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• LAPL September Monthly Luncheon

  • When
    18 Sep 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    City Club, River Ranch
  • Registered
    34 registrants

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  JOIN US FOR THE LAPL MONTHLY LUNCHEON           

  FEATURING SPEAKER MARK ZAPPI

  DATA CENTERS AND THEIR IMPACT

  CLE/RPL/CPL credit available

  

  Endowed Professor of Chemical Engineering

  Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana

  Director of the Center for Environmental Protection

  Director for the Louisiana C1 Extension Service

  Dr. Mark E. Zappi, P.E., brings more than 25 years of experience in energy and waste management technologies, working across the full spectrum from early-stage research to real-world implementation. At UL Lafayette, he serves as the Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana, Director of the Center for Environmental Protection, and Director of LEES, roles that reflect both his technical expertise and his commitment to serving the state.

  A proud UL Lafayette graduate, Dr. Zappi earned his BS in Civil Engineering before completing his MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. He holds the BORSF Chair in Bioprocesses and is a dedicated professor in the UL Lafayette Department of Chemical Engineering, where he continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists.

  Throughout his career, Dr. Zappi has authored more than 300 technical publications, delivered over 750 presentations, secured 10 patents, and served as a licensed professional engineer in Louisiana. His leadership has helped bring in more than $120 million in research funding and has guided numerous large-scale, multi-partner projects focused on advancing clean energy and sustainable technologies.

  Beyond his academic and research achievements, Dr. Zappi is deeply engaged in supporting Louisiana communities. He frequently works with municipal and state leaders to evaluate new industries, strengthen local economies, and ensure responsible environmental practices. His passion for clean energy systems, sustainability, and biological processes makes him not only an expert in his field, but an invaluable part of the LEES mission and team.

  Recent Projects

  • Development of advanced biofuels from regional feedstocks.

  • Process commercialization for environmental remediation technologies.

  • Strategic planning for LEES.

  
  

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• LAPL October Board Meeting

  • When
    6 Oct 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

  
  

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• Gulf Coast Land Institute

  • Start
    14 Oct 2026
  • End
    15 Oct 2026
  • Location
    Lake Charles, Louisiana

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  2026 Gulf Coast Land Institute

  October 14–15, 2026
  Lake Charles, Louisiana

  Join the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) for the 2026 Gulf Coast Land Institute. This two-day regional institute will feature educational sessions focused on current issues affecting land and energy professionals throughout the Gulf Coast, along with opportunities to network with fellow industry professionals.

  Highlights include:
  • Professional education sessions
  • Gulf Coast and regional industry topics
  • Networking reception on Wednesday evening
  • Breakfast and additional education sessions on Thursday

  Registration: Registration for this event is handled directly through AAPL. Early registration rates are available through September 25, 2026.

  EVENT DETAILS & REGISTRATION

  This is an AAPL event. Please visit the AAPL website for the latest schedule, speakers, pricing and registration information.

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• 8th Annual LAPL Fishing Tournament

  • When
    16 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Calcasieu Point Landing - 3955 Henry Pugh Blvd, Lake Charles, LA

