 On behalf of the Lafayette Geological Society, I am honored to welcome you to the 2014 GCAGS/GCSSEPM Convention, and to Lafayette, Louisiana. Many of you already know how nice it can be in South Louisiana in October. Hosting the convention is a little lagniappe for us this year. We have chosen "Survivor" for our 2014 theme, and during your stay we hope to show you a great Convention, and also a chance to better understand why this vibrant Earth Science community continues to not only survive, but also thrive—and be a part of what makes South Louisiana the happy place it is today.
While I cannot cover everything here, I do want to touch on a few of the convention highlights:
• A “Pull Out the Stops” Icebreaker event.
• Two outstanding field trips designed to highlight ongoing geologic processes, and how we as an industry and as individuals coexist with and influence the Gulf of Mexico.
• A diverse set of five short courses with offerings ranging from PVT analysis to seismic amplitude interpretation to learning about deep water sedimentation from two generations of earth scientists who were close colleagues of the late, Arnold Bouma.
• A GCAGS first with our GOM Educational Forum. This moderated half day of “lessons” should prove invaluable to anyone who is actively involved in trying to understand the complexities of what is supposed to be a simple passive margin basin.
• A superior technical program, with a wide range of oral and poster presentations chosen from petroleum, environmental, and academic submittals.
• Monday’s All-Convention Luncheon talk by John Snedden featuring a reevaluation of the Mesozoic, from “source to sink” in the GOM.
• Tuesday’s luncheon tribute to Arnold Bouma.
• Multiple opportunities for the YP gang to interact with the old-timers as well as network with one another.
• “More! Rocks in your Head!”—A popular one-day workshop that provides instruction and material to Grades 3–12 earth science teachers. This workshop, for those teaching upcoming generations of geologists and geophysicists, is provided free due to the generosity of sponsors and GCAGS.
• The Night at the Science Museum party, following Monday’s Presidents’ Reception. Come check out the world-class dinosaur exhibit and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette mineral collection while enjoying tasty snacks, sipping your favorite refreshment, and visiting with friends – all gratis of some friendly industry sponsors.
• Two spouse trips designed to show guests the simple charms of small town South Louisiana, and introduce participants to some of the area’s best taste treats.
Also, while you are here, please take the time to visit the Vendors on the Exhibit Floor, and don’t forget to check out Prospect Alley. The participation and support of these companies is critical to the success of the Convention, so stop by and evaluate a prospect or see the latest and greatest technologies offered by our outstanding service sector.
Having the opportunity to work with so many gifted individuals from all across the earth science community is truly one of the greatest hidden benefits of being involved with hosting a convention. The profession certainly benefits from the participation of so many. Links are made and thoughts are exchanged, and tricks-of-the-trade are passed along to the next generation. A sincere thank you to all involved with this year’s Gathering—from the Convention Committee, Session Chairs, Speakers, and Judges, to the individuals who come and support the Convention.
Bienvenue à Lafayette.
Michael J. Quinn
General Chair
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