| International Reception enjoys packed house Attendees stand shoulder-to-shoulder to take part |
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| Sergio Chávez-Pérez and an ambiance character present a giveaway door prize to a lucky Reception attendee. |
It was standing room only in the SEG University and Student Programs Pavilion as the International Reception kicked off on 6 November at the 82nd Annual Meeting and International Exposition. Annual Meeting delegates waited patiently to enjoy the authentic Latin American Cuisine and to have their pictures taken with the ambience characters, one of whom was adorned with a headdress weighing upwards of 50 lbs. The mood was festive, reminiscent of the Latin American region that was being recognized and celebrated during the reception.
SEG President Bob Hardage began the reception presentation by affirming SEG's commitment to scientific activity around the world, and namely in Latin America. Sergio Chávez-Pérez , Global Chairman on the Annual Meeting Steering Committee, followed with a word of thanks to the reception sponsors, which included Chevron, ExxonMobil, Fugro Seismic Services, Marathon Oil Corporation, PGS, Shell Exploration and Production, WesternGeco, Vehicle Source Products, Inc., and Geoprocesados. Representatives Javier Rubio (Geoprocesados), Jim Shoemaker (Marathon Oil), Mike Edwards (PGS), Adyr Tourinho (WesternGeco), Scott Glassman (Chevron), and Sam Conner (ExxonMobil) each took a turn at providing the huge audience with a small slice of information about their companies' roles in SEG's international initiatives.
As the reception sponsors concluded their reports, a number of other special guests addressed the attendees. Special guests included:
- 2012 Latin America HL Eduardo Filpo
- 2013 Latin America HL Marco Polo Buonora
- Latin America Challenge Bowl winners Soledad Lagos and Gabriel Gelpi from Universidad Nacional de La Plata in Argentina
- Section/Associated Society representative Gustavo Carstens of AAGGP (Argentina)
- Section/Associated Society representative Ana Cristina Chaves of SBGf (Brazil)
- Section/Associated Society representative Marco Vázquez García of AMGE (Mexico)
- Section/Associated Society representative Elsa Jaimes of ACGGP (Colombia)
After the presenters concluded, the samba dancing began! Professional samba dancers impressed the crowd with their energetic dancing skills, even pulling willing participants onto the stage at times. Door prizes including Bookmart vouchers, online courses, 2013 Annual Meeting registration, and an iPad were awarded as the party began to conclude, and following some final thank yous, the ambiance characters led the huge crowd of attendees out the door of the Pavilion to the Exhibit Hall floor.
