Energy industry in Oklahoma tries to attract young professionals to trade groups

OIPA and other industry groups are trying to change that.

The association has been actively recruiting to its Future Leaders Program, including inviting young professionals to its annual conference and encouraging them to attend meetings.

The group even held a modified beer pong tournament as part of its annual meeting as a fun meet-and-greet for those who attended.

Kit Watson works for Gore Nitrogen in Seiling. He attended the conference and participated in the tournament.

“I'm here not only just to further my career, but also for the industry — to find out what I can do for it to keep it going, to keep it strong in Oklahoma,” he said.

Other energy associations have a similar goal.

OIPA's Future Leaders Program, the OKC Society of Petroleum Engineers Young Professionals and the OKC Young Professionals in Energy have teamed up to hold a conference next month for energy professionals.