NAPE 2005Article and Photos by Arthur BermanThe annual North American Prospect Exposition (NAPE) was held in Houston January 26-27, 2005 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It was presented by the Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) and the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IAPL). This year, NAPE was even larger and more successful than last year’s expo with at least 12,000 attendees. In addition to the two-day exposition, this years meeting also featured an all-day International Forum on Tuesday, January 25.The Exposition included more than 900 exhibits featuring prospects, producing properties, U.S. onshore and offshore plays, international opportunities, capital providers, and networking opportunities.In its 13th year, the popular NAPE Expo provides a forum for more than 500 oil and gas companies to introduce their domestic and international oil and gas prospects and producing properties to more than 12,000 interested professionals. Additional exhibit booths were provided for financial and investment institutions representing potential sources of capital for appropriate companies.Along with the International Forum, sponsored by IHS Energy Group, there was a NAPE Institute and AAPL Model Form Operating Agreement Workshop. A luncheon, underwritten by Randall & Dewey, featured a presentation by Mac McLarty, formerly President Clinton’s chief of Staff, on Wednesday, January 26. A hybrid live/Internet auction sale conducted by The Oil & Gas Asset Clearinghouse, a Petroleum Place company, was held on Wednesday, January 26, in conjunction with NAPE.