Renewed optimism in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, driven by recent upstream activity, ExxonMobil’s return to the country, and shifting regional dynamics involving Venezuela, is boosting interest in the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference and Tradeshow 2026.
This is according to Head of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Thackwray “Dax” Driver.
The conference, scheduled for January 26–28, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, is expected to draw a broad lineup of regional and international energy stakeholders, reflecting growing confidence around exploration, gas development, and energy services in the southern Caribbean.
T&T Energy Conference 2026 | OILNOW
Speaking with OilNOW on January 15, Dr. Driver said that ExxonMobil’s return to Trinidad is a major factor driving interest in the event.
He explained that Exxon’s unprecedented deepwater success in Guyana has raised expectations that similar geological potential could be unlocked in Trinidad and Tobago.
“…it’s Exxon’s incredible, unprecedented success in Guyana that’s driving the high hopes… So, Exxon is taking this deep water position, in T&T, in a newly created block, a big block, and they will be running seismic soon. They know the geology better than anybody else in the deep water in this part of the world… the hope for Trinidad is that we can replicate some of that wonderful Guyanese success,” he said.
In addition, Dr. Driver noted that interest is extending beyond Trinidad & Tobago to include surrounding countries, including Venezuela and Grenada, which may explore natural gas development opportunities, further stimulating participation in the 2026 conference.
He pointed out that some previously identified deepwater gas resources and small fields in Trinidad remain largely undeveloped. Ongoing discussions about a potential refinery restart are also attracting attention from investors and sector players.
“Trinidad is a hub for services within the region… We’re a potential hub for a regional gas industry, and I think that has driven a lot of interest in the conference this year. Because of that potential we have Grenada also coming to the conference for the possibility of natural gas development in Grenada…I think that sort of drives a lot of new interest in the conference,” Driver said.
Organizers are once again expecting a full house — more than 700 delegates — along with thousands of participants at the accompanying trade show, technical sessions, and networking events.
Under the conference theme “Building Collaboration for a Sustainable Energy Future,” the agenda will place strong emphasis on local content development and supply chain growth. There will also be a dedicated Local Content Forum on the final day to address barriers to increased local participation in the energy sector.
First held in the late 1980s, the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference has become a key annual fixture in the regional energy calendar. This year’s heightened interest reflects how Guyana’s oil boom, Exxon’s regional strategy, and shifting Venezuela dynamics are converging to reshape energy investment thinking across the Caribbean.
