The Latin America and Caribbean Region Student and Young Professional Leadership Summit is an initiative developed by geoscientists leaders representing the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Latin America and the Caribbean Region (AAPG LACR).
Since 2013, the AAPG Leadership Summit has brought students from throughout the Latin America and the Caribbean Region together for three intensive professional and personal development sessions and training in leadership, communications, ethics, and service.
Starting in 2022, the Summit expanded to include participation from Young Professionals representing AAPG’s International Regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Middle East) and United States Sections. This multicultural participation helps participants strengthen their global network, develop leadership skills, and prepare themselves for the challenges that they will face as professionals in the energy sector.
Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2026, the Leadership Summit will take place on November 2026 in beautiful Bogotá, Colombia.
Program
Welcome & Greetings
10:00 AM–10:15 AMIntroduction
10:30 AM–11:00 AMSummit Participant Networking Reception
6:00 PM–8:00 PMRegistration & Welcome Coffee
Welcome & Greetings
Keynote Talk: Leadership in Geosciences
Introduction
Keynote Talk: Diversity and Inclusion
Keynote Talk: Sustainability
Lunch
Career Choices for a Geologist
Keynote Talk: Effective Communication
Coffee Break - Networking
Keynote Talk: Energy Policy
Spotlights on Leadership Roles of Geoscientists
Career Development
Break
Summit Participant Networking Reception
Welcome and Introductions
8:00 am - 8:15 amLilly Margarita Guerrero - Herbert Otálora, MAGA Coaches
Discovering and Developing the Leader Within You
MAGA SESSION I
Break
Activity: We Are Different
Lunch
MAGA SESSION II
Break
MAGA SESSION III
Participant Networking Session: Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity
Summit Closing
4:40 PM–5:10 PMPART I: Student Chapter Snapshots
Stretching / Active Break
PART II: Student Chapter Snapshots
Stretching / Active Break
PART I: Young Professionals Chapter Snapshots
Break
PART II: Young Professionals Chapter Snapshots
Stretching / Active Break
PART III: Young Professionals Chapter Snapshots
Lunch
AAPG Round Table
Breakout Session: Summit Participant Feedback
Summit Closing
Activity
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and sits high in the Andes at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft). It’s a vibrant city known for its cultural richness, great food scene, historic neighborhoods, and stunning mountain views.
Attractions in Bogotá, Colombia
Monserrate
Monserrate is Bogotá’s most famous viewpoint, rising over 3,000 meters above sea level and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. Visitors can reach the summit by cable car, funicular, or a steep hiking trail, where they’ll find a historic church, artisan shops, and restaurants that make it an unforgettable cultural and scenic experience.
La Candelaria
La Candelaria is Bogotá’s historic and cultural heart, known for its colorful colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant street art, and lively plazas. It’s home to many of the city’s most important landmarks—including Plaza Bolívar, historic churches, museums, and cafés—making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Bogotá’s unique character and heritage.
Salt Mines of Zipaquirá (Salt Cathedral)
Located just outside Bogotá, the Zipaquirá Salt Mines host the spectacular Salt Cathedral, an underground church carved entirely out of salt. This atmospheric landmark features illuminated tunnels, religious sculptures, and vast caverns, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind spiritual and architectural experience deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Museo Botero
The Museo Botero showcases the iconic works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, famous for his distinctive “voluminous” style, alongside pieces by international masters like Picasso, Monet, and Dalí. Set in a beautifully restored colonial mansion in La Candelaria, the museum offers free admission and a world-class art experience in an intimate, historic setting.
Venue
Venue
Bogota, Colombia
Address
Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Lodging
Travel Information
Do you need a visa?
Holders of the passports included in the list in this link: List of countries | Ministry of Foreign Affairs are exempt from visa requirements for short stays.
We recommend checking periodically the link below for any updates on visa requirements and for visa applications.
I need a visa | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
AAPG is not responsible for any type of immigration process. Such procedures are the individual responsibility of each participant.
Where can I get more information?
Vaccination Requirements
Please review the information on Colombia’s official tourism website: Health & Vaccines for Travel to Colombia | Colombia Travel
Weather
- Cool year-round due to altitude.
- Typical temperature: 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 65°F).
- Always carry: light jacket and umbrella (quick showers are common)
Currency
- The Colombian Peso (COP) is Colombia’s official currency. $1 US Dollar is about $3,744–3,780 Colombian pesos (COP)
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and major cities.
- ATMs are common and usually give good exchange rates. You may be charged a local ATM fee and/or a fee from your home bank.
Electricity
- Voltage: 110–120 volts
- Frequency: 60 Hz
This is the same as United States, Canada, Mexico, and most of Central America.
Bogotá uses plugs:
- Type A – two flat parallel pins
- Type B – two flat pins + round grounding pin
Bogota, Colombia
Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Thanks to our sponsors’ support, we are fortunate to celebrate the AAPG LACR Leadership Summit’s 12th anniversary in 2026!
We invite you to support the Summit and to be an important part of students’ and YPs’ professional and personal development. Your participation represents a direct investment in the future of the industry and in the talented young people who will one day shape its future.
Additionally, sponsoring the Summit provides you the opportunity to share your corporate image, products, and services with event participants and organizers.
Please find various sponsorship opportunities and their benefits below:
Sponsorship Levels
| Benefits by Level | Diamond $20,000+ | Titanium $15,000+ | Platinum $10,000+ | Gold $7,500+ | Silver $5,000+ | Bronze $2,500+ | Patron $1,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition during Opening Ceremony | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Logo on Event On-Site Banner | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Logo on Event Website | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Logo on Walk-In Slides | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Logo on Event Program | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Opportunity to Address Participants during the Event | X | X | X | X | |||
| Speaking Opportunity | X | X | X | ||||
| Logo Recognition as Coffee Break Sponsor | X | X | X | ||||
| Logo Recognition as Lunch Sponsor | X | X | |||||
| Logo Recognition as Networking Reception Sponsor | X |
We welcome in-kind contributions. Items such as pens, backpacks, notepads, water bottles, lanyards, etc. are always useful and appreciated by the Summit’s participants.
Be Notified on AAPG Training Opportunities
From geotechnical workshops to field trips and more, stay in the loop on upcoming virtual and in-person events.