The 2026 Global Energy Symposium brings together leading voices shaping the future of energy. The event offers students, faculty and industry professionals a dynamic space to explore the shifting global energy landscape and the innovations pushing the field toward a more reliable, resilient and lower-carbon future.

This year’s program highlights key developments across the energy value chain. Sessions will examine natural gas power generation and decarbonization, water-tech integration for data centers, grid and infrastructure resilience, and the growing momentum behind advanced nuclear technologies. Participants will gain real-world insights, connect with top practitioners and dig into challenges and opportunities influencing the next generation of energy systems.

Supported by global energy partners, TCU Neeley’s Ralph Lowe Energy Institute prepares forward-thinking energy leaders who are ready to make an impact across industry, policy and academia. The symposium reflects that mission by equipping participants with the knowledge, perpsective and connections needed to lead in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

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Where students, industry and faculty power the future, together.

Speakers

     
Kaes Van't Hof   

Kaes Van't Hof

CEO & Director
Diamondback Energy, Inc.

Mr. Van’t Hof has served as the Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Diamondback since May 2025. Prior to his current position, he served as our President from February 2025 to May 2025, President and Chief Financial Officer from February 2022 to February 2025, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Development from February 2019 to February 2022, as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development from January 2017 to February 2019 and as our Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development since joining us in July 2016. Mr. Van’t Hof has served as Chief Executive Officer of Viper since February 2025, and as a director of Viper since November 2023. Before joining Diamondback and Viper, Mr. Van't Hof served as Chief Executive Officer for Bison Drilling and Field Services from September 2012 to June 2016. From August 2011 to August 2012, Mr. Van't Hof was an analyst for Wexford Capital, LP responsible for developing operating models and business plans, including for our initial public offering, and before that worked for the Investment Banking - Financial Institutions Group of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. from February 2010 to July 2011. Mr. Van't Hof was a professional tennis player from May 2008 to January 2010. Mr. Van't Hof received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

     
Chuck Yates  

Chuck Yates

Co-Leads Sales & Business Development
Collide

Chuck Yates co-leads sales and business development for Collide, the AI platform for energy. He originally joined the team to launch his podcast, Chuck Yates Needs A Job, after years in the energy private equity world. Chuck previously ran Kayne Anderson’s energy fund as Co-Head and Managing Partner and began his career at Stephens Inc. He also sits on the Advisory Board for Montrose Lane. Chuck has a BA in Political Science and an MBA from Rice University.

     

Venue

Brown Lupton University Union (BLUU)
3rd Floor Ballroom
2901 Stadium Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129

Parking

Visitor parking is available in Lot 6. Access is from Stadium Dr. across from the Brown Lupton University Union and next to the Kelly Center. If the lot is full, there is additional parking in the Frog Alley Parking Garage which can be entered off Stadium Dr. just north of the Kelly Center before Ranch Management.

Campus Map

 

Past Events

2025 Symposium Video and Highlights

The Era of Innovation

The symposium explored the role innovation will play in ensuring energy is cleaner, more abundant and more secure in the future. Leaders from industry, academia and policy discussed the link between legacy and opportunity and cutting-edge energy research being done here at TCU. Watch highlights from the day.

The Road to Energy Resilience

The symposium explored energy security, affordability and sustainability, taking a deep dive into the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. Watch a glimpse into conversations and insights shared at the symposium.

Symposium Panels

Hear from experts and thought leaders on topics including energy innovation, security, finance, global transition, sustainability and more.

Watch a glimpse into the thought leadership, opportunities and challenges shared at our symposium about the global energy transition.

Symposium Panels

Explore our expert energy panels from our symposium, showcasing topics on the global landscape, geopolitics, sustainability, policies, finance and more.

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