NAPE isn’t just a conference—it’s where careers are made, deals are struck, and legendary stories unfold. From its scrappy beginnings at the Westin Galleria to becoming *the* networking event in oil and gas, this episode is packed with stories of game-changing opportunities, wild deals (including a seismic map sold *three times*), and unforgettable encounters with icons like Clayton Williams. Grant Yates and Brooks Hunt share how NAPE opened doors for independent operators, investors, and industry pros, shaping the last 30 years of oil and gas. Whether you’re a veteran who’s been there since the beginning or just curious about how this event became a cornerstone of the industry, this one’s full of laughs, insights, and a few stories you won’t believe.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.
Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.
Apply today at collide.io

Click here to view the episode transcript.


00:00 - AAPL’s First NAPE
02:31 - How NAPE Started
04:19 - NAPE’s Early Days
08:30 - NAPE’s Glory Days
15:38 - NAPE Attendance Tips
19:44 - NAPE Charities Impact
22:30 - Final Thoughts on NAPE
25:04 - Networking Importance at NAPE
25:57 - Benefits of Attending Conferences

https://twitter.com/collide_io

https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io

https://www.facebook.com/collide.io

https://www.instagram.com/collide.io

https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io

https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social

https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters