2026 Energy Conference - BOTH DAYS

Overview

Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants
2026 Energy Conference
November 12-13
One Acadiana- Lafayette


DAY ONE: Thursday, November 12

8:00 am Registration & Breakfast Opens

8:25 am Welcome/Opening Remarks

8:30 – 9:25 am
State of the Industry
Mike Moncla • President – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association • Baton Rouge, LA

9:25 – 10:25 am
Carbon Capture: Where We Are and What's Next
Mark Dore, JD • The Dore Law Firm, LLC • Lafayette, LA
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has evolved from an emerging concept into a critical component of the nation's energy and industrial strategy. As technology advances, regulatory frameworks mature, and investment continues to grow, energy professionals are increasingly called upon to understand the legal, commercial, and operational realities shaping this rapidly developing sector.

This session provides a practical update on the current state of carbon capture, examining recent technological developments, federal and state policy changes, project activity, and the market forces driving continued investment. Particular attention will be given to Louisiana's unique position as a national leader in carbon management, including its geologic advantages, industrial infrastructure, and evolving regulatory environment.

10:25 – 10:45 am Break

10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Cybersecurity Resilience in Accounting: Safeguarding Financial Data 
Les Nettleton • Retired- Bourgeois Bennett • New Orleans, LA
The accounting profession remains a primary target for sophisticated cyber threats due to the highly sensitive financial data it manages. This session delivers a critical update on the intersection of emerging technology, evolving regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks. We will analyze the modern threat landscape, focusing on business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attack vectors (attempts made to access your systems and/or data), and the unique data privacy liabilities facing accountants today.


12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (included)


1:00 – 2:00 pm
Two Hinges of Leadership: Awareness and Trust
Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LA
A leader who refuses to examine his/her own triggers, blind spots, and areas of growth will never be equipped to truly serve those he leads. This presentation unpacks the two foundational hinges that every effective leader must develop: the awareness to work on oneself, and the trust that binds a team together — trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust in the people around you. Because at the end of the day, people don't follow titles or authority — they follow leaders who have earned their trust and proven they exist to serve, not to be served.

2:00 – 3:00 pm
Gulf Coast Energy Update
Greg Upton, PhD • Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA

3:00 – 3:20 pm Break

3:20 – 4:50 pm
Energy Update
Dr. Mark Zappi, PE • Professor of Chemical Engineering - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LA



DAY TWO: Friday, November 13

7:30 am Registration & Breakfast Opens

7:55 am Opening Remarks

8:00 – 9:00 am
It’s Been 65 Years of COPAS Auditing and Joint Interest Accounting: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, Where Are We Going?
Mike Cougevan • Vice President – Martindale Consultants, Inc. • Denver, CO

9:00 – 10:00 am
Legislation and Litigation for Oil, Gas & Energy
Chris Peyton, JD • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA
Mattie Zepernick, JD  • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA

10:00 – 10:20 am Break

10:20 –11:30 am
AI

11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 1:20 pm
Department of Conservation and Energy Update
Dustin Davidson • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy • Baton Rouge, LA

1:20 – 2:10 pm  
Timber Industry Update
Buck Vandersteen • Executive Director - Louisiana Forestry Association • Alexandria, LA

2:10 – 2:30 pm Break

2:30 – 3:25 pm 
Tax Update
John Schmidt, CGMA, CPA, MBA, PFS • Pelican Tax & Consulting CPA, LLC • Shreveport, LA
 
3:25– 4:20 pm  
Economic Update
Sarah Delord • Vice President, Sr Portfolio Manager - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA
Greg Kass Jr • Senior Trust Portfolio Manager  - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA

Notice

HOTEL INFORMATION
Energy Conference attendees get exclusive rates on rooms for this event starting at $129/night:

DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette
1521 West Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, LA 70503
337.235.6111

Book by October 28!

RESERVE ONLINE

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.