One of the primary conclusions in AAPG's strategic plan
is that AAPG will become a more global association. Currently, over
30 percent of AAPG members work internationally and approximately
one-half of our new applications come from outside the United States.
"Global" is more than numbers, however; it is also a
process and a general attitude.
The process is taking shape especially as AAPG's international
Regions grow and thirst for more AAPG programs — and start developing
their own programs. All of the Region representatives are asking
for more AAPG services, such as Distinguished Lectures and Hedberg
conferences. AAPG is in the process of raising more money to fund
the Distinguished Lecture program and workshops worldwide.
The European Region is developing its first independent conference
in Prague, set for Oct. 10-13. The conference has special emphasis
on "Hydrocarbon Systems of European and Russian Basins."
The Geological Society of America is endorsing and contributing
to this meeting, which will be the first conference organized and
operated under the European Region banner.
Another process is found in the International Regions Committee.
This committee is designed to help support the Regions by providing
advice and guidance on governance, membership and programs. It is
a committee where the Region representatives can meet and discuss
ideas and solutions to problems.
Communications in a global setting are key to the development
of the Regions. The EXPLORER has a monthly column devoted to news
from the Regions (in this issue, see page 33), and we are developing
more information on the Internet. The Region presidents also have
the opportunity to meet with staff once a month through teleconference
to discuss projects and events in each area of the globe.
Now that the Regions are more active, AAPG is re-examining how
we plan and schedule international meetings to be more effective
for the membership.
AAPG's annual international meetings have been very successful,
and we are looking forward to an outstanding meeting in Cancun,
Mexico (see related story, page 32). The technical program is excellent
with many diverse talks from around the globe. Of course, there
will be presentations on Mexico and the circum-Gulf of Mexico, so
there is something for everyone.
I encourage you to examine the Cancun technical program and conference
activities at www.aapg.org and consider joining us for this exciting
meeting. Airfare and hotels are reasonably priced and you can register
on-site.
Globalization means developing products and services with sister
societies — as we are working with Asociación Mexicana de Geólogos
Petroleros in Mexico for the Cancun meeting. We are working with
the Institut Français du Pétrole to develop the Paris 2005 meeting,
and with the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia to develop
an international meeting in Perth in 2006.
In the Middle East, AAPG is jointly developing conferences and
exhibitions with SPE, SEG and EAGE.
The term "global" is an important term because it does
not mean that you emphasize development just outside of the United
States — it means encompassing the entire world. Global means that
we include everyone and use their talents and services for the good
of the organization.
Sections and Regions are equally important for growth of the Association.
That is why the AAPG leadership has formed a domestic Sections Committee
with a mission similar to that of the IRC. The Sections Committee
is designed for communication within the Sections and their local
societies. In addition, it is designed to discuss best practices
with the IRC and other committees.
Geology, by definition, is global and one of the truly integrated
sciences. This is illustrated in technical papers and talks, for
example, where clastic field examples in Utah can be used to evaluate
deltas around the world. It is also important in business. Global
networking is an integral part of work to both large corporations
and individual consultants.
AAPG has developed a global attitude to assist members. We want
to become an integral part in your professional development.