Cindy Yeilding
On behalf of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), its divisions, the Society for Sedimentary
Geology (SEPM) and the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies (GCAGS), it is a pleasure to welcome you to
ACE 2020 Online!
Our businesses, colleagues, and industry are going through difficult times, but overcoming obstacles, dealing with
uncertainty, and facing failure are all part of the field of hydrocarbons. It’s what we signed up for when we decided to
join the world’s energy industry. We are also leading changes for the world: developing and sharing the methods and
technologies that lead us to a more sustainable future. Sticking together and sharing our knowledge and experiences
with each other has been a hallmark of AAPG for more than a century.
The heart of our Annual Convention and Exhibition, or ACE, lies within the technical program, and this year’s
convention will again include a diverse collection of exciting and informative technical talks, interactive panels, and
posters. And while no online event can fully match the fun, energy, and incidental connections that occur in-person,
our virtual venue allows you engage in live Q&A sessions, schedule meetings with vendors, connect with friends, and
participate in social events.
I want to thank General Vice Chairs Morgan Sullivan, Art Donovan, Pinar Yilmaz, and Steve Sonnenberg, Technical
Program Vice Chairs Steve Goolsby, Paul Mann, and Scott Meddaugh, and our entire ACE 2020 committee. Special
thanks to AAPG President Rick Fritz, Past President Mike Party, and the AAPG Executive Committee who have been
agile and creative in assuring the success of ACE 2020 Online. This incredible group of volunteers performed double
duty, first organizing the largest program in AAPG history for our interrupted June convention, and then pivoting and
completely reworking the sessions for this extensive online event.
If, like me, you frequently find yourself forced to choose between equally interesting talks, you’re going to value this
online experience. Most sessions are being recorded and will be available for viewing on-demand – at times other
than the program schedule. You don’t have to worry about missing any talks and can even watch your favorites over
and over again.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, thank you. Your registration for ACE 2020 Online not only benefits you and
other attendees but helps strengthen our global geosciences community. ACE is critically important to AAPG as a
source of funding for the Association’s many no- and low-cost education and outreach programs worldwide.
Enjoy the conference – and know that we’re keeping our collective fingers crossed that we can get together in-person and see you at ACE 2021 in Denver.
Cindy Yeilding
General Chair
AAPG 2020 Annual Convention and Exhibition