NAPE isn’t just a conference—it’s where careers are made, deals are struck, and legendary stories unfold. From its scrappy beginnings at the Westin Galleria to becoming *the* networking event in oil and gas, this episode is packed with stories of game-changing opportunities, wild deals (including a seismic map sold *three times*), and unforgettable encounters with icons like Clayton Williams. Grant Yates and Brooks Hunt share how NAPE opened doors for independent operators, investors, and industry pros, shaping the last 30 years of oil and gas. Whether you’re a veteran who’s been there since the beginning or just curious about how this event became a cornerstone of the industry, this one’s full of laughs, insights, and a few stories you won’t believe. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Join the conversation shaping the future of energy. Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward. Apply today at collide.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - AAPL’s First NAPE 02:31 - How NAPE Started 04:19 - NAPE’s Early Days 08:30 - NAPE’s Glory Days 15:38 - NAPE Attendance Tips 19:44 - NAPE Charities Impact 22:30 - Final Thoughts on NAPE 25:04 - Networking Importance at NAPE 25:57 - Benefits of Attending Conferences https://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters