SPE Shifts Its Unconventional Focus to URTeC

Makes Decision to Reduce Number of US-based Events In Move to Address Industry Needs

TULSA, Okla., July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), a partner with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) in the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC), announced plans to focus its regional U.S. unconventional oil and gas efforts on this one event. The move follows industry feedback that URTeC's multidisciplinary approach is favored, and presents an opportunity to consolidate some existing conferences. The second annual URTeC will be held 25-27 August 2014 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

"In our continual efforts to support the success of our members and clients, SPE has taken action to meet the needs of the industry we serve with our decision to discontinue our Unconventional Resources Conference - USA. Going forward, our focus will be placed on URTeC to provide the highest level of cutting-edge content and networking opportunities in the USA, while we still continue to support our Unconventional Resource conferences and workshops in other global regions," said Shauna Noonan, chairperson for SPE Board of Directors Technical Program and Meetings Committee.

"Along with our partnering societies, SPE will center our efforts in providing energy professionals with a uniquely integrated program that unites the key disciplines under one roof and facilitates collective learning across the sectors for the successful advancement of our industry."

"SPE has been an integral part of URTeC from the start," said Lee Krystinik, chairman of URTeC's Management Committee. "This decision merely underscores URTeC's potential to become the premier global event for professionals developing and producing unconventional plays. I hope and expect our industry will respond in kind and we'll see URTeC grow in attendance, sponsorship and exhibition space in the next few years."

The inaugural URTeC attracted more than 4,300 attendees from 45 countries and featured an exhibition showcasing 173 exhibiting companies. Post-conference surveys revealed that 98% of attendees planned to return in 2014 and 98% would recommend attending to a coworker or friend.

"The survey results from URTeC's launch were a compelling reason to focus SPE's attention on its ongoing success in the USA . The positive industry response to URTeC's unique concept convincingly shows the need for such an event. In addition, the revenue generated by URTeC is invested back into the respective societies' programs, further supporting the ongoing growth and development of professionals working at the forefront of the industry," said Noonan.

URTeC's 2014 conference program, developed by an interdisciplinary committee comprising experts from every aspect of the unconventional sector, features multi-themed technical sessions including 193 oral sessions, 66 ePapers, team presentations, topical breakfasts and luncheons, and interactive panel sessions. 

For full conference program details, registration, exhibition and sponsorship information, visit www.urtec.org. Press passes are available by contacting Samantha Knowlton at [email protected].

About SPE
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production. SPE serves more than 124,000 members in 135 countries worldwide. SPE is a key resource for technical knowledge related to the oil and gas exploration and production industry and provides services through its publications, events, training courses, and online resources at www.spe.org.

About AAPG
Since its founding in 1917, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists has been a pillar of the worldwide scientific community. AAPG provides publications, conferences, and educational opportunities to geoscientists and disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public. For more information, visit www.aapg.org.

About SEG
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of applied geophysics and the education of geophysicists. SEG's mission is connecting, inspiring, and propelling the people and science of geophysics. It provides its members with a variety of resources designed to further their success in the geophysics community.  For more information, visit www.seg.org.

SOURCE American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)