The 2025 SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference opened today in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together more than 500 delegates from over 30 countries and 100 companies. Running until 27 November, the event reflects strong global engagement in one of the energy sector’s most historic regions.
This year’s theme, “Learning from the Past, Rejuvenating Today, Inspiring Tomorrow,” highlights the industry’s legacy while focusing on the opportunities ahead across exploration, production optimisation, digital transformation, decarbonisation and the future workforce.
Opening the conference, Babak Huseynov, Executive Committee Chair and Vice President for Development and Production Operations at SOCAR, emphasised the regional and international importance of the event: “This theme reflects both the heritage of our region and the direction in which we must progress. We learn from the past by recognising the achievements and experiences that have shaped the energy sector.”
The programme features 23 technical paper sessions, multiple ePoster sessions and a technology exhibition, offering delegates extensive opportunities for knowledge exchange and one-to-one interaction with industry specialists.
Jennifer Miskimins, 2026 SPE President and Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, reiterated SPE’s mission to support global knowledge sharing: “SPE is here to provide solutions, connect people and support the world’s energy needs.” She also encouraged delegates to engage with SPE’s 24 technical sections and broader learning opportunities.
In the opening executive plenary session Unlocking Tougher Resources in the Caspian Region senior leaders Babak Huseynov (SOCAR), Giovanni Cristofoli (bp) and Shannon Slocum (Halliburton), moderated by Vladimir Rogov (BCG Azerbaijan), examined how the Caspian region can continue to advance as traditional reserves mature. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of developing tougher resources, including residual barrels, small pools, unconventionals and complex gas prospects, and the need for innovation, targeted investment and stronger regional collaboration. Panellists agreed that by combining new technologies with an infrastructure-led approach, the Caspian can turn these challenges into long-term opportunities and maintain its role as a key contributor to global energy security.
The first day highlighted the growing importance of skills in digitalisation, data science, automation and emissions management. Developing these competencies will enable more efficient operations today and prepare the industry for tomorrow’s challenges.
Speakers also emphasised the importance of empowering young professionals, students and early-career engineers, whose curiosity and fresh perspectives will drive the next phase of progress in the Caspian region, from emerging technologies to improved operational practices.
The conference is proudly supported by leading organisations and partners who continue to advance innovation and collaboration across the Caspian energy sector:
Host Organisation: SOCAR
Sponsors: bp (Platinum); SLB (Gold); TotalEnergies (Silver); Baker Hughes, Chevron, TCA (Bronze); NOV (Coffee Breaks); Proxima, Caspian Geo (Associate); KAZENERGY (Supporting Organisation).
For more information, visit https://go.spe.org/PreEventPRL/25CTC.
About SPE
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association with 132,000 members in 146 countries engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas and related energy resources. SPE delivers solutions and empowers people to drive the energy industry forward. Members gain access to premier programs, content, and events designed to accelerate professional growth and career development, while fostering a strong network and sense of community. SPE maintains offices in Calgary, Dallas, Dubai, Houston and Kuala Lumpur.
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