Dear Colleagues:
On behalf of AAPG and SEG, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the
2017 International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) at ExCeL London. It
is a privilege to host the ICE 2017 in London during this, the Centennial
Year of AAPG. For this prestigious 100th Anniversary event, we are
focusing on the conference theme of ‘100 Years of Science Fueling
100 Years of Prosperity.’ During the conference, we will revisit key
milestones from our industry’s past, discuss the current competitive
environment, and share what we know about the technologies and
opportunities that will drive exploration and production into the future.
In 1917, when AAPG was founded, our world and industry were very
different, but the original purpose of AAPG to foster scientific research,
to advance the science of geology, to promote technology, and to
inspire professional conduct, still guides the Association today. The ICE
2017 in London gathers geologists, geophysicists, and other petroleum
industry professionals from countries around the world to build their
knowledge and skills, discover technology innovations, and network
with peers. The opportunity to learn, collaborate, network, and engage
with industry peers and experts has always been a differentiating
characteristic of both AAPG and SEG. The collective reach of both
societies is in excess of 65,000 professional and student members
worldwide, so the ICE 2017 provides an opportunity to serve the needs
of the entire global geosciences community.
Despite the changing global environment of our industry, the pursuit of
excellence and learning in the subsurface geosciences remains critical
if we are to meet the challenges that changes in commodity price, cost
structures, and supply/demand balances place upon us. With more
than 1,300 abstracts submitted for the conference – an all-time record
for an ICE – the Technical Programme Committee has developed an
outstanding selection of oral and poster presentations. The technical
programme is concentrated around 12 core themes, ranging from
Deepwater to Unconventional Exploration & Production, New and
Emerging Basins to Mature Basins, the Integration of Geophysics and
Geology, and Siliciclastic, Carbonate, and Mixed Reservoirs to Traps and
Structural Geology. Other themes include Polar Petroleum Potential, the
History of Petroleum Exploration, and Health, Safety, Security and the
Environment. There will also be special sessions covering 100 Years
of Global Exploration, Earth Movements and, of course, the legendary
‘Discovery Thinking’ session. Robust business and regulatory forums,
field trips, short courses, and special programs for students and young
professionals will augment this exceptional technical programme.
World-class events like ICE are only possible thanks to the financial
backing and content contributions of companies, the commitment
of the AAPG and SEG staff, and the efforts of a large number of
dedicated volunteers. Strong support from both industry and academia
ensures vigorous scientific exchange, diverse short courses and field
trips, state-of-the-art product displays, and networking activities that
promote an educational and collaborative atmosphere. At ICE London,
you will gain exposure to some of the most innovative and extensive
technologies necessary for our industry to overcome the challenges we
will face in exploration, development, and production in the future.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, welcome to London (just
possibly the greatest city in the world!) to celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of AAPG and to be part of the industry’s leading global
geosciences conference of the year.
Sincerely,
Gabor Tari Ph.D.
General Co-Chair
Group Chief Geologist,
OMV Exploration and Production GmbH
Ken McClay
General Co-Chair
Professor, Fault Dynamics Research Group,
Department of Earth Sciences,
Royal Holloway University of London
Jonathan Craig
Honorary Chair
Senior Vice President,
Exploration Strategies & Professional Areas,
Eni Upstream & Technical Services