AAPL Membership Renewals Are Now Open
For over 7 decades, the American Association of Professional Landmen has advanced the interests of all land professionals through advocacy, education, publications, certification, networking events and so much more. Continue reading to learn more about our recent happenings and what's to come in the 2026-27 membership year.
Advocating for the Landman, Including the Next Generation
If you keep up with our Governmental Affairs reports, you know it’s a crucial time for AAPL to have a strong voice in lawmaking buildings. For instance, the New Mexico State Land Office recently issued proposed regulations that would detrimentally increase the financial assurance (bonding) requirements. Our lobbying team is diligently working to protect members against harmful policies like this and others across North America, just as we did with our AAPL-sponsored Texas Landman Bill in 2025. Our Bill Tracking Report informs our members of pending laws that could impact landmen. As of this writing, AAPL is tracking and analyzing 1,076 bills in 36 states plus the federal level that could affect our members.
With the backing of our members and industry allies, including our Alliance Partners Program, Corporate Membership Recognition Program and Affiliated Local Associations, among others, AAPL leadership has promoted the need for land professionals directly with energy developers of all kinds, including traditional hydrocarbons, renewables, critical and rare earth minerals and commercial work (i.e., data centers). Our Strategic Planning Committee has been researching and addressing looming field landmen workforce issues, including day rate increases and the need to restore an aging labor force. Early findings can be found here or during the “Emerging Energy Crisis, Securing the Future” featured session at the Annual Meeting this June in SLC.
One solution to this issue is broadening the student membership definition in AAPL’s bylaws, which was officially passed by membership in March. The new definition, along with our valued Accredited University Programs, aims to satisfy new interest in the land profession and fulfill the industry’s growing need for bright, young land professionals. AAPL’s new Student Awareness Committee has been busy expanding the land profession’s footprint and informing young professionals that the land profession is a fulfilling career option at high schools, universities, job fairs and career counselor events.
Future-Proof Your Energy Career With Evolved Education & Member Services
We're excited for new educational and networking offerings this upcoming membership year! The inaugural TexCap and West Texas Energy Institute events in 2025 were resounding successes and a brand-new institute — TerraWatt — will explore the evolving role of land professionals in the rapidly expanding renewable energy landscape Sept. 24 in Lake Tahoe, which also hosts our Mining & Land Resources Institute. TerraWatt, along with new webinars covering hot industry topics like AI, renewables and data centers, joins AAPL’s stacked professional development offerings. Active members can use AAPL’s Professional Development Assistance Program for these events, which can offset the cost of membership threefold!
AAPL’s brand-new website and association management system make accessing exclusive benefits much easier and help advance our members' careers more efficiently. Profile enhancements allow better functionality of the platform, so we encourage you to log in and update your information.
Our upcoming, exclusive Compensation Survey report and special Field Landmen/Brokerages Survey study will provide clarity on the financial health of the land profession and give members the negotiating power during job interviews. New model forms, including the Solar Shared Use & Access Agreement, Wellbore Purchase Agreement and Wellbore Assignment and Bill of Sale, have joined our deep library of existing standardized forms designed to streamline negotiations, reduce drafting time, and promote best practices. Career-building resources like our award-winning Landman magazine, Membership Directory, Online Member Search and Mentorship Program, among others, keep our members informed, well-connected and prepared for what’s next in our ever-changing industry. Stay tuned for exciting developments!
Membership Dues + Renew Today
Finally, we wanted to remind you that the Board of Directors previously voted at the board meeting on March 12, 2023, to increase membership dues in line with the Consumer Price Index. After several stagnant years, dues will increase by just $5 this membership year. We believe this minimal increase is a small price to pay for all the benefits and security AAPL provides for land professionals.
The industry needs skilled energy professionals like you, and AAPL is here to lead through the challenges ahead. We hope you continue to help us power the profession by renewing your membership today.
Sincerely,
Kyle Reynolds, CPL, President
Julie Woodard, CPL, First Vice President
Mark DeVrient, RPL, Membership Committee Chair
Le'Ann Callihan, EVP & COO of AAPL/NAPE