The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Announce Joint Venture to Co-present Series of Events for Global Oil and Gas Industry

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) today announced a joint venture to co-present oil and gas events around the world to provide their members and the oil and gas global industry with the highest level of geosciences information and data exchange opportunities.

Expanding on long-term collaboration efforts between the two societies on research projects, publications, distinguished lecturers and topical conferences and workshops, the joint venture will facilitate a series of international events under AAPG's proven "ICE" brand, beginning with the 2015 edition to be held 13-16 September in Melbourne, Australia.  Subsequently, SEG will operate an ICE event in the first half of each year and AAPG in the second half of each year. The two societies will work closely together to ensure a seamless format and highest level of quality across the conferences. 

"The distinction between geologists and geophysicists in the petroleum industry is no longer as well defined as it once was.  Geophysics is an integral component of what all exploration and production geoscientists do on a daily basis.  Having SEG join with AAPG in presenting our International Conference and Exhibition is a logical response to meeting our industry's needs as well as our members. The world is also a big place, and by joining our resources we will now be able to put on two ICE's a year in geographically disparate regions, which will also better serve our industry's and members needs," said Ms. Randi Martinsen, 2014-15 President of AAPG.

The agreement signing is the result of several years of work by an AAPG-SEG Cooperation Committee, led by co-chairs Mr. Lee Billingsly and Mr. Bill Barkhouse.  Combining the societies' global resources and expertise, new opportunities for knowledge and business growth will be provided to the AAPG/SEG collective membership of more than 80,000 geoscientists around the world, as well as the international oil and gas industry.  The two societies already share office space in Dubai, serving their members and customers in the Middle East.

"As AAPG and SEG become more international in scope and membership, the agreement will allow more efficient use of staff resources, as well as provide venues for collaboration by members of both societies," said Mr. Don Steeples, SEG 2013-14 President.

"Globally, this is the right time, right place. AAPG and SEG co-presenting of future ICE events propels the geosciences forward in an unparalleled and integrated inter-disciplinary fashion that is unprecedented," said Mr. Bill Barkhouse, co-chair of the AAPG-SEG Cooperation Committee.

Themed "A Powerhouse Emerges: Energy for the Next Fifty Years" in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Gippsland Basin oil discovery that unlocked the Australasian market, the first co-presented ICE event will be hosted by the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA) and will include PESA's Eastern Australasian Basins Symposium (EABS). The ICE event is known for delivering strong technical programs, diverse short-courses and field trips, state-of-the-art displays and networking activities designed to facilitate new business development.  The ICE 2015 conference program is currently under development by a new joint organizing committee, with abstracts being accepted until 15 January 2015.  To submit an abstract or to learn more information about ICE 2015, visit ice.aapg.org. 

About AAPG
Founded in 1917, AAPG is the premiere global organization for petroleum explorationists with over 42,500 members in 129 countries. The original purpose of AAPG, to foster scientific research, to advance the science of geology, to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct, still guides the association today. AAPG provides publications, conferences, and educational opportunities to geoscientists and disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public.

About SEG
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the international society of applied geophysics, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. SEG exists to connect, inspire, and propel the people and science of geophysics. The society fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near surface, and in mitigating Earth hazards. With more than 32,000 members in 138 countries, SEG fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, educational opportunities, and multiple website resources.

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SOURCE American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)