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• Ali Tura, Chairman
• Samir Abdelmoaty, Vice-Chairman
• Mr. Wang (representing Zuchuan Chen)
• Alfred Liaw
• Dick Edwards
• Paul Cunningham
• Mariangela Capello
• Tim Berge (representing George Smith)
• Lloyd Weathers (representing Fred Aminzadeh)
• Tagir Galikeev
• Ian Zhang
• Jim Thomas
• Vik Sen
• Shane Coperude
• Simon Spitz
• Arthur Cheng
• Oz Ozman

• Jim Lawnick
• Pamela Terekhova

Monday, February 7th

Tura announced the plans for a group dinner and asked for a number of attendees - the count was eleven.

Each member of the group introduced themselves.

Tura asked the group to review the Agenda. He announced that Pinar Yilmaz (the AAPG Chairman of the International Committee) had said she would arrive at 10:00 a.m. today to inform the group on AAPG's International Committee structure. Copies of information including Yilmaz's Annual Report were passed out to the group. Tura also announced that Bill Barkhouse, SEG President, would be arriving at 4:00 p.m. to give a presentation to the IAC and to go to dinner with the members.

Tura reviewed the June 1999 TLE article, "Open Forum: Internationalism of the SEG," which he and Eulogio Del Pino had written (article attached) and explained the new role and new structure of the IAC. Tura also reviewed the Houston Annual Meeting IAC Meeting and how the IAC had been broken up into new regions. The role of regional chairmen will be very active and include many more responsibilities than the planning of IAC events at the Annual Meeting as in the past. Tura said that we must continue to define the regional co-chairmen and country representatives' functions at this meeting. The new structure was put into place at the Houston Annual Meeting IAC meeting. One of the group's objectives today is to define and reach consensus on these responsibilities.

Tura reviewed the IAC Procedures Manual policy that was passed around to the group. It was explained that President Bill Barkhouse is asking all committees to update and revise the policy and procedures for their committee. The policy and procedures for the IAC has not been revised in several years. The policy and procedures concerning the appointment and election of the IAC Chairman and Vice Chairman need to be reviewed and revised by the group.

Tura introduced regional co-chairmen present and read off the names and regions of those not present. A question was raised why there were no regional co-chairmen for Europe, Canada and the U.S. Tura explained that the SEG Executive Committee during the Houston Annual Meeting had asked the IAC to select some key regions and proceed as a "pilot program" before spending time and resources on the other regions.

Simon Spitz commented that he is very happy that the IAC is not working to establish co-chairmen for the European region. He feels that this region is well represented by the EAGE and he believes that the EAGE would not want SEG to have IAC co-chairmen selected for this region. He explained to the group that the SEG and EAGE have an existing agreement that limits SEG activities in Europe. Moaty asked, "Who from the SEG will then represent the SEG members (who are not EAGE members) in Europe?" Mariangela Capello commented that if EAGE represents SEG members in Europe than SBGf represents SEG members in Brazil. IAC should represent SEG members globally even if other associations, sections, sister societies are also active there. The IAC should work together (not in competition) with those societies to establish better services and communication for SEG members. After much discussion, it was the group consensus that IAC would honor any agreement between the SEG and EAGE but that in order for the SEG to provide service and communication to its members in Europe, it was important to work together with EAGE and appoint an IAC regional co-chairman to do this. It was suggested that Simon Spitz be appointed for this position since he is currently on the board of the EAGE. Spitz agreed that he would consult with the EAGE at their next board meeting and see if they would approve his appointment as IAC Regional Co-Chairman for Europe. But Spitz commented that he was not comfortable with the current Regional Co-Chairman duties and hoped the committee would review the Regional Co-Chairmen Responsibilities and change some of the job descriptions.

Capello Moved: Europe, Canada and the US should be included in the present reorganization of the IAC.

Spitz Seconded the Motion.

Motion Passed by Majority.

Spitz repeated that he was uncomfortable with the job description of the IAC Regional Co-Chairman, especially the activity stating that the co-chairman should "promote the activities of the SEG." Vik Sen stated that the group should modify this duty for the European region/EAGE only. Tura did not want to single this out and write it on the document with this exception; however, he agreed that the IAC should honor the written agreement between the SEG and EAGE.

