From Pipelines to Pinball: Connecting Cultures and Energy Expertise With Mexico

Tulsa energy experts gained key insights when nine energy professionals from Mexico visited Tulsa April 15-18 through the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA) arranged a packed schedule of professional activities on Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17, including meetings with company executives at Ram Geothermal, ONEOK, Williams, and ONE Gas, a tour of pipeline manufacturing facilities at T.D. Williamson, and a campus tour and lunch with students from Mexico at the University of Tulsa. TD Williamson Market Intelligence Director and also TGA Board Member Ed Guidry said that this visit offered a valuable insight into the Mexican pipeline market and connection with key decision makers in Mexico.

TGA organized a Toast the Travelers reception for the group at NEFF Brewing on April 16, and over 20 Tulsans, including TGA supporters and energy industry representatives, showed up to welcome the group to Tulsa. Several of the professionals who had met the group during the day attended and enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the Mexican participants.

On Friday evening, the Mexican participants were invited into the homes of TGA volunteers in smaller groups to share dinner, conversation, and hospitality. The home hospitality experiences included conversations on the energy industry and other topics, as well as introducing the guests to their first pinball machines.

This group was one of four energy groups, and six groups overall, to visit Tulsa through the IVLP in April, and TGA is very grateful to all the local companies, organizations, and volunteers who took time to make these visiting professionals feel welcome, and to show them the hospitality Tulsa has to offer.