With almost 500 people in attendance, our 75th Annual Convention & Trade Show was an event not to be missed. The exhibit hall hosted over 55 exhibitors with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds each day. IOGA hosted an exhibitor bingo and gave away a $100 visa gift card to Bill Peterson with Precision Geophysical, Inc. for visiting every exhibitor at the convention.

Over three days, we heard from many presenters about changes in the industry and tools to help our producers in these new times. The History of the Wildcatter session was a crowd favorite! Robert Stewart, Marshall Daniel and Dale Helpinstine shared what the top ten discoveries were of all time. They shared stories on how these wells came to be and how each discovery changed the Illinois Basin.

During the recognition & awards banquet, we gave six awards to deserving individuals in the industry who have been making an impact throughout their careers. Gesell’s Pump Sales & Service, Inc. was awarded the 2021 Wildcatter of the Year Award. Brad Gesell was awarded the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. Shawnee Exploration was awarded the 2020 Special Drilling Award. Robert Griggs was awarded the 2021 Service Person of the Year Award. Jim Brooker was awarded the 2021 Petroleum Professional of the Year Award. Joyce King was awarded the 2021 Administrative Excellence Award.

We’re thankful to each of you who joined us on this anniversary year, and a special thank you to all our sponsors! We’ll see you all again next year.