OVERVIEW
An Energy Roundtable + The Legal Innovation Forum program focused on challenges and opportunities facing the North American energy sector in today’s volatile, risk-on ecosystem.
The global energy industry is facing unprecedented risk in an era of geopolitical instability, regulatory uncertainty, supply chain challenges and tariffs impacting cross-border trade. Forward-thinking energy companies – both north and south of the border – are bolstering risk mitigation strategies as they strive for business resilience.
Houston is recognized as the energy capital of the world – not only in the established oil and gas sectors, but also regarding renewable sources such as wind and solar power – making it the ideal location for this half-day live event.
Through a series of panel discussions, we will bring together leading energy companies, law firms and service providers to examine the key drivers and trends in this dynamic sector and shed light on successful strategies for mitigating risk and driving business growth in these uncertain times.
Structure + Audience
- Half-day event held in Houston in November 6, 2025
- 125 attendees from US and Canadian energy companies, financial services firms law firms, professional services companies and risk leaders (eg. general counsel, chief legal officers, risk/regulatory functions, legal counsel, government relations executives, C-suite)
- The forum will begin with a light lunch leading into four panel discussions. A networking cocktail reception ends the day.
THEMES + AGENDA
Panel 1: KEY DRIVERS + TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GLOBAL ENERGY SECTOR
- Trade: How are cross-border trade policies, tariffs, and geopolitical sanctions impacting energy flows?
- Market volatility and financial risks: Navigating fluctuations in oil, gas, and electricity prices due to global supply-demand imbalances, and overcoming capital allocation uncertainty
- Shift to renewable energy: Adapting to the rapid growth of solar, wind, and hydro, and accelerated adoption of electric vehicles as consumer demands evolve
- Meeting evolving stakeholder demands: Rising public and investor demand for sustainable and socially responsible practices
- Technological disruption: Challenges in adopting and integrating new technologies in the energy sector
Panel 2: CROSS-BORDER RISK + OPPORTUNITIES: WORKING WITH CANADIAN SUPPLIERS TO DRIVE US BUSINESS GROWTH
- The Canadian impact: As the largest external supplier of energy products to the US, what role does Canada play in driving business growth for energy companies south of the border?
- Expanding renewable supply chains: Best practices for capitalizing on US demand for Canadian renewable technology, materials, and expertise
- Market Dynamics: Identifying key energy sectors where Canadian suppliers can meet US demand
- Strategic Partnerships: Building cross-border alliances to access larger markets, joint infrastructure projects and clean energy programs
- Capitalizing on Canada’s vast, untapped reserves of critical minerals essential for EVs, batteries, and defense
Panel 3: MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN AND TRADE RISK
- Advising on trade compliance + strategy: Guiding the business amid cross-border tariffs, ensuring compliance with shifting regulations, and exploring legal avenues such as exemptions and reclassifications
- Supply chain disruption: Navigating shifting trade policies, resource availability and transportation routes
- Handling trade disputes and litigation cases to protect the business from risk
- How are supply chain vulnerabilities affecting equipment, materials, and skilled labour in the energy sector?
Panel 4: NAVIGATING POLITICAL RISK AND FLUCTUATING GEOPOLITICAL ALLIANCES
- Regulatory policy uncertainty: Managing compliance challenges amid frequent changes in climate policies, environmental regulations, emissions targets, and permitting processes
- Geopolitical instability: How are successful energy companies overcoming rising commodity prices driven by global conflicts and trade tensions?
- Reviewing and modifying contracts: Ensuring compliance with new trade agreements in volatile times
- Scenario Planning: Conducting geopolitical risk assessments and stress-testing business models against political disruptions