On May 31, SPE International, represented by SPE Executive Director Mark Rubin, extended happy birthday wishes to France’s SPE section. More than 350 people were invited by Total E&P to Paris-La Defense to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the French section.
This was an opportunity to discuss how the oil and gas industry should face the aging of the industry. Guests from Total, Schlumberger, Gaz-de-France, Stolt Offshore, and IFP took part in the discussion about the coming “big crew change,” how to handle
it, and how to improve knowledge transmission between experienced people and newcomers.
The event also featured the announcement of the creation of an SPE young professionals chapter in France. Those in attendance were very enthusiastic, and no fewer than 50 new young members had become SPE members by the end of the celebration. These new memberships were encouraged by the French section, which paid the fees for all young E&P professionals (YEPPs) under the age of 35 signing up that day. The first gathering for the YEPPs in France was in early July. Many thanks are due to all those who contributed to that great birthday celebration, including SPE International and the French Section.
The next SPE Young Professionals Workshop will be held in Biarritz, France, in 2006, following on workshops held in Stresa, Italy, in 2003 and in Scheveningen, The Netherlands, earlier this year.
For more information on becoming involved in the French YEPP chapter, please contact yepp_france@yahoo.fr.
Participants enjoy French anniversary celebration.
