SPE Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through SPE?
In addition to SPE committees, you will be able to apply for positions in which you will work as an individual for a set term and/or positions in which are task-based (i.e. survey respondent, PetroBowl℠ Competition timekeeper, etc.). All positions will include a description and estimated length of service, location (in person or online), and more.
How can I get involved with my local section and chapter?
You can continue to volunteer for your local section and community through the process already established by your section and chapter officers.
When can I expect to see new volunteer opportunities available?
Volunteer opportunities are posted as they become available. Standing committees typically recruit new members in the winter. Other opportunities including Ambassador Lecturer and Speaker Source are available year-round.
TIP: Review your volunteer profile for accuracy. (A search occurs as each opening is posted and matches the opportunity to volunteer profiles. A notification will be sent to volunteers who are best suited for the opportunity.)
Who can volunteer with SPE?
SPEI opportunities are generally for SPE professional members. However, we encourage our SPE student members to become engaged by volunteering with their university chapter.
How can I update SPE with my former volunteering experience?
If you are a volunteer and your service history appears to be incomplete, please email volunteer@spe.org to update your volunteer history.
Questions about volunteer opportunities? Email: volunteer@spe.org
Event Program Committee FAQs
Do I have to be an SPE member to serve on an Event Program Committee?
No, you do not have to be an SPE member to serve, but it is preferred.
As an Event Program Committee Member, do I need to register for the event?
Yes, all participants are expected to pay registration to attend the event. SPE is a not-for-profit organization. Income from events is invested back into SPE to support many other Society programs. When you pay to attend an SPE event, you help provide even more opportunities for industry professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.
As an Event Program Committee Member, am I required to travel and pay for these expenses?
Yes, all participants are expected to pay all their travel expenses to serve on the committee and attend the event. However, most SPE conferences and symposiums do offer a reduced rate for committee member registration.
Does SPE offer funding/reimbursement?
No funding is available, however most SPE conferences and symposiums do offer a reduced rate for committee member registration.
How do I volunteer to serve on an Event Program Committee or know if one is in need of volunteers?
You can access the volunteer portal for more details. You can also ask your colleagues if they are serving (or have served) on an event program committee.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
- Enhance your leadership skills.
- Influence SPE programs and activities with your knowledge and experience.
- Meet and work with other members near you and around the globe.
- Contribute to your area of interest.
- For more, read about these SPE members' volunteer experiences.
I am a student, can I volunteer?
SPEI opportunities are generally for SPE professional members. However, we encourage our SPE student members to become engaged by volunteering with their university chapter.
What is the dress code for committee members at the event?
Most SPE events are business casual, but speakers can elect to dress more formally while presenting.
How can I update SPE with my former volunteering experience?
If you are a volunteer and your service history appears to be incomplete, please email volunteer@spe.org to update your volunteer history.
Conference, Symposium or Regional Meeting
As a committee member for a conference, symposium or regional meeting, what are my roles & responsibilities of service?
The goal is to develop a high-quality program of papers and special sessions and to serve as session chairs/moderators onsite. Members will solicit abstract submissions through an open call for proposals and select the best to write formal manuscripts for the program and publication.
What is the term of service and how much time should I expect to spend on committee activities?
The term of a Conference/Symposium/Regional Meeting committee member is three years, and in accordance with the Board Policy on Program Committee Development, and may be renewed once for an additional three years, up to a maximum of six years. After six years, a member can take a one-year break before returning back to the same committee role. Rotation of chairpersons and committee members and inclusion of new members provides for new, innovative ideas to be infused into the program and as such 20% of committee members must be new each year.
The committee will likely meet 3-6 times throughout the planning process. Most meetings are virtual, but some may be face-to-face as required.
Note: when serving on a Program committee, rating and selecting abstracts to build the technical program is a time-heavy duty once the abstract deadline has passed, but notice of when this is will be communicated well in advance.
What is a session chair and what are their duties?
Facilitate the session, staying with the scheduled presentation times and ensure a meaningful discussion after each presentation.
Workshop, Forum or Summit
As a committee member for a workshop, forum or summit, what are my roles & responsibilities of service?
The goal is to develop a high-quality program of invited speakers and to serve as session chairs/discussion leaders onsite. Members will procure speakers to make presentations (presentations only, no formal call for abstracts/manuscripts).
What is the term of service and how much time should I expect to spend on committee activities?
The term of a Workshop/Forum/Summit committee member is one year. The committee will usually meet monthly throughout the planning process by virtual meetings.
What is a session chair/manager and what are their duties?
Session managers usually hold the responsibility to build the session in advance of the meeting by preparing a session summary and inviting speakers with the support of committee colleagues. Onsite at the event, they will facilitate the session and ensure a meaningful discussion after each presentation.
Still have questions? Contact us at volunteer@spe.org or contact the SPE Event Manager responsible for a specific event (details provided on individual event webpages).
Ready to volunteer? Join us!