The SMRI Conference Announcement is now available. The Announcement contains conference information, Technical Class details, Technical Presentations, and the current list of conference sponsors. The optional Technical Class subject will be "Hydrogen Storage Considerations".

View Technical Class topics and Technical Session topics Here

Field Trips
Two optional field trips are being planned as part of the technical conference.

These will take place 4 October; Space for both trips will be extremely limited, these will be available on a first come, first serve basis. 

State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery / Bureau of Economic Geology Core Workshop: Evaporitic Sequences of Texas and Their Relevance for Current Energy Decarbonization Efforts 

Max capacity 40, so register early. Cost: $145, all inclusive of transportation from hotel to BEG facility in Austin, TX, lunch at the facility, and the workshop. The field trip time is anticipated to be 7:00 am to 5:00 pm but may return after 5:00 depending on traffic and attendees are asked to plan accordingly.

The State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery (STARR) program at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) will host a one-day core workshop showcasing thousands of feet of bedded salt from the Castille and Salado formations of the Delaware Basin; as well as from Louann domal salt from the Gulf Coast as part of the SMRI Fall Meeting.

STARR researchers will discuss aspects associated with the sedimentology, stratigraphy, and depositional interpretation of these units. The event will also include selected technical talks showcasing broader integration of a wide range of subsurface dataset including seismic, geochemistry, and petrophysical analysis.
The discussion will gravitate toward the role of evaporitic sequences as part of ongoing efforts to decarbonize energy systems. Hydrogen storage in salt caverns will play a key role as part of the value chain of the emerging hydrogen economy. It is broadly believed that hydrogen storage in salt caverns is a proven concept; however, there are many challenges to upscale hydrogen storage capacity using salt caverns. This core workshop will provide an opportunity to see great rocks, talk about their geological characteristics, and discuss broader implications regarding the energy transition.

The Cave Without a Name and Bandera Historical Rides

Cost is $145 and includes transportation, horseback rides, lunch, and cave admission with guided tour. Field trip time is anticipated to be 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but will be confirmed at the conference and may be delayed due to traffic.

Load the bus for today’s trip at 8 am for a 1.5-hour drive to Bandera Historical Rides where groups will saddle up for 1-hour trail rides. While riding, discover the absolute gorgeous nature trails of City Park. Underneath the giant Cypress trees, we find peaceful green and flourish areas of open grass field, river bed and plenty of deer. We ride along and in the beautiful Medina River, where you can cool off if you want to. After the rides, off we go to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for a cowboy buffet. From there we end the day with a ride to “A Cave with No Name” for guided tours. (Both the ride and the tour may be split into smaller groups per decision of the guides.)
Beginner to advanced riders can participate with the following restrictions: minimum age of 8, maximum rider weight is 220 lbs. Safety and health of our horses is our main concern. Unfortunately, our quarter horses are relatively small, therefore we are not able to accommodate riders over 220lbs. Ride includes: Horse and guide, free admission to park, water.

The cave portion of the trip features a guided tour that will last approximately 60 minutes and is appropriate for attendees 5 years and older. Temperatures inside the cave are around 66 degrees and participants should dress accordingly. Sturdy shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

Conference Registration

In-Person Registration

Registration for the San Antonio conference is now closed. Please contact Dawn ([email protected]) regarding any questions about registration. 

Virtual Registration

Members and non-members are both able to register for the Fall 2023 Virtual Conference which will be streamed live from San Antonio on Monday, 2 October and Tuesday, 3 October. Virtual attendees will receive information regarding the hosting platform approximately one week prior to the conference. The Technical Session presentations will be recorded during the live conference and available on the virtual conference platform for viewing for 30 days after the Conference. Students may contact Executive Director John Nadeau ([email protected]) regarding discounted registration.

The optional Tech Class will be streamed as a virtual component and attendees will participate in the class trough the same platform as the Technical Sessions. The class will be streamed live only and not available for viewing afterwards.

Travel Information

The Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, located on 123 Losoya Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205. The SMRI Run of House Rate will be $209 (+taxes/fees) per night and can be reserved at https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/SATRS/G-JEUK. Parking at the hotel is $20 per day. All reservations must be accompanied by a first night deposit, guaranteed by a major credit card. To fulfill SMRI’s negotiated contract, please use the booking link or phone below. SMRI does not get contract credit for other types of bookings. 72 hours cancellation required to receive refund.

The closest airport to the Hyatt is the San Antonio International  Airport, it is approximately a 25 minute car ride to the hotel. Transportation is available from the airport via bus, taxi, ride-share or car rental. Book your rental cars early to get the best price.

 Sponsor Information

SMRI thanks our sponsors of the upcoming Fall 2023 San Antonio SMRI Conference:

DIAMOND:  Empire Wireline

PLATINUM: Sonic Surveys LTD | Wellhead Support Systems Inc. | WSP USA

GOLD: Eastern Energy Services |  Graco Oilfield Services | Lonquist & Company LLC |  RESPEC | Strata, LLC | Texas Brine Company, LLC

SILVER: Burns & McDonnell | Eclipse E-line Services Inc | KLX Energy Services | Lane Power & Energy Solutions | RFC Drilling, LLC | SaltPower

BRONZE:  Acoustic Data, Ltd | Agapito Associates Inc. | Alpha Geological Services, D.P.C. | Cavern Solutions Inc. | Coretrax | CUDD Pressure Control | Double B Well Services | FlexFlow | Patterson Services Inc | Sabine Storage & Operations | Seal-Tite International | SOCON Sonar Well Services | Stream-Flo | SubTerra Engineering | Tejas Tubular Oilfield Services | Thru Tubing Solutions | Valve & Wellhead Specialists, LLC.

App Sponsor: Tiberius Energy Services, LLC