First, I would love to say how fantastic IMAGE was … but this writing is a week from the convention, so I have yet to experience the fantastic turnout and science I know it will be.
About one year ago, many of the AAPG leadership were in a room watching a presentation from the Reimagine Committee on the restructuring of the organization. Because the meeting was in Houston, several local past presidents of AAPG attended, including Charles Sternbach, Dick Bishop and Paul Britt. After the presentation, there was a question-and-answer period before forming break-out groups to continue the discussion. Dick Bishop stood up and reminded all of us to “ask the right questions.” Truly, we need to understand AAPG’s problems and try to figure out the right solutions by asking the right questions to find the best solution.
The Right Answers to the Right Questions
So, what questions should we ask?
- What goals can we all agree on?
- How do we align staff at headquarters and volunteers to achieve these goals (fit for purpose)?
- What is each of us willing to work on?
When posed with these questions, what is the common ground most of us, if not all, can agree upon?
u Improved website: AAPG has spent millions of dollars on its website over the years, but it is carrying an overload of pages. We need a more effective website to promote science, professionalism and commerce. Direct access to technology that enables members to find what they need will also enhance customer service!
- Membership growth: The House of Delegates is preparing to get on the phones and write emails to remind members who are on the suspended list to pay their dues! In addition, House Membership Committee Chair Chad Cummings and I are writing a letter to all members getting ready to be dropped from AAPG for non-payment of dues. There are also members who, over the past few years, have turned away from AAPG because they are tired of the constant bickering over structure and governance and want the organization to focus on its mission: delivering the science! We need to reach out to those disenfranchised members (many of us know at least one or two) and let them know that mission refocusing is underway. I think IMAGE 2024 will be a prime example of that.
- Improved finances: We must ensure we have better management, improved processes and efficiency at headquarters. Every dollar we can save has a value equal to or greater than a new dollar of revenue. This year’s budget is no exception, and the Executive Committee and staff are looking at ways to trim everything we can. It is tough love, but even some longtime programs might have to go the way of the dodo because they can’t support themselves monetarily. We are also looking at ways to joint-venture more with the Foundation. Events need to be covered by attendance and sponsorship. I have asked Alan Wegener to only think about events that can deliver a 20-percent return on investment. Yes, I want to provide science worldwide, but not at a financial loss.
AAPG can probably learn from the sections that delivered excellent financial results at their conferences this year. They showed that leadership can produce exceptional results even in challenging times. Registration costs were comparable to previous years, but better management (reduced overhead and improved efficiencies) made a more significant financial surplus for the host organizations. Mission focus produced geoscience content that delighted attendees and resulted in highly enthusiastic satisfaction surveys!
- Revenue growth: We need to welcome new ideas for geoscience products and services. We should have more strategic alliances with other organizations and the Foundation. This past year, the BIG (Boost Income Greatly) Committee looked at just that matter. All sorts of ideas were sported, including raising dues, corporate membership dues, starting a company, screening deals and convincing members to give AAPG some overriding royalty interests, among others. Some were practical, some carried too much risk to the organization, but a few we are acting upon. This year, we are holding a Machine Learning Symposium in Houston to bring new technologies to the members. If this Symposium is successful it will be able to travel around the world, just like CCUS, Geothermal Rising and URTeC.
- Geoscience that delights: There is no doubt that the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy is going to deliver science this year. As I wrote in the August EXPLORER, there are more than 55 sessions that highlight regional geology, with 22 sessions specific to North America. So, the IMAGE Committee heard the call and delivered. But it should not stop there! We need to ensure all of our publications are full of relevant geoscience technologies, which is what our members want and need to help them in their career paths.
- Engaging sections and regions: One of the complaints about IMAGE ’23 was the lack of geological presentations pertinent to North America, as IMAGE is the replacement for the ACE convention we used to have. The ’24 team has risen to be more inclusive to all sections and regions, hoping to increase interest and attendance to those craving geoscience in all forms. In putting new events together, we must be considerate about not stepping on the toes of the local organizations. Several times in the past year, AAPG has organized events that conflicted with local society events. These conflicts do not endear AAPG to the affiliated societies, sections and regions, so a proactively maintained universal calendar will help avoid such conflicts. We need to, when possible, bring in local geological organizations (even in the regions!) and have some revenue-sharing proposal. Willingness to help the local group would encourage more volunteers to work on the event, saving staff time and money. It is a win-win for everyone.
What Made You Join AAPG?
We are in a cyclic industry. We should not panic in the lows nor go manic in the highs. AAPG needs a consistent, positive uplifting message to our membership and the world.
I would ask all the members, “What made you join AAPG?” Then I would ask for recommendations on how to promote geoscience that unites us.
Next month: opportunity and entrepreneurism.
Many thanks to past President Charles Sternbach for many ideas I have referenced in this President’s Column. He is a wealth of knowledge, a great scientist and a good friend. I will be so happy to present him with the Halbouty Award at IMAGE!
Best,
Deborah