Jeff Shellebarger, president of Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company, will serve as Chairman of the Board of the Organizing Committee for the 23rd World Petroleum Congress (WPC). WPC will be held in Houston December 6-10, 2020, marking the first time for both the city and the United States to host the triennial event since 1987. 

As the Chairman of the Board, Shellebarger will be responsible for the development of the WPC Organizing Committee, its subcommittees and volunteer organizations, as well as overall strategic direction for the event.

He will also serve as the lead advocate of the WPC Organizing Committee, ensuring Houston’s success in hosting the prestigious oil and gas forum. Shellebarger’s extensive background and influence within the industry makes him an ideal selection for the role. He brings more than 35 years of experience with one of the world’s leading energy companies, overseeing Chevron’s oil and gas exploration and production operations in the United States and Canada.

“The World Petroleum Congress is the most significant oil and gas forum in the world,” said Shellebarger, Chairman of the Board for the World Petroleum Congress Organizing Committee. “I am honored to lead this organization and bring global leaders to Houston to further advance the industry’s work developing the energy that improves lives.”

The World Petroleum Congress is the premier oil and gas forum held every three years in cities around the world. Each Congress attracts the attendance of the world’s heads of state, energy leaders and technology practitioners to address major issues facing the industry. Following the theme of “Innovative Energy Solutions”, the 23rd World Petroleum Congress is anticipated to bring approximately 15,000 attendees to discuss, among many topics, the application of technology like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and big data in energy operations.

“We are honored to host the 23rd World Petroleum Congress. As the energy capital of the world, Houston continues to be the epicenter for technology advancement and entrepreneurship, delivering solutions to the evolving oil and gas industry. The World Petroleum Congress will showcase our diverse city and our commitment to innovation that enhances the ever-changing world,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Jeff Shellebarger will be a tremendous asset because of his tenure and the respect he holds among industry peers and decision makers.” 

The City of Houston was awarded the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in December 2016. Following Mayor Turner’s leadership, Houston First Corporation (HFC) was instrumental in preparing, submitting, and securing the bid for the distinguished event, highlighting the city as a diverse, global hub and vested partner to the industry. HFC also noted Houston’s strong foundation in hosting major, annual industry conferences, including the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), CERAWeek and North American Prospect Expo (NAPE). 

“Houston’s superior convention campus, with walkability to world-class hotels and restaurants, will offer WPC first-class amenities,” said Houston First President & CEO, Brenda Bazan. “The attendee experience will be further enhanced by our warm hospitality, pleasant winter climate, world-renowned cultural attractions and dynamic entertainment venues.”

In addition, the official 23rd WPC logo was revealed. Along with the bright, iconic WPC identity, the bold logo draws from cultural aesthetics prominent in the city including Houston’s western heritage, modern sophistication and progressive spirit.

About Houton First Corporation

Houston First operates the city's finest convention and arts facilities to position Houston as a world-class destination. In 2014, Houston First and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau aligned operations to create a single voice representing the city under the brand Visit Houston. Houston First owns the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, manages the George R. Brown Convention Center and 10 city-owned properties and is a driving force in developing the new Avenida Houston entertainment district. Learn more at HoustonFirst.com and VisitHouston.com.