Society of Petroleum Engineers
Jan 22nd, 2009 | By Oil and Gas | Category: Offshore Engineer
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a professional organization whose 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 a worldwide forum of oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P) professionals for the exchange of technical knowledge and a professional home for more than 75,000 engineers, scientists, managers, and educators. SPE’s eLibrary contains more than 42,000 technical papers — products of SPE conferences and periodicals, made available to the entire industry. SPE has offices in Dallas, Houston, London, Dubai, Moscow and Kuala Lumpur.
The history of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) began well before its actual establishment. During the decade after the 1901 discovery of the Spindletop field, the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME) saw a growing need for a forum in the booming new field of petroleum engineering. As a result, AIME formed a standing committee on oil and gas in 1913.
In 1922, the committee was expanded to become one of AIME’s 10 professional divisions. The Petroleum Division of AIME continued to grow throughout the next three decades. By 1950, the Petroleum Division had become one of three separate branches of AIME, and in 1957 the Petroleum Branch of AIME was expanded once again to form a professional society.
The first SPE Board of Directors meeting was held 6 October 1957, making 2007 the 50th anniversary year for SPE as a professional society.
The following chronology lists major events in SPE’s history and shows how membership has grown over time.
1950s
During the 1950s, the petroleum membership of AIME grew significantly, leading to restructuring decisions that would shape the future Society of Petroleum Engineers.
1957
The Petroleum Branch of AIME becomes a full-fledged professional society - the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME. On October 6, 1957, the first Board of Directors meeting was held in Dallas, Texas, with President John H. Hammond presiding.
1958
The SPE Reprint Series begins with the publication of Well Logging.
1961
The first issue of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal is published.
1979
The first Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference is held.
1985
SPE is incorporated separately from AIME. Becomes a separate international Society with offices in United States, United Arab Emirates and London.
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