The Unconventional Resource Technology Conference, or URTeC (pronounced “Your Tech”) just completed its second annual meeting in August with about 5,000 attendees.
The primary purpose of the conference is to bring multi-disciplinary resource play technology to the industry and public. The secondary purpose is to develop a unique program of cooperation among SPE, AAPG and SEG.
Many AAPG DPA members played key leadership roles in the development of URTeC. This new conference has been a success in both purposes and is a now a showcase for professional cooperation, especially in relationship with resource plays.
Developing a clear purpose is critical with any program.
As AAPG Division of Professional Affairs president I am often asked, “What is the DPA’s purpose?” I decided one of the best ways to answer this question is take the Letterman approach with a Top 10 list of purposes and reasons to be part of DPA.
Top 10 reasons to be a member of DPA:
10. Professional resources – DPA is the largest division with AAPG and has many resources at its disposal, including the human resources provided by Norma Briggs, divisions manager. Norma can help with any information on professional development and governmental affairs.
9. Governmental affairs – The AAPG GEO-DC office was developed and strongly supported by DPA members. It has been successful in developing relationships with congressmen and education for congressional professional staffs. GEO-DC also keeps AAPG members informed on government affairs and trends that can impact our business including international applications.
8. Access to professional publications, newsletters and website. The purpose of the DPA Correlator is to provide current information and issues on professional activities for all DPA members. In addition, the DPA has published a few key publications in particular, like the popular “Heritage of the Petroleum Geologist,” which is regularly provided to students and young professionals.
7. Continuing education – DPA offers professional development hours (PDHs) through short courses usually held at the AAPG annual convention or at Section/Region meetings. Examples of DPA short courses are “Black Belt Ethics” and “Geosteering.”
6. Conferences – DPA is providing new opportunities for professional development in the form of the Playmaker forums. The primary purpose of Playmaker is to bring leaders from industry to present their ideas, successes and even failures in developing new plays. A secondary purpose of Playmaker is to provide training for professionals in prospect generation and presentations.
5. Career development – A key purpose of DPA is to provide mentors to help guide professionals in their careers. Support is provided by a community of top professionals with knowledge and opportunities for development. This is a great area for young professionals to plug into DPA.
4. Networking – One of the most important aspects of DPA is the opportunity to make and build business contacts. Many DPA members are active explorers and we have a heritage of success in business.
3. Ethics – Professional values are an important aspect of DPA certification and it is important for DPA to promote a “gold standard” for ethics within our industry. DPA offers short courses and online training for ethics.
2. Certification – The original purpose of DPA was certification for petroleum professionals. Unlike government certification DPA provides peer certification. This is an important distinction. Whereas government certification is primarily for control and taxation of professionals, DPA exists to support and promote its members.
1. Leadership! All of the above is about leadership. Since DPA was formed many of AAPG’s past presidents were DPA members. Many of the leadership positions in AAPG are held by DPA members.
Jack Welsh, past chairman of GE, once said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
This is a great motto and summarizes the purpose of DPA. We appreciate all DPA members and I encourage you to take the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of DPA membership.