Looking for Fuel for the Energy Capital?

The AAPG ACE is a showcase of some of the latest innovations and brightest work in the petroleum geology discipline.  If you are looking for the latest “state-of-the-art” technologies, a hands-on demonstration, or to network with oil and gas technical professionals from all over the world, AAPG is a great opportunity.  The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, host organization Houston Geological Society and SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geologists) are working together to hold the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition 6–9 April, 2014 in Houston, TX. You’ll see attendees, exhibitors, and leaders in academia and technology showing “Ideas and Innovation: Fuel for the Energy Capital.”  Plus, you’ll get to experience the beautiful weather in Houston, Texas during the month of April. If you plan on attending, make sure you don’t miss the AAPG Short Course Series which will help expand your knowledgebase.  You can also learn about the latest innovations from some of the brightest professionals in the industry in a technical program that boasts over 800 oral and poster presentations based on 11 themes. The exhibition hall is also a must-see, providing a single location where technologies from all over the world can be experienced. Try to not miss the presentation and poster sessions.  I have gained valuable insight into the world of petroleum geology by taking a look at those presentations.  It is very interesting to see the number of researchers that are utilizing elemental compositional data generated by XRF as part of their data presentation and in some cases, inferring mineralogy from elemental composition.  Utilization of elemental ratio such as Sr/Ca and other such elemental ratios can aid in determining stratigraphy and lithography.  It is very interesting to see academia as well as R&D organizations embrace the use of handheld XRF in core and outcrop analysis. Of course, you can see the latest portable elemental analysis instruments for the oil and gas industry in our booth, #1222. No trip to Houston is complete, though, until you visit Space Center Houston, the gateway to the Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and Mission Control.  There are many impressive exhibits at Space Center Houston, but the Saturn V at Rocket Park is something you have to see to believe.  Saying that it is massive just doesn’t do it justice.  It stands over 36 stories tall and is the most powerful rocket ever built and operated. It was the reason the United States of America was first to the moon.  The Saturn V rocket at Rocket Park is one of only three in existence.  Take it from a Houstonian … Space Center Houston is a “MUST SEE”. You don’t have to leave the atmosphere if you want some good food, though.  If seafood is your passion, Masraff’s has a menu that is designed to impress.  One of the most memorable dishes I have had there is the garlic seared calamari.  Seafood is not the only thing that is spectacular; they have a very delicious duck and foie gras on the menu. If you are a pasta fan, then try the mushroom ravioli. Their desserts include a berry crème brulee that is mouth watering.  Their wine selection is also quite impressive.  While you’re in “H-Town”, put Masraff’s on your list of places to dine for excellent Gulf Coast seafood. So if you’re fishing for the latest advances in the geosciences industry, plan on attending the AAPG expo.  You’ll be sure to get “Ideas and Innovation: Fuel for the Energy Capital.”  If you can’t be there, follow their twitter feed at #AAPG or ask me some questions below and I’ll be happy to tell you about the show.