Overture, curtains, lights
This is it, the night of nights
No more rehearsing and nursing a part
We know every part by heart …
The Grammys and the Academy Awards all have been given, and now it’s our turn on the red carpet. Pack your bags and [PFItemLinkShortcode|id:3016|type:standard|anchorText:get ready to attend|cssClass:|title:Convention Time Arrives for AAPG|PFItemLinkShortcode] AAPG’s 2012 Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) in Long Beach, Calif., from April 22-25.
“Directing the Future of E&P: Starring Creative Ideas and New Technologies” is the theme for this year’s ACE, and we’ll be joined by SEPM – the Society of Sedimentary Geology – and the AAPG Pacific Section as host.
Sincere thanks go to Kay Pitts, the 2012 ACE general chair, and the members of the Organizing Committee who have volunteered countless hours over the past several years to develop and conduct a showcase meeting for all of us.
Thanks, too, go to Alan Wegener and the AAPG convention staff who have worked closely with Kay and the committee to deliver a successful event.
The centerpiece of our annual meeting is the technical program, consisting of more than 400 talks and 700 posters developed and presented by fellow geoscientists. It’s an impressive line-up of science, presented in 12 themes:
- Active oil and gas fields – development and production.
- Emerging frontiers.
- Siliciclastic reservoirs – exploration and characterization.
- Carbonates and evaporates – exploration and characterization.
- Unconventional resources.
- Basin analysis and petroleum systems.
- Alternative energy.
- Environmental and energy research.
- Structural geology and neotectonics.
- Geophysics and seismology.
- Geoscience principles and applications.
- AAPG and SEPM student poster sessions.
One of AAPG’s principal missions is to advance the science of petroleum geology. Engaging with one another by listening to and giving technical talks is one of the primary ways that we do that. It’s a process whereby we learn from each other.
The fact that we are able to do so is because you and your fellow AAPG members take the time to prepare and present these talks and posters – without your active involvement none of this happens.
In addition to the technical presentations, there are a series of forums and special sessions designed to inform, educate and spark creative thinking about how we go about finding oil and natural gas. They include the History of Petroleum Geology forum, the Michel T. Halbouty lecture, the Discovery Thinking forum , the SEPM research symposium and the AAPG ethics lecture.
The luncheons present yet another opportunity for learning. AAPG welcomes J. Robinson West, the founder and chairman of PFC Energy to the All-Convention Luncheon, where he will be talking about the “Future of Deepwater after Macondo.”
The Division of Professional Affairs and AAPG Professional Women in Earth Sciences have invited Sally Benson, director of Stanford University’s Global Climate and Energy Project, and Sharon Mosher, dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin to speak at their luncheon.[PFItemLinkShortcode|id:3020|type:standard|anchorText:RELATED STORY|cssClass:|title:Work Force Shifts Create Manpower Needs|PFItemLinkShortcode]
“Following your Convictions: Even When the Going Gets Tough” is the title of Ms. Benson’s presentation, while Dr. Mosher will speak on “Building a Diverse and Sustainable Geoscience Workforce”.
Hydraulic fracturing is very much in the public eye these days, and is the topic of the Division of Environmental Geosciences luncheon. As you read in the [PFItemLinkShortcode|id:1859|type:standard|anchorText:March EXPLORER|cssClass:|title:Opinions Fractured on Hydro Fracturing|PFItemLinkShortcode], Steve Leifer, a noted expert on the issue, will address “Hydraulic fracturing: Separating Myth from Reality.”
And Arizona state geologist Lee Allison and Irish journalist Ann McElhinney will talk about the National Geothermal Data System. “Geothermal Exploration: Everything Digital, Online, and Interoperable” is the title of his talk for the Energy and Minerals Division luncheon.
The opportunities for learning don’t stop here.
- We have 11 short courses and 19 field trips to support your professional development.
- Be sure to schedule ample time to visit with the companies and organizations in the exhibit hall to see the latest in data and technology.
- The International Pavilion will be hosting countries from around the world, showcasing E&P opportunities.
The exhibition also is a great place to meet your fellow geoscience professionals, colleagues and friends. Networking is a significant benefit of attending ACE.
And you cannot come to California without seeing a film. So we’ll be screening SWITCH, featuring AAPG past president Scott Tinker as he travels the globe to better understand the realities of our energy present and our energy future. Don’t miss this chance to see SWITCH.
See you in Long Beach!
Overture, curtains, lights
This is it, you’ll hit the heights
And oh what heights we’ll hit
On with the show, this is it!
– “This Is It” by Mack David and Jerry Livingstone