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  Friday, October 16, 2026 Location: Calcasieu Point Landing 3955 Henry Pugh Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 5:30 AM - 1:30 PM Lunch will be provided around noon FISHING TOURNAMENT CALCUTTA Thursday, October 15 | 5:00–7:00 PM Mazen Grill | Lake Charles, LA Join us Thursday evening for the Fishing Tournament Calcutta—an opportunity to catch up with industry friends over great food, with drinks on us. 217 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605 Will include door prizes, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres This year, the tournament follows the 2026 Gulf Coast Land Institute, held October 14–15 at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. If you’re joining us for the Institute, we hope you’ll stay for Thursday evening’s festivities and a day on the water Friday. 8TH ANNUAL LAPL FISHING TOURNAMENT Friday, October 16, 2026 Calcasieu Lake | Lake Charles, LA Calcasieu Lake offers some of the best saltwater fishing in Louisiana and a great setting for a day of competition and camaraderie on the water. TOURNAMENT BEGINS WEIGH-IN DEADLINE WEIGH-IN LOCATION 6:00 AM 1:30 PM Calcasieu Point Marina After weighing in your fish, stay for lunch, awards, and door prizes. The event will wrap up by approximately 3:00 PM. Never fished? No boat? No guide? Need lodging? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED You don’t need to have everything figured out to join us. Whether you’re new to fishing, don’t have a boat, need a guide, or are coming on your own, we’ll help make it easier to get on the water. Have a group of 2–3 fishermen? If you need a guide with a boat—or possibly lodging for Thursday night—consider reaching out to one of these local charter services: BRIAN HANCHEY Louisiana Backwater Charters 337-660-2035 https://louisianabackwatercharters.com/ ERIC RUE Calcasieu Charter Service 337-598-4700 https://calcasieucharters.com/calcasieu-lake-fishing-charters-lake-charles-fishing-guides/ JEREMY WALTRIP Waltrip’s Saltwater Guide Service 337-789-9002 https://louisianacharterfishing.com/captain/jeremy-waltrip Coming by yourself? We can help with that, too. If you’re a single fisherman and need a spot on a boat, lodging, or help connecting with a guide, reach out to John. We’ll help connect you with a guide and a spot on a boat so you can fish and enjoy the day. NEED HELP MAKING ARRANGEMENTS? John Fenstermaker Vice President, Business Development | Fenstermaker jwf@fenstermaker.com 337-349-1060 A FEW HELPFUL DETAILS CHARTER GUIDE SERVICE Approximately $700–$800 for 1–3 guests. Live bait and gratuity are not included. Guides will clean your fish. LODGING One-night lodging packages vary depending on accommodations and whether meals or other amenities are included, generally ranging from $85–$125 per person per night. TOURNAMENT MORNING TIP Since weigh-in will be at Calcasieu Point Marina, consider driving there Friday morning and arranging for your guide to meet you there by boat. If your lodging is coordinated through your guide service, check with your guide ahead of time on the best transportation and launch logistics. Whether you already have your boat and crew lined up or need a little help putting the pieces together, don’t let the logistics keep you from joining us. Come for the Gulf Coast Land Institute, join us for the Calcutta Thursday evening, and stay for a great day of fishing on Calcasieu Lake. We look forward to seeing you in Lake Charles! Sponsorships Champion - $1,000 Includes 3 Anglers 3 Calcutta Tickets 3 entries for drawings.  Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners Platinum- $750 Includes 2 Anglers 2 Calcutta Tickets 2 entries for drawings.  Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners Gold- $500 Includes 1 Angler 1 Calcutta Ticket 1 entry for drawings Also includes recognition and logo on all event marketing and banners Friends of LAPL - $250 Includes 1 Calcutta Ticket Also includes recognition and logo on all marketing and banners Single Angler - $100 Includes  1 Angler 1 Calcutta Ticket

  Click HERE for Rules and Entry Forms: LAPL Fishing Tournament Entry Rules 2026.docx LAPL Fishing Tournament Entry Form 2026.docx Each Angler must complete and return one Entry Form and Indemnity Agreement to: kyle.coburn@exxonmobil.com or jwf@fenstermaker.com Pay online or mail checks to: LAPL Attn: Fishing Tournament P.O. Box 53491 Lafayette, LA 70505

  
  

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• LOGA State of the Industry

  • When
    19 Oct 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    1913 Kaliste Saloom Road

  

  
  

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• LAPL SAFETY MEETING

  • When
    29 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    201 Settler Trace Blvd #4001 - The Tap Room

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• LAPL November Board Meeting

  • When
    3 Nov 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

  
  

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• LAPL Veterans Luncheon

  • When
    6 Nov 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    3103 Johnston Street - next to Corner Bar

  
  

  Andrew Ward

  Founder | The Boot

  Founder & CEO | Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA)

  Chairman | Lafayette Veterans Affairs Commission

  Member | Louisiana Governor Transition Team (Military Affairs)

  Scholar | George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program

  Andrew Ward is a combat veteran and former infantryman with the Louisiana Army National Guard who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2005.

  He is the Founder and CEO of Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA), a non-profit improving outcomes for veterans and their families through its WORK, HEAL, and GIVE programs. AVA connects veterans to career opportunities, addresses combat related PTSD through innovative behavioral health partnerships, builds stronger veteran communities, and advocates for policies that make Louisiana a better place for veterans to live and thrive. In 2026, Andrew also created Mission: Launch, an entrepreneurship program designed to help veterans launch and grow businesses.

  In 2021, Andrew was selected as a Scholar in the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. In 2024, the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs named him the state’s Veteran of the Year in recognition of AVA’s HEAL Program and its work addressing PTSD and veteran suicide.

  Andrew also founded The Boot in 2024 in collaboration with the Louisiana Governor’s Office and Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The statewide nonprofit focuses on economic development by recruiting and retaining transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses in Louisiana. In less than three years, The Boot has helped place nearly 400 service members into Louisiana careers, generating more than $30 million in economic impact for the state.

  Andrew is also a cofounder of PathRecon, a technology platform designed to connect transitioning service members and veterans with education, training, and career pathways while helping states and employers build stronger military talent pipelines.

  Andrew currently serves as Chairman of the Lafayette Veterans Affairs Commission, where he helps guide local veteran initiatives and works with government and community leaders to expand opportunities for veterans and their families.

  
  

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• LAPL December Board Meeting

  • When
    15 Dec 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

  
  

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• LAPL Christmas Party

  • When
    17 Dec 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    3809 Johnston Street - Lafonda Restaurant

  
  

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