Petroleum Society of Canada Completes Merger Agreement with SPE
FAQs on SPE/Petroleum Society of Canada merger
What is SPE?
The Society of Petroleum Engineers International (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production. SPE serves 88,000-plus members in 118 countries worldwide. SPE’s mission is to collect, disseminate, and exchange technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources, and related technologies for the public benefit; and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.SPE provides technical resources and services through its publications, meetings, and website at www.spe.org, as well as through efforts of its local sections.
How is SPE organized and governed?
SPE is governed by a 27-member international Board of Directors representing SPE’s geographic and technical diversity, with four officers, two at-large directors, 15 regional directors, and six technical directors. As a global society, SPE pursues a goal of “One SPE,” reflecting that each function and activity of SPE should serve the broader membership while addressing local needs, supporting technical and professional excellence, and making wise use of society resources. The voluntary donation of time and talent by SPE members is our most vital asset and the creative energy of volunteers must be encouraged and supported by the society. SPE’s business structure is organized as a Stichting, a foundation under the laws of The Netherlands. SPE has offices in Dallas, Dubai, Houston, Kuala Lumpur, London and Moscow, and will have an office in Calgary with the merger.
How did this merger come about?
In 2007, members of what was then the Petroleum Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining approached SPE to discuss the possibilities and potential benefits of a merger. Representatives of both societies worked together over the next two and half years to develop the terms of a merger that would provide enhanced programs and services for oil and gas professionals in Canada. In early 2009, Petroleum Society members were asked to vote on finalizing negotiations to merge with SPE, and 92% of the votes were in favor. The boards of both societies approved the merger, and the agreement was signed 12 June 2009. The closing of the merger will take place no later than 7 August 2009.
How does the Canadian region resulting from the merger fit into SPE?
While individuals will be members of SPE International, maintaining a Canadian identity was a goal of the merger work group. To facilitate provision of services to Canadian members, the merger agreement creates a new entity, SPE Canada, that is one of several subsidiaries of the SPE Stichting. SPE Canada’s first board of directors comprises members from both the Petroleum Society and SPE. After the merger, Canada will become a separate region in the SPE geographic grouping of sections, effective in October. Helen Chang of Nexen represents the current region on the SPE International Board of Directors until October 2010, when her term expires. She additionally will serve on the SPE Canada Board of Directors.
What are the benefits of the merger for PSC members and for SPE members?
SPE will focus on enhancing benefits for the combined membership in Canada and supporting the Canadian E&P business and technology. SPE gains about 1,000 members in Canada through the merger and additional Canadian technical resources, including Petroleum Society’s Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology (JCPT), the TechBank database of technical papers, continuing education program, and several key Canadian conferences. Petroleum Society members become part of a larger organization in Canada while gaining greater access to global petroleum technology through SPE’s network of more than 88,000 members worldwide and through additional technical resources, events, publications and programs provided by SPE.
When will the merger close?
We expect the merger to close by 7 August 2009.
What sections will SPE have in Canada?
Petroleum Society sections will be aligned and merged with existing SPE sections, based on geographic compatibility. Initially, SPE will have three sections in Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, and Atlantic. Two new sections are pending SPE board approval in June: South Saskatchewan and Lloydminster.
Who serves on the board of SPE Canada?
A total of six members from both societies have been selected to serve on the SPE Canada Board. Representatives from the Petroleum Society are Lynn McMaster, BJ Services; Shane Freeson, Husky Energy; and Douglas Carsted, Sproule. Representatives from SPE are Bob Steele, Berens Energy; Helen Chang, Nexen; and Adela Clements, Petro-Canada. Chang also serves as regional director for Canada on SPE International’s board of directors.
I am a member of both SPE and the Petroleum Society. What happens to my membership?
Because you are already a member of SPE, no action is required. Please take a moment to update your contact information to ensure all communications about the merger reach you. You’ll need your spe.org login information to complete the update to your member record. Forgot your login or password? Click here to have it emailed to you.
As a current member of the Petroleum Society you are automatically registered to receive the JCPT through 2009.
I am a member of the Petroleum Society but not a member of SPE. What happens to my membership? Do I have to pay fees?
All 2009 Petroleum Society members can automatically become SPE members without paying an additional fee for 2009. They will next be billed for 2010. Petroleum Society members will receive a communication following the merger asking them whether they want to transfer their PSC membership to an SPE membership. We have to ask their permission for legal reasons. As a new SPE member, you will receive an SPE member welcome packet, an SPE membership card, and will begin to receive SPE’s member benefit publication—the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT) in addition to the JCPT for 2009.
I am a member of SPE in Canada, but not the Petroleum Society. How does this affect my membership?
You will receive the JCPT for the rest of 2009 at no cost, but will need to subscribe to the publication in 2010. In addition, you will be a part of a larger organization in Canada with access to the combined technical resources of both societies.
Who do I contact for help with membership questions?
All SPE members can contact service@spe.org or +1.800.456.6863 (toll-free in the US and Canada) for any questions related to SPE membership and member benefits. SPE will communicate regularly with our members in Canada about the status of the merger implementation. Our goal is for as smooth a transition into SPE as possible.
If you have questions specific to the Petroleum Society, please contact the Calgary office at info@petsoc.org or 403.237.5112.
What are the plans for JCPT?
JCPT will continue as is, and will retain its identity as the primary source of peer-reviewed papers from SPE Canada conferences. The JCPT committee structure will continue. SPE will support the magazine’s success, looking for ways to enhance efficiencies through economies of scale with SPE publications.
What are the plans for the Petroleum Society’s Canadian International Petroleum Conference (CIPC) and Slugging It Out?
CIPC and Slugging It Out, the one-day seminar on heavy oil technology held by the PSC and the Canadian Heavy Oil Association, will continue on an annual basis. SPE International staff will take the lead in role in organizational aspects of CIPC and other future events, including registration, marketing, logistics, sales and exhibits, with SPE Canada staff playing an important role in supporting Canadian events. Organizing committees and program committees for SPE Canada events will have strong representation by local volunteer members, in particular on the technical program committees.
SPE Canada will evaluate future strategies for CIPC and other SPE Canada meetings, including technical scope, dates, and locations, and implement changes to strengthen the events portfolio, working with the SPE Canada Board.
Will Petroleum Society members have free access to the SPE eLibrary?
No, there will not be free access to the eLibrary or to OnePetro, where SPE papers are now housed online and where TechBank papers will reside following the merger. However, individuals who were members of PSC during 2009 will be able to ask for one copy of the TechBank archives on disk through the end of 2009.