AAPG’s sections have long been the heart of our Association – local communities in which geoscientists gather, mentor, network, and advance science through regionally grounded technical exchange. Yet, over the years, a widening gap has emerged between the day-to-day realities of the sections and the broader operations of AAPG. Misalignments in technical content, event structure, digital presence, and member engagement have made it increasingly difficult for the centralized organization to consistently deliver value to its sections. I discussed several of these challenges in my January 2025 Explorer article, “AAPG: Fueling the Future.”
My understanding of the issues affecting our sections expanded further after a series of one-on-one conversations with section leaders and after attending several of their events. A clear and consistent set of concerns emerged: operational isolation, misaligned technical programming, costly and inopportunely-timed annual events (such as IMAGE, held during Houston’s peak summer heat), membership stagnation, and insufficient digital presence. With this in mind, it is important to emphasize that AAPG’s Executive Committee is listening. Several concrete steps are already under way to address these legitimate concerns. It is time to highlight some of these actions and acknowledge that we are beginning to move the needle in the right direction.
A New AAPG Strategy
Under President Brian Horn’s leadership, the AAPG Executive Committee has focused on defining a three-year strategy that reflects our current realities and future needs. The organization is taking steps to balance expenses so that new resources can be deployed to increase member value. The goal is to deliver local value within a global context, modernize our structure, and develop alternative revenue streams that allow us to invest where it matters most.
Our new Executive Director Tom Wilker is implementing several operational measures that demonstrate meaningful progress. Some of these changes required difficult decisions, but increasing member value must remain our top priority. While some of these benefits will take time to fully materialize, I am confident that we are moving in the right direction.
The AAPG Bulletin: A New Editorial Vision
One of the most persistent concerns expressed by section members has been the misalignment between the content published in the AAPG Bulletin and the technical and scientific interests of our membership. Common feedback included an overly international focus (overemphasis on China, for example), an imbalance toward geophysical applications without sufficient case studies, and a lack of publications on U.S. basins – particularly active plays in the Permian Basin and other relevant basins – as well as limited content on emerging energy trends including geothermal energy.
Our new AAPG Editor Daniel Minisini deserves recognition for addressing these concerns in real time. We are already seeing a shift toward content that better reflects the needs and interests of our members. Publication timelines are shortening, making it easier for U.S. academics and industry professionals to submit locally relevant research and to participate as reviewers. This positive change is already noticeable, and I hope the membership will continue to support and appreciate this new editorial direction. Thank you, Daniel.
More Work Ahead – And We Know It
There is still more to do. Reassessing the cost, location, and timing of our annual events remains an active topic of discussion. We also hope to support sections in securing corporate sponsorships and developing corporate subscription models. Strengthening local engagement through workshops, field trips, and university-based events will help incorporate students and early career professionals – groups that are essential to our future.
As AAPG continues its internal restructuring, we expect to provide greater support for sections to leverage centralized marketing resources, including assistance with websites and social media. Personally, I am a strong advocate for giving sections a more active presence in the Explorer and for promoting the submission of E&P Notes to the Bulletin, enabling members to share emerging trends from both the oil patch and the broader subsurface energy landscape. I truly want to hear what our members are doing, what they’re working on, and what’s on their minds!
We also need to expand opportunities for local networking, since meaningful one- on-one interactions are often lost in the scale of large conferences.
During a recent Executive Committee meeting, someone rightly observed that it might be time to start communicating more openly about the changes taking place – changes that are steadily guiding us toward a stronger, more responsive Association. I agree. It is time to acknowledge and highlight the proactive steps being taken to address members’ concerns. It is also time to deepen our engagement with section leaders, listen closely, and honor their continued commitment to the AAPG brand.
As President John F. Kennedy stated in his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”