Spitz Moved: "I would like the specific duty #2 "Promotion of the SEG" in the job description of the Regional Co-Chairman to be modified to include the statement: Every regional co-chairman and country representative has the responsibility to coordinate all activities with local societies of that region. The regional co-chairman will also insure that the activity is consistent with the goals and objectives of the local society or associated sister society".

Dick Edwards Seconded the Motion.

It was suggested to modify the motion and rephrase the words "Promotion of the SEG" to "promotion of Geophysics." Alfred Liaw said he had no problem in promoting SEG and disagreed with this suggestion. He believed that the motion was sufficient as it stood and that the regional co-chairmen must be sensitive to the local chapter but not be constrained to promote the SEG whenever possible, again, in cooperation with the local society, not in competition.

Motion Passed Unanimously.

Tim Berge brought up the fact that not only active but also associate SEG members should be allowed to be country co-chairmen. The committee reached consensus that this should be permitted.

Jim Thomas asked for and received consensus from the committee that it is up to the initiative of the member to inform Terekhova of contact information changes. If their e-mail bounces back and Terekhova has not heard from the member, the member will be removed from the IAC membership list for the next year. If the member does not have an e-mail address they must specify to Terekhova the fax number they wish her to use to be contacted.

It was the consensus of the committee that a person's membership in the IAC must be approved by the Chairman and Vice Chairman by the end of the Annual Meeting in order to be eligible to vote for the Vice Chairman.

Tura explained that in our SEG co-sponsored Level III Meetings, the IAC was attempting to plan and hold smaller regional meetings to be led by the regional co-chairman if he or Moaty could not attend.

Dick Edwards suggested that if a regional IAC meeting is held, the recommendations that come from this meeting should be sent to the Chairman to be included on the Agenda of the next IAC Meeting. There was general agreement from the group for this policy. The question was raised as to "how many IAC meetings should be held on a yearly basis." The consensus from the group was to continue to hold two general IAC meetings: one at the Annual meeting and the other six months before the next Annual Meeting.

The entire IAC membership (who is approved by the Chairman by the Annual Meeting) will be eligible to vote in this election. The majority will elect the Vice-Chairman. The results of the election will be posted on the IAC Web Page and will be presented to the Executive Committee for their final approval.

Thomas commented that he thought the IAC should get a sponsor for the web page for IAC. Cheng stated that we have many growing pains with the Web site and Tura said we do not get as many hits as we need but he believe this to be a temporary problem. Terekhova pointed out that in updating the membership list all members were advised of the address of the web page and invited to visit it.

The group began a discussion of the make up of the current SEG Executive Committee. Zee Wang is the liaison of the IAC but also has many other responsibilities. In order to increase the number of members on the Executive Committee a by-law change would become necessary. This change would have to be voted on by the Council. Tura explained that as a part of the overall plan of the "internationalization of the SEG" an Executive Committee member would be assigned to represent the international membership. This Executive Committee member would have as his/her primary focus, the needs of the international members. A list of the current District Representatives were passed out to the group. Cheng, who has served on the Council, explained the purpose of the District Representatives and how they are elected. Moaty stated that we needed to have links between the District Representatives and the IAC Regional Co-Chairmen or even use the same people for both jobs.

Thomas Moved: That the IAC pursue the general election of an international executive committee member whose primary focus would be international issues.

Moaty Seconded the Motion.

After further discussion, Thomas made a motion to TABLE the above motion (seconded again by Moaty) until after Bill Barkhouse's presentation, which the committee hoped would answer their questions concerning the addition of the Executive Committee member responsible for International members.

Motion Approved Unanimously.

Tura reminded the group that there is no description in the current IAC Section of the Procedures and Policy manual on regional co-chairmen or country representatives. We would need to revise this section. It was agreed at the Houston Annual Meeting IAC Meeting to select two coordinators for each region: one from the US and one from the region. One of the co-chairmen would attend one of the two general IAC meetings during the year. Arthur brought up the point of having the chairman and vice chairman serve two years as well. Capello stated she felt it was too long a term to serve for one person - a total of four years for one person.

