In an international context shaped by geopolitical tensions and structural changes in energy markets, Arpel Conference 2026 will focus on three key themes that are currently defining the direction of the sector in Latin America and the Caribbean: the impact of geopolitics on energy security, the growing role of natural gas as a vector for regional integration, and the development of Vaca Muerta as one of the world’s leading unconventional hydrocarbon assets.

The event, to be held from June 1 to 4 in Buenos Aires, will open with the participation of Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global, who will provide a strategic outlook on “Geopolitics and energy under Trump 2.0,” offering context and perspective on a global agenda undergoing profound transformation.

This will be followed by a central session addressing geopolitical and business scenarios for the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, with contributions from leading international institutions such as the Center for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute of Rice University, the Institute of the Americas at the University of California, S&P Global Energy, and MAP Latam.

During the first day, a keynote interview will also be held with Horacio Marín, Chairman and CEO of YPF, who will discuss the company’s transformation process and its role in the evolution of Argentina’s oil and gas industry.

CEOs discuss the future of the industry

One of the pillars of the program will be the CEO panels, bringing together top executives from leading companies to discuss investment, growth and sustainability in a context marked by uncertainty and accelerating change.

The oil panel will feature Julio Friedmann (ENAP), Cecilia San Román (ANCAP), Andrés Cavallari (Raízen), Ricardo Hösel (Oldelval), Felipe Bayón (GeoPark) and Carlos Gilardone (Quintana Energy).

The natural gas panel will bring together Tomás Delgado (TGP), Horacio Pizarro (TGN), Oscar Sardi (TGS), María Julia Aybar (Hunt Oil Company) and Juan Manuel Rojas (Promigas).

Together, these sessions will provide a direct perspective on how companies are redefining their strategies in response to market volatility, evolving demand and the challenges associated with the energy transition.

Vaca Muerta and unconventional resource development

The development of unconventional resources will feature prominently on the agenda, including a dedicated panel on Vaca Muerta and its potential as a driver of regional growth.

Participants will include Juan Manuel Ardito (YPF), Ricardo Ferreiro (Tecpetrol), Ricardo Digregorio (Pan American Energy) and Ignacio Mazariegos (GeoPark), who will analyze the current state of development, expansion prospects, and challenges related to infrastructure and access to international markets.

The agenda will also address other key topics such as the expansion of LNG use and exports in the region, with the participation of Promigas and Naturgas from Colombia, the International Gas Union, TGS, Rystad, the Argentina-Texas Chamber of Commerce, and YPF.

On regional energy integration, contributions will come from Petrobras, the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP), TGN, OLACDE and Tecpetrol, providing a complementary perspective on opportunities for cross-country collaboration.

Refining trends and emerging challenges

Arpel Conference 2026 will also feature several panels on new trends in refining, with participation from representatives of Ecopetrol, YPF, PAE, Arthur D. Little, Raízen, ENAP, Trafigura, ANCAP and S&P Global Energy.

Deepwater exploration, climate and transition risk management, digital transformation, industrial cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the future of work will be among the additional themes addressed throughout the program, reflecting the growing complexity of the global energy system.

Finally, industry associations will play a prominent role in two dedicated sessions analyzing the present and future of the energy sector from both global and regional perspectives, with a focus on the specific realities of each country. Participants will include Ipieca, SPE International, IOGP, IGU, WPC Energy, IBP, ACP, SNMPE, SPH, Naturgas and the Argentine Institute of Oil and Gas (IAPG).

Organized by Arpel, the Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Conference will bring together government authorities, international leaders and senior executives in Buenos Aires, consolidating its position as a key platform to anticipate trends, generate opportunities and strengthen dialogue among the main players in the regional and global energy industry.

More information at https://www.arpel.org/en/arpelconference