Back to All Media KBH Energy Center Symposium to focus on forces reshaping energy Top executives, leading researchers and other experts will share varied perspectives on the changing energy industry during the 12th Annual Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center Symposium on Sept. 11, 2026, at The University of Texas at Austin. Share Article (AUSTIN, TEXAS, May 5, 2026) — Top executives, leading researchers and other experts will share varied perspectives on the changing energy industry during the 12th Annual Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center Symposium on Sept. 11, 2026, at The University of Texas at Austin. The theme of the 2026 Symposium is “The New Energy Equation: Demand, Power, and Geopolitics.” It will examine the forces reshaping the production, financing and consumption of energy, from geopolitical conflicts to rapid technological innovation. Speakers will include Chevron Chairman of the Board and CEO Michael Wirth, S&P Global Vice Chairman Dr. Daniel Yergin, Oxy CEO Vicki Hollub, energy trader and philanthropist John Arnold, and Quantum Capital founder Wil VanLoh. The University of Texas at Austin Provost and national security expert William Inboden will also be featured. Registration is open to the public. The day will conclude with an event — joint sponsored by the KBH Energy Center and UT’s Clements Center for National Security — marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This capstone conversation will focus on energy security, geopolitical conflict and the evolving nature of global threats. Panelists — including retired U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven — will reflect on the lessons of the past quarter century while examining the new risks, from cyber vulnerabilities to strategic competition, that will shape the next era of energy and security. “Our Symposium brings together some of the most visionary and respected voices across the spectrum of energy,” said former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Founding Member of the KBH Energy Center. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to hear directly from some of the people who are shaping the energy sector today and will determine its future course.” The program will explore contemporary challenges such as infrastructure constraints, supply chain pressures, and regulatory developments, while also looking to the breakthroughs, technologies and ideas that will define our energy future. Conversation topics will span markets, technology, resources, and policy. “We have assembled a stellar program that will provide participants with an array of perspectives on the many pressing issues facing the energy industry and energy consumers today,” said KBH Energy Center Executive Director Jack Balagia. “It is a great time to be connected with the Center in our efforts to support and promote energy careers for our students, and to learn from the many energy professionals who support our programs.” The full program is available to view here. The Symposium is one of the signature events of the KBH Energy Center, which also provides students with numerous opportunities to visit the state’s major energy centers and hear directly from leaders in the industry. More than 600 people attended last year’s Symposium. The Symposium will be preceded by the KBH Energy Center’s invite-only Annual Honoree Dinner on September 10, where the Center will present Michael Wirth, Chevron Chairman of the Board and CEO, with its Award for Excellence in the Energy Industry. This annual award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the energy sector through innovation, leadership, and impact. Past honorees include Darren Woods, Robert Rowling, Donald Evans, Vicki Hollub, Jeffery Hildebrand, Scott Sheffield, L. E. Simmons, Rex Tillerson, and James Mulva. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain; for more information, please email KBHEnergyCenter@utexas.edu. Members of the media who wish to attend the conference can also email KBHEnergyCenter@utexas.edu. ### The multidisciplinary KBH Energy Center at The University of Texas at Austin combines academic coursework with real-world experiences to prepare future energy leaders. It also offers opportunities for industry professionals to network, share insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue on industry challenges and opportunities. Media Contact: Jason Embry, (512) 560-3876, jason@newwestcomms.com.