Annual Meeting Begins June 3

Denver Opens Its Doors for AAPG

Colorado's beautiful and dramatic Maroon Bells, at left, a popular site near Aspen that makes a visit to the Rocky Mountain state a must for geologists and tourists alike.

Photo courtesy of Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau

APG is heading for a Rocky Mountain high via an annual meeting that celebrates the successes and triumphs of the past while taking aim at hitting greater heights in a new millennium.

The 86th AAPG annual meeting begins June 3 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, designed around the theme "2001: An Energy Odyssey."

"The theme underscores a dynamic period for the hydrocarbon industry," said meeting general chairman Steve Sonnenberg. "Our energy journey into the 21st century begins with concerns about oil and gas supplies and includes debates regarding the environmental impact of energy exploration and development."

The convention, he continued, provides an opportunity for members "to continue your education and improve your skills.

"The technical program has been developed along themes of natural gas, petroleum systems, structures and tectonics, reservoir geology and characterization, depositional systems and stratigraphy, technology, business and global environmental issues," Sonnenberg said.

"Over 1,000 papers were accepted by the technical program committee."

Add to that the chance to view the latest in technology on the giant exhibits hall; to find out the latest exploration opportunities from around the globe in the International Pavilion; to take advantage of the many short courses and field trips that are being offered; the chance to network with peers and people who can make a difference in careers, and the meeting becomes a must-do opportunity.

This year's meeting also features the first-ever Eposter sessions, held Monday through Wednesday, in addition to the inaugural Michel T. Halbouty Lecture, featuring Carolyn Shoemaker's talk on "Through a Crystal Ball." (See related story on page 40.)

Pre-meeting events -- various short courses, field trips, meetings and entertainment-related activities -- will be held for early arrivers. This year's "Teacher Day Program" will be held June 2-3, for example, and a Career Transition Workshop will be offered at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Marriott City Center.

But the annual meeting begins in earnest at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 3, with the opening session and awards ceremony at the Colorado Convention Center.

That will be followed by the traditional Icebreaker reception, held in the exhibits hall, allowing participants a chance to enjoy refreshments while getting a first-look at the latest in technology.

Technical sessions begin at 8 a.m. Monday, June 4.

This meeting marks the seventh time AAPG has held its annual meeting in Denver. Previous annual meetings were held there in 1942, 1948, 1961, 1972, 1980 and 1994.