Schedule Overview
Saturday and Sunday - September 24-25, 2016 - Pre-Meeting Events
Sunday - September 25, 2016 - Opening Session and Awards
Monday to Tuesday - September 26-27, 2016 - Technical Sessions and Social Events
Wednesday - September 28, 2016 -- Post-Meeting Events
Technical Session topics
1-New Production Methods and Analysis Techniques
2-Ordovician Shale Resources
3-Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL)
4-Emerging Unconventional Shale Plays
5-Sedimentology: Source to Sink
6-Structure and Tectonic Effects on Reservoirs
7-CO2 Use and Storage
8-Groundwater and Environmental Issues
There will be two full days of four concurrent morning, afternoon, and poster sessions, with scheduled refreshment breaks for networking opportunities in the Exhibit Area.
Download Preliminary Schedule (PDF)
- Workshops
- Field Trips
- Guest Program
- Meetings/Social Events
Dolomite and Dolomitization: Current Knowledge and Its Applications
Instructor: Dennis Prezbindowski (Ph.D.) , Petroleum Consulting, Inc.
Dennis is a carbonate geologist, stratigrapher, sedimentologist and petrologist, with over 33 years of professional experience. He is a certified professional geologist and certified petroleum geologist that has consulted for many energy companies on various geological aspects of exploration and development of carbonate oil and gas reservoirs around the world. He also teaches a week long professional seminar titled "Integrated Carbonate Reservoir Characterization" for PetroSkills, Inc.
Congress Needs You: Communicating With Your Washington Legislators
Instructor: Edith Allison, Director, AAPG Geoscience and Energy Policy Office, Washington, DC, 4220 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302
Ms. Allison directs AAPG's Washington office, assisting policymakers with science information and helping AAPG members communicate with policy leaders.
Unconventional Reservoir Quality Analysis $150
Instructor: Dan Krygowski, Senior Petrophysical Advisor, The Discovery Group, Denver, CO
Dan has over 30 years of experience in petrophysics and the design and development of petrophysical software. He also teaches the AAPG Basic Well Log Analysis course and Basic Openhole Log Interpretation.
Introductory Geochemistry for Shale-Gas, Condensate-Rich Shales, and Tight Oil Reservoirs $125
Instructor: Christopher D. Laughrey, Senior Petroleum Systems Analyst, Weatherford Laboratories' OilTracers Interpretive Services Group
Christopher has 39 years of experience, specializing in areas that include isotope and petroleum geochemistry, basin analysis, and geophysical log analysis.
Distillery Hydrogeology
Leaders: Ashley Bandy, a University of Kentucky Ph.D. candidate, and Chuck Taylor, Kentucky Geological Survey Water Resources Section Head
Description: Kentucky is famous for its karst and bourbon whiskey, and this trip will offer both! Participants will explore the role of geology in the history of Bourbon whiskey, which originated in the late 1700s in the Bluegrass Region of north-central Kentucky. Bourbon must be distilled from a grain mix of at least 51 percent corn, and aged for at least 2 years in new, charred, white oak barrels, all available in central Kentucky. Karst spring water was also historically favored for bourbon distillation because it filters out minerals that influence the taste of bourbon, and its pH promotes fermentation. This field trip will visit several springs, which were sites of historic whiskey production, as well as tour two operating distilleries. Participants will learn about the distillation process and bourbon tasting will be available after the tours. Up to 5 students may register at $50 per person.
Upper Ordovician Reservoir Analogs in the Lexington Limestone / Point Pleasant Interval
Leaders: Ben Dattilo, associate professor of geology, Dept. of Geosciences, Indiana/Purdue Fort Wayne, and Kevin Strunk, Wabash Resources & Consulting
Description: The organic-rich Point Pleasant Formation in the Appalachian Basin has been an exploration target in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Recent work has resulted in precise correlations from the Point Pleasant in the Appalachian Basin to remarkably similar facies in the lower part of the Lexington Limestone outcrop in north central Kentucky, and to the subsurface southern flank of the Seebree Trough in southwestern Ohio. On this trip within the Lexington Dome area and near the ESAAPG convention location, we will look at the full thickness of the Trenton equivalent Lexington Limestone and the lowest part of the overlying Kope Formation in central Kentucky, with discussions focusing on the correlation, genesis, and significance of the organic shale facies. Several large road cut stops are planned along US 127 with a return to the convention hotel in advance of the Ice Breaker.
