We aren’t going back, there is no return to “normal”.  Too many changes, too many losses, too many gone forever’s.  There is no sense in looking back, we must look forward.

What does “forward” look like?  While there is no crystal ball, it appears that the domestic US industry will be much smaller than it has been in the past.  We have actually gotten too good at what we do.  We don’t need as many rigs, as many tools, as many personnel, as many companies to maintain and even build US production.  Rapidly evolving tools, equipment and techniques keep pushing the edge.  Most bit designs last 4-6 months and then are replaced by the latest and greatest.  We are constantly and consistently surpassing the previous milestones and record runs.

So how will we adapt?  Pretty much as we usually do, by getting better still.  We will continue to do more, with less.  Why? Because it is what we do.  How will we do this?  By continuing to push the envelope with new tools, new techniques, better understanding of the dynamics and improving the processes.

I am late getting this issue out because I wanted to get some feedback and ideas from the rest of the board.  Some of the members got together at the golf tournament to compare notes and ideas.  IADD cannot afford to be the same either.  We are quickly transitioning to virtual events and training.  The industry needs Networking, we need to get together through these tough times;  Information – we need to get the latest and greatest to our industry;  Training – the “big crew change” is over, the younger generation needs to fill in the gaps;  Standards – we need criteria by which we can measure ourselves by.

Our monthly meeting in May, a combination of in-person and virtual, will address many of these issues.  Various members of the IADD board will present our vision of next steps and the audience will have the opportunity to pitch in with their ideas.  Join us and join in as we navigate this new stretch of rough waters.