Top Hand Award Banquet

January 29th, 2026 | Petroleum Club of Midland

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Join us for the Top Hand Award Banquet honoring the 2025 Top Hand, Travis Stice of Diamondback Energy.

The PBPA Top Hand Award is the highest award bestowed by the members of the PBPA, and one of the highest honors given to an energy professional in the Permian Basin. Being a Top Hand means that you exemplify all of the best qualities of professional and community service.

Event Details:

  • 6:00 PM Reception
  • 7:00 PM Banquet Dinner
  • Attire: Black Tie Optional

Attendance Options

Reserve a Table

Reserve a table for 8 to show your support for Mr. Stice during this momentous occasion.

Tables can be reserved in the Main Ballroom (Diamond - Gold) or the North Dining Room (Silver).

Ranging from $1,500 - $10,000, tables are available for all companies and supporters.

*Some table recognition benefits may not be available after January 9th.

Registration Form

Purchase Individual Tickets

Deadline: January 19th, 2026 (or until sold out)

Individual Tickets - $250/person

Register as an individual to attend and show your support for this year's Top Hand.

All Individual ticket holders will be seated in the North Dining Room at the Petroleum Club. Please note that special seating requests are not guaranteed for Individual ticket holders.

Registration Form

* Note: PBPA Members receive exclusive pricing for all PBPA events. The pricing reflected on the registration form is the PBPA member rate. Please call our office at 432-684-6345 for non-member pricing.

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About Mr. Stice

Travis D. Stice became Executive Chairman of Diamondback Energy's Board of Directors in May 2025. Previously, he served as the company’s Chairman of the Board (2022-2025), Chief Executive Officer (2012-2025), and Director (2012-2022).

Mr. Stice remains a Director of Viper Energy Partners, Inc., an industry-first, publicly traded mineral subsidiary of Diamondback, where he previously served as Chief Executive Officer (2014-2025). He was also Chief Executive Officer and Director of the General Partners of Rattler Midstream LP, a midstream company later acquired by Diamondback in August 2022. Prior to these leadership roles, Mr. Stice held positions with Apache Corporation, Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc., ConocoPhillips, and Burlington Resources. He began his career in oil and gas as an Operations Engineer with Mobil Oil in 1985.

After 40 years in the industry, Mr. Stice is most proud of the last 15 years with Diamondback. Originally backed by private equity, the company went public in 2012. At that time, Diamondback produced around 3,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Today, Diamondback is the second largest operator in the heart of the Permian Basin, producing over 900,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. He attributes the organization’s exemplary growth and performance with the early adoption of horizontal drilling, strategic acquisitions, and a team dedicated to best-in-class execution, low-cost operations, and rooted in core values of integrity, leadership, excellence, people, and teamwork.

A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering, he currently serves on Texas A&M’s Engineering Advisory Council. He holds positions with several industry organizations, including American Exploration and Production Council, American Petroleum Institute, Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, and Permian Strategic Partnership.

As a third-generation Midlander, Mr. Stice is recognized for his contributions not only within the energy sector but in the communities where Diamondback employees live and work. Under his leadership, the company has generously supported numerous local charitable organizations and actively promoted initiatives focused on aiding underserved populations, advancing education and workforce development, and enhancing quality healthcare. Diamondback played a pivotal catalyst role in the creation of the Beacon Alliance by donating 250 acres of land, the site on which the 200-bed behavioral hospital now stands.

Diamondback has contributed to the capital campaigns for the Basin Dream Center, Bush Tennis Center, Manor Park, Opportunity Tribe, Rope Youth, Safe Place of the Permian Basin, Senior Life Midland, and others. They have also supported the Midland Athletic Syndicate in constructing the Diamondback Energy Athletic Complex, a citywide indoor sports facility. Diamondback Energy has also partnered with Midland College to continue the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College providing affordable and accessible higher education in the Permian Basin.

Additionally, Mr. Stice and his wife Brenda contribute countless hours serving on many community boards and are joint board members of the Dynamic Catholic Institute.

Get Involved

To reserve a table or purchase tickets, please contact Jamie Ramirez.

P.O. Box 132 | Midland, Texas 79702

jamie@pbpa.info | (432) 684-6345