Welcome Letter from the Co-Chairpersons

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), and the 2014 Programme Committee, we would like to invite you and your colleagues to submit paper proposals for the SPE/EAGE European Unconventional Resources Conference and Exhibition.

This conference comes at a critical point in the development of unconventional resources in Europe, with some countries forging ahead while others have instigated moratoria. The public, environmental groups, and politicians hotly debate the possible benefits of this new source of energy and the perceived environmental risks. Following the success of the first European event in 2012, this event provides an opportunity to address and discuss both the technical and non-technical challenges across a broad spectrum of expertise.

The theme for the 2014 conference is "Unlocking European Potential." SPE and EAGE welcome a diverse range of contributors, including:

• Government regulators
• Health, safety, and environment professionals and representatives
• Local, national, and international governmental organisations
• Non-government organisations
• Oil and gas professionals, experts, and managers
• Professional societies and labour unions
• Service, supply, and consulting companies
• Universities, research centres, and institutes

Through this event, we aim to develop a better understanding of not only the technical and technological solutions to economically producing unconventional oil and gas, but also at identifying appropriate regulatory approaches and technological developments. This will help address non-technical and environmental challenges such as access, footprint, water use, and noise. The SPE/EAGE European Unconventional Resources Conference and Exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for a wide range of professionals in the oil and gas industry to come together to share best practices and to discuss ideas for further improvement with key stakeholders.

On behalf of the Programme Committee, we would like to encourage you to help us make this a memorable and valuable conference by sharing your experience, concerns, ideas, solutions, and best practices by submitting a proposal by 10 June 2013.

We look forward to meeting you in Vienna next year.

Best regards,

Melvyn Giles, Shell
Kevin Mauth, Schlumberger