Pennsylvanian Sequence Stratigraphy and Coal Geology
Leaders: Steve Greb and Cortland Eble, Kentucky Geological Survey Energy and Minerals Section
Description: The Pennsylvanian-age coal fields of the Midcontinent and Appalachian Basin have been the birthplace and testing ground for many concepts related to the vertical and lateral arrangements of clastic rocks. The Eastern Kentucky Coal Field has offered scientists unlimited data and resources for understanding coal-bearing rocks. Modern concepts of sequence stratigraphy have also been applied to the strata in the coal field and are vividly illustrated in the roadcuts of eastern Kentucky. Data from coal exposures and mines have brought a wide array of results, often of significant import to understanding the depositional and burial history of the surrounding strata. This field trip will take advantage of relatively new roadcuts near Jackson, Kentucky, on the western edge of the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field, a little more than an hour east of the conference location in Lexington. They provide good examples of typical coastal-deltaic facies including: coal-peat; underclay-paleosols; tidal-estuarine channels, fluvial channels, and paleoslumps. We will look at a variety of these facies, the vertical stacking of facies, and look at important sequence boundaries on the basin margin, where sequences are thinner than toward the basin axis to the east. Up to 5 students may register at $50 per person.
There will be a number of available activities for the guests of attendees to see the Bluegrass. Please note the fees for these events are NOT included in your registration fees. Tickets for the Monday morning horse farm tour need to be purchased prior to the tour as directed below. Seats are limited so we would suggest purchasing tickets at your earliest convenience. For other events you will purchase tickets at the location. You can pick and choose the organized events you are interested in, and we will have information available for you to explore Lexington on your own, if you prefer. It is important that we have a list of participants in these events, so please indicate your interest when you register for the meeting. For questions regarding any of the above activities contact Jeanne_harris@outlook.com. We hope you take the opportunity to enjoy the unique opportunities the Bluegrass has to offer. In addition to the above, the Lexington Visitor's Center has lots of information regarding things to do in Lexington and is conveniently located across the street from the Lexington Convention Center: http://www.visitlex.com/about/visitors-center/
Guest Hospitality Booth-Main Exhibit Hall
Registered guests are encouraged to visit the guest hospitality booth in the exhibit hall during the meeting. This will be a central location for organized or individual activity information, plus you can grab a cup of coffee, a snack, and chat with other guests. Some of the organized activities will also meet here.
Monday Morning: Bluegrass Horse Farm Tour
Discover the Best of the Bluegrass on a 3 hour horse farm tour. Roll by miles of white fences, through Thoroughbred Horse Country as you see spectacular horse barns and also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at historic Keeneland Race Course. The fee for this tour is $35 per person. To purchase tickets visit:
Bluegrass Horse Farm Tours: http://bluegrasstours.com/ Select Tours, Horse Farm Tours in Lexington, Reserve Horse Farm Tour and purchase your ticket for the 9:00 AM tour on Monday September 26. Make sure you specify the Hyatt as your pick-up location and note the pick-up time.
Morning, Monday, September 26, 2016 
Monday Lunch
Join the "guest group" for lunch at Saul Good (http://saulgoodpub.com/) in downtown Lexington. This restaurant is a short walk from the Lexington Convention Center. We will meet at the guest booth in the exhibit area at 12:30 and walk over as a group.
