Chair's Address: October 2020

Dear SPE Aberdeen members, colleagues and friends, Is this the new normal? This month saw the DEVEX and Seismic conferences conducted virtually and the continuation of our Technical Programme Webinars; all digitally delivered technical exchange. The feedback from our first digitally delivered conferences has been a mature assessment of a different reality. Attendees are missing personal contact and for the foreseeable future that is a pain that we need to accept. However, there were some distinct upsides which our attendees graciously shared. In particular, the sound clarity and the ability to see the slides was enhanced by digital delivery. This is a challenge to be addressed when our larger in person events return – perhaps we will see multiple screens around the hall. We are receiving positive feedback about our Technical Webinars. The rescheduling to lunchtime meets the needs of many more of our members. I expect that these will continue even when in person Technical Meetings return. We are always learning; we continue to learn about our industry from our technical exchange events. This year more than ever we are learning about learning. NASA In Aberdeen Colin Black and the NASA in Aberdeen Team have been busy adjusting to the new normal. There are plans to bring a NASA engineer and an astronaut to Aberdeenshire in 2021. Please subscribe to the Nasa In Aberdeen page on LinkedIn to keep up to date with everything under the banner “Inspiring the next generation of 21st Century Explorers” Best wishes and stay safe, Kenny   Kenny McAllister SPE Aberdeen Chair