Miss out on part of the SEG 79th Annual Meeting? Catch up with a snapshot view, meeting statistics, and more. Sarah Tyler, Web Content Editor, SEG
 When the Society of Exploration Geophysicists chose the theme, Seeking New Depths, for the 2009 SEG International Exhibition and 79th Annual Meeting, little did they know how much truth would be behind it. With over 9200 participants and 360 exhibitors attending the October event in Houston, USA, the number of attendees was up 10% over last year and exhibitors were up 30% from 2008. Exhibits and technical program poster presentations filled 470 000 square feet of the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. This was the first year a Poster Theater was added to display the poster presentations. The technical program featured 591 oral presentations and 252 poster presentations.
There were many compelling activities for registrants to participate in this year. You can read more about some of these events below. Don’t forget to check out our events coverage and photo gallery pages.
Applied Science
 SEG was able to offer a free program and speaker on earth science to local high school students. More than 300 attended a talk on “Extreme Geophysics, From Exploring Maya Ruins to an Arctic Mars Colony,” by Robert Stewart, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Houston. Stewart kept the high school students and delegates thoroughly engaged with his witty, hands-on presentation. Stewart liberally laced his presentation with snippets of pop culture to tangibly illustrate the application of geophysics beyond the oil industry; whether for climatology, natural-hazard reduction, mining, or even archaeology and history. “Geophysics helps us understand the past, protect the present, and enhance the future,” said Stewart.
Professional Development
 The Professional Development program unveiled SEG’s first online course. The launch was attended by many companies, as well as SEG Executive Committee members, showing an interest in this program while requesting information for future development. Several Continuing Education courses were taught at this years meeting, including courses by Leon Thomsen, Kurt Marfurt, and other esteemed geoscience professionals. The 2009 DISC instructor Patrick Corbett presented his lecture on the 22nd stop of a 29-city tour that has spanned six continents. “Throughout the annual meeting, especially in talking with members and in the committee meetings, there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for all of SEG’s professional development opportunities,” said Tom Agnew, Professional Development Director, SEG.
Foundation luncheon
 The Annual Meeting in Houston was an exciting time for the SEG Foundation. Monday’s annual donor luncheon was the highlight of the week, providing the SEG Foundation the opportunity to thank their supporters, face-to-face, for making a difference. Tiffany Piercy, Memorial University, shared her inspirational story with donors who made an impact on her life as a student today, while lighting her path as a geoscientist of tomorrow. Stephen Moysey, Clemson University, presented a powerful program that demonstrated the life-changing humanitarian affect geophysicists have on the world, through the Foundation’s newest program—Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB). The Foundation also took the opportunity to offer their deepest thanks to a very special volunteer, Charlie Smith, Jr., who has played an instrumental role in the success of the SEG Foundation.
At last year’s Annual Meeting, GWB celebrated their donors, this year they celebrated the results of the donors’ gifts. Speakers at this year’s Foundation luncheon held the audience in their seats with stories of how Foundation donors made a difference in the lives of people. From future geophysicists meeting and interacting across the world to geophysicists making a difference by changing the lives of villagers in India, the effect of the donors was a common topic.
International Showcase
 The International Showcase and Global Theater, featuring 32 countries, provided a remarkable opportunity for some of SEG’s international constituents to visit the Annual Meeting and to promote activities of their sections, companies, and universities to a larger audience than any other geophysical conference. Each of the exhibitors was open to the reciprocal exchange of cultures, ideas, business practices, and technologies. The International Showcase provides a unique forum that offers leaders the chance to address peers on topics relevant to a particular region.
Student events
 There were over 700 students from around the globe attending the conference and student-networking event. The 3rd Annual Student Leadership Symposium was an energized event with 50 students representing 27 countries and 50 universities. Students gained skills in leadership and team building with a new activity on Sunday that was modeled off the popular TV show, the Amazing Race. Additionally, students were exposed to what the industry has to offer via the exhibition floor, technical sessions, and workshops.
The 2nd Annual North American Student Education Program hosted 32 eager students representing 27 universities, 16 students residing in North America received full travel grants. The course was packed full of lectures and mapping exercises focused on assimilating students with what a career in the oil and gas industry feels like. Students were engaged and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to put into practice all they have been studying at their university.
 The 4th Annual International Challenge Bowl finals hosted nine regional teams from the United States, Italy, Canada, China, Bulgaria, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. It was a lively competition with the final two teams being Rice University and Stanford University. Rice walked away with the grand prize of US$1000 and the title of 2009 International Challenge Bowl winners. Stanford took second place and won US$600 in prize money.
 The first ever Faculty Advisors Workshop brought together 15 active Faculty Advisors from across the globe. They shared their experiences on how to best enable effective Student Chapters, and discussed how SEG can best serve the needs of professors and university departments. Their insightful feedback will help shape how SEG responds to the growing needs of this important membership constituency.
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