Noon, Monday, September 26, 2016 
Monday Afternoon: Alltech Distillery Tour
Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. (http://www.kentuckyale.com/products/) offers the unique distinction of being both a brewery and distillery. The Town Branch Distillery is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®and the brewery is a premier barrel-aging brewery, thanks to its location in the heart of bourbon country. Come and experience a behind-the-scenes look at beer and spirits production and sample beer and bourbon. The cost of the tour is $10. Space is limited so purchasing tickets ahead recommended (https://goo.gl/Qqqbdl) for the September 26 tour at 3PM. Meet at the guest booth in the exhibit area at 2:30 and we can walk as a group to the distillery. It is a short (approximately five blocks) walk.
2:30PM, Monday, September 26, 2016 
Tuesday Morning: Mary Todd Lincoln Home Tour
Tour of Mary Todd Lincoln House. Visit the first sight restored to honor a first lady, the Mary Todd Lincoln House http://www.mtlhouse.org This was the Todd family residence where Mary Todd resided from the ages of 13-21 and where the Lincolns stayed during visits to Lexington. The cost of the tour is $10 and you will need to pay onsite. We will meet at the guest booth in the exhibit area at 9:30 and take a short walk to the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
9:30am, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 
Tuesday Lunch
Join us for us for lunch at the Lexington Diner http://www.lexingtondiner.com/home.html -- a Lexington favorite. One of the chefs has appeared on Food Network shows including (Cutthroat Kitchen' and 'Guy's Grocery Games). We will meet at the guest booth in the exhibit area at 11:30 and walk to Lexington Diner.
11:30 AM, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 
Tuesday Afternoon: Walking Tour of Downtown Lexington
owntown Lexington has a fascinating history! Following lunch we will take a walking tour of Lexington. We will leave from the Lexington Diner (124 North Upper Street) at approximately 1:00 and take a one hour walking tour (subject to weather). Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
1 PM, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Sunday, September 25
Eastern Section Student Expo
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (lunch provided), Sunday, September 25 
Hyatt Regency Ballroom 1Free, but must pre-register with Student Expo Chair: student-jobs@esaapg.org
Due to the very tight job market, the annual Student Expo will be condensed this year, but will still be a great way to meet energy industry representatives. The Expo will consist of lunch and student poster displays. There will be cash awards for best posters (as determined by industry judges), and students will have an opportunity to speak and interact with industry representatives. While there will not be formal interview times, industry representatives can arrange interviews on Sunday or at other times throughout the meeting. Pre-registration with Student Expo Chair Dr. Tim Carr is required. To register or for more information, please contact Dr. Carr at student-jobs@esaapg.org .
Companies that want to sponsor and be part of the Expo should also contact Dr. Carr at the address above.
Opening Plenary Session
3:30-4:30 PM, Sunday, September 25 Heritage Hall Ballroom 2-3The opening session on Sunday is the official start of our meeting. Please attend an informative hour with AAPG national and section officers, our executive director, and host society representatives. We will have updates on national AAPG activities, and hope to have a keynote speaker to round out the program.
Eastern Section AAPG Honors and Awards Presentation
4:30-5:30 PM, Sunday, September 25 Heritage Hall Ballroom 2-3A true highlight of the Eastern Section Annual Meeting is our honors and awards presentation. Honors and Awards Committee Chair Joan Crockett and Eastern Section AAPG President Craig Eckert will recognize Eastern Section professional service awardees, and scientific presentation winners from last year’s meeting in Indianapolis. Professional service awards will include:
- John T. Galey Memorial Award
- Honorary Membership
- Distinguished Service Award
- George V. Cohee Public Service Award
- Outstanding Educator Award
- Gordon H. Wood, Jr. Memorial Award
- Division of Environmental Geosciences Meritorious Contributions Award (Eastern Section)
- Presidential Award
- Certificates of Merit
Please join us to congratulate your deserving colleagues.
Icebreaker Reception
6:00-8 :00 PM, Sunday, September 25 Exhibit Hall Heritage Hall East (Included with registration)Don't miss the icebreaker reception in the main Exhibit Hall. We will have plenty of food and refreshments, and hope to have representatives from several bourbon distilleries. Music provided by a local band, with our own Tommy Cate on harmonica. Take this opportunity to visit with exhibitors, meet old friends, and make new contacts.