Spitz Moved: That the Chairman of IAC be a three-year commitment, beginning with his/her election as vice chairman, chairman, and then Past chairman or advisor.

Moaty Seconded the Motion.

Motion Passed Unanimously.

Spitz Moved: That the Regional Co-Chairmen are appointed by the Chairman and approved by the Executive Committee for at least two years. The Chairman should be sure that there is continuity in the appointment of the co-chairmen.

Moaty Seconded the Motion.

Motion Passed Unanimously.

It was suggested that the above motions need to appear in the new revision of the IAC section of the Procedures Manual.

There was a consensus that the minutes reflect the need for sensitivity in the selection of the co-chairman from the international region - such as with the CIS and the Latin American regions. The regional co-chairmanship should revolve from country to country (example: Russia one term, Ukraine, Uzebekistan, etc. giving preference to the Countries with SEG established sections, affiliated or sister societies) at the discretion of the Chairman.

Berge Seconded the Motion.

Motion Passed Unanimously.

Tura informed the committee that it had been suggested that the IAC would be ultimately responsible for making proposals to the Executive Committee on what countries/sections/societies want to have a conference, workshop, etc. This information would be communicated from the IAC sections, societies, etc. to their regional chairmen who would in turn communicate it to the IAC. The IAC would review the conferences and make recommendations on what level of support and who to appoint as SEG representative or organizing committee representation for approval by the Executive Committee. Eventually, the IAC would make long range proposals for SEG sponsored international meetings up to three years in advance.

Capello stated that she felt the D & P Forum should be held in other parts of the world besides the US and Europe. The IAC should be part of the process of finding host societies for this Forum. Capello charged the IAC to investigate the procedures of the D & P Committee and recommends that the IAC communicate to the D & P Committee that we are willing to assist in planning of the forum outside the US. (AAPG has just put one together that was very successful.) Capello informed the group that she is a member of the D & P Committee.

Chen said he was a member of the Research Committee and would communicate with them the fact that the IAC would like to participate in their planning of the Research Workshop.

Action Item:
Tura is to write a letter to the Committee Chairmen of the D&P Committee and the Research Committee explaining IAC's interest in participating in the selection of the site for the D&P Forum and Research Workshop.

Moaty Moved: That the IAC recommend to the Executive Committee where and when to have International Events (Conferences, Meeting, Workshops), what level the SEG should sponsor these evens, and to recommend technical co-chairmen or organizing committee chairman for these events when needed.

Edwards Seconded The Motion.

Motion Passed Unanimously.

The divisions are:

• Canadian Region: Canada, Greenland, Iceland
• Northwest US Region: Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
• Southwest US Region: Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii.
• Southeast US Region: Texas, Oklahoma, and east to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Northeast US Region: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and east to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Latin America: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Falkland Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico
• Europe: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Switzerland, Denmark, Holland, Netherlands, Wales, etc.
• CIS: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan, Tajikstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, etc.
• Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Lebanon, Israel*
• Africa: all countries in the continent of Africa including Egypt
• Asia: India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, etc.
• Pacific: Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, etc.

  *The SEG society in Turkey should be contacted to see what region they want to be included in.

Pinar Yilmaz arrived at approximately 5:15PM and discussed the AAPG's international geographical region divisions with Ali Tura.

Summary of Questions to Bill Barkhouse from IAC Committee

IAC: Bill, what is the support of this from the Exec. Committee?
Bill's response: It is my personal opinion that there is a general recognition of internationalization/globalization working successfully within the SEG. The IAC should pursue this idea by using focus groups to sample the SEG membership. Examples: committee chairpersons, past presidents, presidents of assoc. societies. These people may feel isolated and would like to share their ideas. Change cannot happen too quickly. Consider phasing it over a time line of one-two years.

Chen pointed out, if you count representation from our membership, the international members should have at least 3-4 Executive Committee members who represent them. Why wasn't there 50% international representation on the new slate of officers? Is membership saying they don't want this international representation?
Bill continues: One question is, do you service the requirements of the members at large or special interest groups? SEG is open to anyone. The last six presidents have been very supportive of international programs. We should all ask: "what is best for the SEG membership."

