AAPG’s Young Professionals (YPs) played host for a couple of specific successful activities at this year’s AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) in Pittsburgh – events that have become regular fixtures on the ACE agenda.
♦ First, on Sunday afternoon as the convention was getting started, the YP Meet-N-Greet proved once again to be a big success, thanks in part to the sponsorship of Noble Energy, which was represented by AAPG member Chuck Caughey. The popular event attracted more than 200 students, YPs and mentors.
As in past years, the large group gathered just prior to the convention’s opening session to network and discuss careers in the oil and gas industry, the benefits of continued membership in AAPG and to enjoy refreshments.
After an hour of mixing and mingling at the Meet-N-Greet, everyone headed off to the Imperial Barrel Awards ceremony and the opening session.
♦ Following the Icebreaker, a sizeable crowd of YPs gathered at the “Olive or Twist” in downtown Pittsburgh for the YP Networking Reception, also sponsored by Noble Energy. Attendees enjoyed good food, local beers and the chance to network with other YPs attending the ACE.
How popular was this activity? Well, the invitation-only event wasn’t advertised, but we still needed to turn back people who were trying to swing their way into the venue.
This “YP-only” gathering gave YPs another chance to share experiences with each other about working in the industry and being a part of AAPG.
♦ Finally, on Monday night we announced the winners of the cash prizes for the Networking Challenge, a competition where students flexed their networking muscle by engaging with AAPG leaders by collecting signatures around the exhibition hall during Sunday’s Icebreaker.
Overall, the YP activities at ACE were a success, and the YP Committee would like to thank everyone who participated – as well as Noble Energy for their generous support.
We look forward to repeating the experience at next year’s ACE in Houston. Stay tuned for details.