Jammin' Geologists
9:00 PM to midnight, Sunday, September 25 Hyatt Regency HyTTops Sports Bar(Included with registration)Eastern Section's Got Talent! A tradition at Eastern Section annual meetings, Jammin' Geologists is the premier venue for your musically-gifted colleagues to show off their talents. We promise a lively event, with cash bar and snacks provided. All are welcome to participate, so please bring an instrument and join the fun. Or just sit and watch, and sing along. For more information, please contact Kevin Strunk, kstrunk@indy.net.
Monday, September 26
Presenters' and Judges' Breakfast
7:00 to 8:00 AM, Monday, September 26 Hyatt: Regency Ballroom 1Oral and poster presenters, session chairs, and judges are invited to a complimentary breakfast on the day of their presentation or judging assignment. Chairs from the technical program and judging committees will be present to provide instruction on the audio-visual setup, time limits, and judging procedure. Please plan to attend if you are presenting or judging at the meeting.
AAPG House of Delegates Breakfast
7:00 to 8:00 AM, Monday, September 26 Hyatt: Regency Ballroom 3(By Invitation)AAPG House of Delegates Chair Jim McGhay invites all affiliated society delegates to a breakfast meeting on Monday morning. Jim will be at the breakfast to discuss HOD news and business.
Eastern Section AAPG Executive Council Business Meeting and Lunch
12 Noon, Monday, September 26 Hyatt: Regency Ballroom 1(By Invitation)The Eastern Section AAPG Executive Council will hold its Fall business meeting at noon on Monday, September 26. Attendance is by invitation only.
AAPG Young Professionals Happy Hour
5:00 pm, Monday, September 26 Cheapside Bar and Grill
131 Cheapside (3 blocks from convention center, corner of W. Short and Cheapside)AAPG's Young Professionals are invited to gather after the last technical session on Monday for happy hour at Cheapside Bar and Grill. Cheapside has a great patio, and is only 3 blocks from the convention center. Drinks are on your own, and a full menu is available if you decide to stay for dinner. Contact Merril Stypula, Young Professionals Liason at yp@esaapg.org for more details..
Monday Evening Entertainment
Monday, September 26 We have planned a diverse program of entertainment on Monday evening. Conference attendees can choose one of the following options for their Monday night entertainment. The event of your choice will be included in your conference registration fee. Events are limited to the first 25 to sign up but please add yourself to the waitlist if your preferred event is full. Any event could and may be extended to include more people if there is enough interest!
See list of Monday Night Entertainment
Tuesday, September 27
Presenters' and Judges' Breakfast
7:00 to 8:00 AM, Tuesday, September 26 Hyatt: Regency Ballroom 1Oral and poster presenters, session chairs, and judges are invited to a complimentary breakfast on the day of their presentation or judging assignment. Chairs from the technical program and judging committees will be present to provide instruction on the audio-visual setup, time limits, and judging procedure. Please plan to attend if you are presenting or judging at the meeting.
Eastern Section AAPG Committee on Section Meetings Breakfast
7:00 to 8:00 AM, Tuesday, September 26 Hyatt Regency: Mary Todd Lincoln Room(By Invitation)The Eastern Section Committee on Section Meetings, chaired by Burns Cheadle (London, Ontario 2014) will meet on Tuesday to discuss plans for the next two Eastern Section annual meetings: 2017 in Morgantown, WV and 2018 in Pittsburgh, PA.
All-Division Luncheon
12:00 to 1:30 PM, Tuesday, September 26 Hyatt Regency Patterson Ballroom (Level 1) Ticketed event: $28
An annual favorite, please join us for lunch on Tuesday, September 27th, sponsored by three of AAPG's divisions: the Division of Professional Affairs (DPA), Energy Minerals Division (EMD), and the Division of Environmental Geology (DEG). Officers from all three divisions will be in attendance, and our speaker will be Paul Britt, AAPG President. The title for Paul's presentation will be announced at a later date. Meeting and exhibitor door prize winners will also be announced after lunch.