SPE Denver November 2026 Technical Happy Hour

Host: Society of Petroleum Engineers, Denver Section

Event: November 2026 Technical Happy Hour

Time: November 5th, 4-6pm (HH begins at 4, Talk at 430, more Social until 6)

Location: Liberty Energy, 950 17th St, Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80202

Sponsor: Liberty Energy

Study Group Category: Drilling

Speaker: Lee Hyson, Business Development Manager, Gaia Earth Group

Title: Modern Open Hole Wireline Operations: Safer, More Efficient Outcomes with Proactive,

Holistic Planning

Abstract:

Open hole wireline logging continues to be the preferred, cost-effective method of formation 

evaluation in our industry. But as wellbore geometry, trajectory, and logging objectives become

more complex, the longer and heavier logging tool strings introduce greater deployment risks,

operational uncertainty, and costs.

Traditional wireline logging job planning based on tension simulations is no longer sufficient

because other hazards can be left undetected with potentially costly consequences.

This lecture presents a modern-holistic methodology, already widely adopted, that integrates

wellbore geometry, trajectory, formation properties, operational requirements, and insights

from databases of historical wireline jobs that include well designs and operational outcomes.

Attendees will gain understanding of a data-driven framework for evaluating deployment risks,

including quantifying differential and mechanical sticking, along with practical guidance for

safer and more reliable wireline operations.

Bio:

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve

University and has completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD

program. He began his career as a wireline engineer and has spent more than two

decades supporting operations globally, including the Rocky Mountains, Southeast

Asia, the Marcellus, the Gulf of America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the North Sea.

Since joining Gaia in 2011, his work has focused on strengthening wireline job design

and execution by developing practical frameworks, modeling approaches, and field

methods for challenging wells. He has provided wellsite QA/QC support on more than

175 field operations and has contributed to the creation and refinement of several of the

planning and risk-assessment workflows highlighted in this talk. Lee has authored

technical papers and frequently delivers in-house training on applying systematic,

model-based strategies to improve wireline performance.