Join Us Thursday, October 16th, 6:00pm CT, In Williston
SPE Distinguished Lecturer 2025–2026
Matthew Isbell
Independent, formerly with Hess Corporation
📅 Thursday, October 16th, 2025
6:00pm CT – Social | 7:00pm CT – Dinner & Presentation
📍 McCody, 14021 Hwy 2 West, Williston, ND
RSVP Now!
Event Sponsor
This Distinguished Lecturer event is proudly sponsored by NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA
Abstract
Implementing a well construction automation system needs a value progression showing how
all stakeholders will benefit. Drilling operation process automation examples can illustrate the
concepts at play. The presentation’s main idea is how technology and processes must be
deployed at scale to realize benefits in the well lifecycle for everyone.
The value of well construction comes from hydrocarbons produced over a well’s lifecycle in a
safe and economical manner. By definition, the design and delivery of a well have built-in
production impacts. Other production impacts can come from well execution processes
determining well properties. Examples are wellbore placement and hole quality, which can
limit well functionality and constrain the range of subsequent wellbore operations.
New systems seek to integrate groups of well delivery processes. One example is automating
the process of drilling a 90’ stand of drill pipe which can then be repeated as new stands are
added to deliver a well. This work aimed to improve operational efficiency by reducing process
variation. However, since the wellbore quality delivered with each stand impacts well value,
automation is a viable tool to manage lifecycle wellbore quality requirements. Adopting an
interconnected well construction system approach is slow since so much change is required by
every stakeholder, including organization, processes, and technology. Parties want to see the
economic benefits before moving from departmental delivery goals toward managing the well
construction value stream.
This collaborative process can be applied to multiple areas where many independent
stakeholders work together.
Biography
Matt Isbell is a recently retired Senior Drilling Engineering Advisor, formerly with Hess Corporation.
He is a drilling system subject matter expert with worldwide experience. His current focus
connects well construction roles with tools and processes to leverage digital drilling data and
engineering to improve outcomes. He received a BSME in 1988 from The University of Texas
at Austin. He serves on the SPE Forum Implementation Committee and chairs the IADC
Drilling Engineering Committee and SPE Drilling and Wells Interoperability Group Advisory
Board.
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