Thomas: Would you agree that the idea is to take away the distinction of "international." Should we try to remove the distinction, the regular members and the international members. We're all "regular" members.

Chen brought up the point of having the workshops (SEG/EAGE) outside the US and Europe. One success is our Annual Meeting that it is held in the US and 60-70% participation of the membership worldwide. It is very successful because of the historical basic model: Technical Program, Exhibition, and Social Program. One of the threats: mega mergers have changed the face of our exhibitors. We are vulnerable - revenue source is our exhibitors who are now less/merged. Have talked with EAGE to combine Annual Meeting. They suggested not for at least another 8 years. Cannot divide the revenue in Europe with EAGE.

SEG is currently co-sponsoring/cooperating in international meetings. In the past our Level Vs lost money except for Rio '99. SEG has backed off of Level Vs but are currently talking about Cairo 2001 with AAPG/EPEX, 40-40-20 and hopes to learn from these arrangements for the future.

SEG Workshops Internationally. This is up to the committee. Cunningham and Capello emphasized the need to have these meetings abroad. Bill agreed. Spitz said this is hard to do.

Tuesday, February 8th

Tura suggested that before starting the Agenda for the day the committee review the below motions using the additional information which Bill Barkhouse had given the committee in his presentation and question and answer period:

The committee reviewed the following motion from Monday:
    Capello moved Europe, Canada and the US should be included in the present reorganization of the IAC.
    Spitz seconded the motion.
    Motion Approved.

Chen agreed that Capello's motion should remain as it is. He wants the IAC to continue working with EAGE in Europe. He stated that "promote" is a flexible word and EAGE can interpret it as they feel comfortable. Thomas also agreed to keep Capello's motion as passed on Monday. He explained that "International" is always looked upon as something separate and that we are struggling with the process of globalization. Capello stated that the idea of members who reside outside the United States as something different has to change. We are all one. Thomas believes that the Executive Committee's attitude is changing toward this.

Spitz: Committees must carry on the voice of the Executive Committee. The aims of the IAC must be written down.

Moaty: It's up to the region to ask for the promotion.

Edwards: In the past we use to be more global and have representative from Europe, what happened? Ali said the responsibilities are very recent. Chen said that the IAC had a similar set up in the past (Wafik Beydoun initiated it when he was president). There was no problem with EAGE at that time. Tura stated that the geographic regions were different. Now the regions are directly reacting and autonomous and the regional co-chairmen have more responsibilities with country representatives to assist them.

Weathers stated that he believed it would be very useful to have co-regional chairmen in the U.S. He will present this idea to the Houston Society and other U.S. societies and get feedback.

Action Item:
Weathers will present his report on feedback from the US sections at the next IAC meeting.

Capello suggested that Weathers show the IAC structure and how this would be applied as described in the TLE article.

Tura stated we should go ahead and divide US now using the same geographical designations as the SEG uses for District Representatives.

Action Item:
Tura, Moaty and Weathers will create a presentation that Weathers can use when explaining the IAC goals to US sections.

Tura felt that Barkhouse was saying to proceed with caution, one step at a time. Spitz felt Barkhouse way saying to be bold but cautious. There was continued support for the motion originally made by Capello to include all regions of the world from the beginning.

Berge, Spitz and Capello: We need to look at the whole picture.

Thomas Moved to bring his former motion Off the Table, and Moaty seconded his motion.

The committee agreed to bring the motion off the table to discuss.

Thomas Moved: That the IAC pursue the general election of an international executive committee member whose primary focus would be international issues.

Moaty Seconded the Motion.

Before voting, the committee carried on the following discussion:

Tura reviewed what Barkhouse had told the committee during his Presentation concerning the two new Executive Committee members: Barkhouse said that the two new members of the Executive Committee would be representing two standing committees. Barkhouse hoped that the first two committees represented would be research and IAC. These Executive Committee members would then rotate with different Committees the following terms. Barkhouse was open for the IAC to propose an international executive committee member to the Executive Committee.

Chen believes that the Executive Committee member now (our liaison) is not being able to focus on international and he has many other issues. Since 45% of the membership are "international," the IAC needs more representation on the Executive Committee. They need to be able to focus on all these substantial changes. The time is right to change and Barkhouse has invited the IAC leaders to go to the Executive Committee. Tura agreed that expectations are quite high but because of the need for by-laws changes and vote by Council it will clearly take a year or more to happen.

