2010 ACE Planning Committee Report
The 2010 ACE planning committee has put together what we think will be an outstanding event. We offer a strong technical program with good mix of science, technology, and case studies, a good slate of short courses and field trips, featured speakers that promise to draw large crowds, and inviting social events for guests and registrants alike.
Registration – As of eight weeks prior to the convention, 2317 people had registered, approximately 600 behind 2009 registration.
Technical Program – Approximately 1340 abstracts were submitted including 366 student abstracts. The final program consists of over 400 oral and nearly 600 posters presented in 12 themes and 8 concurrent oral sessions.
Short Courses – A total of 14 short courses are offered, 10 pre-convention and 4 post-convention. Six are fully or almost fully subscribed. The remainder need dedicated efforts to insure that the minimum subscription is met.
Field Trips – Ten field trips are offered, six pre-convention and four post-convention. Four are fully or almost fully subscribed. The remainder need dedicated efforts to insure that the minimum subscription is met.
Sponsorship – As of February 9 (nine weeks prior to ACE), $344,500 has been raised towards AAPG’s goal of $400,000. Overall, $471,500 has been raised. Volunteers continue to pursue local sponsors and other leads.
Speakers – Two excellent speakers were secured for featured roles. Mr. Bobby Ryan, Vice-President of Global Exploration for Chevron Global Upstream and Gas, will speak at the All-Convention Luncheon and Mr. Aubrey McClendon, co-founder and CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, will deliver the Michel Halbouty lecture.
Teacher Program – Rocks in Your Head will be offered twice before the convention. Registration is less than expected but efforts are ongoing to publicize the classes.
Guest Activities – The NOGS Auxiliary has planned an excellent program featuring tours, food, and enrichment activities for our guests.
Volunteers – Over 70 individuals have volunteered their time and services to fill whatever needs may arise. Judges are being actively recruited to assist with the evaluation and ranking of technical presentations. Volunteer to Judge
I want to recognize and extend my thanks to Howard Harper and Mike Blum of SEPM; Mark Winter, DEG; Mike Fogarty and Al Baker, DPA; Art Johnson, EMD; the NOGS Planning Committee members, Nancye Dawers, Brenda Reilly, David Reiter, Robert Rooney, George Rhoads, Bob Meltz, Dave Balcer, Duncan Goldwaithe, David Garner, Bill Whiting, Mike Ledet, Jim Swaney, Al Melillo, Mike Fein and Beverly Kastler; NOGS President, Tom Klekamp; and the AAPG Conventions Department staff for their committed efforts to host the best possible Annual Convention and Exhibition. Many others have also invested time and effort and their contributions are greatly appreciated.