industry is known for its innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus on return on investment. However, IOR processes tend to be more strategic, with unique economic profiles, often higher OPEX, and more complex reserve booking scenarios than typical drilling projects. To make strides in IOR, we must harness the same level of innovation and mindset that fueled the shale revolution, especially when it comes to improving recovery factors. The significant advances in reducing drilling costs per foot and lowering emissions are clear examples of what focused effort can accomplish. Let’s rise to the challenge!

I warmly invite you to join me and the planning committee at the 2026 SPE IOR Conference in Tulsa. I encourage you to actively engage by submitting an abstract, showcasing your products and services, or becoming a sponsor. The conference will feature short courses, technical seminars, exhibits, our traditional opening plenary session, as well as Keynote and Pioneer Awards Luncheons. It will take place at the stunning River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, which boasts a state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot convention and meeting center. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

I look forward to welcoming you to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the next SPE IOR Conference in 2026.

Welcome,

Tom McCoy

General Chair, 2026 IOR