It's never too soon to start preparing to attend an AAPG annual or international convention, and the meetings offered in 2005 are guaranteed to attract an enormous amount of attention.
Both events promise to be great meetings in great locales -- Calgary, Canada, for the Annual Convention and Paris, France, for the International Conference and Exhibition.
AAPG already is in full swing in its preparation for the meetings, including this information that may help you as you make your plans for 2005.
New Registration Pricing Structure Set for Calgary
A new plan is being introduced by AAPG that can help members save money as they plan for the AAPG Annual Convention.
Register early and save for the 2005 AAPG Annual Convention in Calgary, Canada June 19-22.
For the first time, AAPG is offering three-tiered pricing for the meeting. AAPG members registering early will save US $45 off the price of regular advance registration.
This early subscription price also represents a US $115 savings over registering onsite.
Watch your mailbox and the AAPG Web site beginning in February for more information.
You'll Love Paris in the Fall ...
AAPG has reserved several blocks of rooms in close proximity to the CNIT, the facility where the 2005 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition will be held Sept. 11-14. These hotels offer the convenience of easy access to the conference, and are in close proximity to the Paris Metro for after-hours excursions into the city.
Should you desire to stay at a hotel nearer to Paris' world-renowned attractions, you are welcome to make independent arrangements, or you can get the assistance of AAPG's designated management company, Lafayette Travel.
When deciding where to stay, please consider the travel time and expense that will be incurred each day from your hotel to and from the conference.
Paris is a popular destination during September, and several major conferences in addition to AAPG's are scheduled there -- so please make your reservations early!
Detailed information will be available on AAPG's Web site at www.aapg.org in March 2005.
Success in Prague
Finally, approximately 400 persons attended the first-ever European Region Conference (with GSA) independently organized by the AAPG European Region, held in October in Prague.
The Czech Geological Survey was the official host society, with the Geological Society of America contributing meeting content and event participation.
Due to popular demand, an exhibition was added to the conference schedule with AAPG participating in the exhibits by having a stand there. Past AAPG President Robbie Gries attended as the official representative of the AAPG Executive Committee and also delivered the Festive Luncheon address.
The European Region Council, headed by President Sigrunn Johnsen, held important meetings and networked with many members of the Region while in Prague.
Special thanks are due Juraj Francu, general chair, and Vlastimila Dvorakova, general vice chair, for a job well done.