Thomas asked that the motion is amended to read as follows and Moaty agreed: The IAC recommends that the Executive Committee pursue the general election of an additional executive committee member whose primary focus would be global (international) issues.

Motion Passed with a Majority

Capello asked the committee to change the word "international" to global and it was a consensus of the committee to amend the above motion to read "global" issues, not international issues.

Capello Moved: To change the name of IAC to the Global Affairs Committee.

Spitz Seconded the Motion. (This motion will have to be recommended to the Executive Committee for their approval.)

Discussion:
Moaty stated that we don't need to change the name of the IAC at this time because the Executive Committee gave the IAC this mission (to globalize SEG). In a few years the IAC will no longer need to be in existence and we will blend and become the global SEG. Capello, Berge and Weathers didn't agree - they felt that the new name would be seen as a symbol - new description which would communicate that IAC represents all SEG members - not only international. Galikeev feels that we don't need to change the name. We can still include US and Canada but the work will be nominal. Tura called for the vote:

Motion Passed (11 For, 2 Against)

Tura suggested bringing a mandate to the Executive Committee to get their approval to go ahead with the total plan.

Chen stated that he thought it was still unclear what Weathers can do while explaining the IAC strategy to the US sections. We are the fact-finding committee for the Executive Committee.

Tura said we need an action item to have someone to go to the Executive Committee with this message. It was the consensus of the group that Tura and/or Moaty would address the Executive Committee with the recommendations of the IAC.

Spitz: We have evolved from the US thinking about foreign needs - we have changed our mission and purpose.

Middle East Region: Edwards announced the Geo 2000 Conference and Exposition that will occur in Bahrain in March. He has tried unsuccessfully to communicate with his co-chairman Yi. He will go through the list that Terekhova gave to all co-regional chairmen of active SEG members in all countries outside of US and Canada, and find country representatives. He described the African/Middle East Luncheon at the Houston Annual Meeting as the largest luncheon they ever had - over 100 people. Edwards suggested combining the Africa and Middle East regions together again this year for the Calgary Meeting event.

Africa Region: George Smith had e-mailed a report to Terekhova which was distributed to the group. Berge reported for Smith. See attached report. Currently we have several African countries without SEG members. Good area to promote membership in the SEG. It will probably take some time to develop the country-representative structure. Smith supports the idea of being able to use "associate" members as country representatives, not only "active" SEG members. Capetown was indeed a success in many ways - Smith has a report on the Conference on the IAC Web Page.

Thomas wanted to include a footnote in Smith's report. As past International Showcase Chairman he knows that we have had exhibitors from The Republic of Djibouti, Mali, Niger, etc. Yet none of these exhibitors are members of SEG. We should promote SEG members through our International Showcase exhibitors.

Asia Region: Liaw reported to the committee that the New Delhi Conference is coming up the end of February. A. G. Pramanik (the co-regional chairman) and Fred Aminzadeh will lead an IAC Meeting during the conference in India. Mr. Wang was introduced - he is attending the committee meeting representing Zuchuan Chen. Unfortunately, he does not think that any Chinese will be attending the New Delhi meeting but he will try to e-mail/fax Zuchuan Chen. His initial focus has been on China and India. SEG Beijing is very active with 336 members. An International Symposium will be held in Guangzhou City, China in December 2000. SEG has sections in Malaysia, Vietnam and a brand new section in Korea. Terekhova gave Liaw the list of elected officers for these sections to assist in selection of country representatives. In choosing the Chinese country representative, Liaw will talk to the President and Vice President of the Beijing Section. Although there are hundreds of geophysicists in China, the SEG dues are too high for the average Chinese. This subject has been brought up to the Executive Committee for many years. Dr. Subroto, the speaker for the Houston Annual Meeting S. E. Asian/Australian luncheon unfortunately was unable to attend. Maybe he can be persuaded to come to the Calgary luncheon. Both Liaw and Coperude suggested combining the Asian and Pacific regions together again for one luncheon during Calgary.

Asia Pacific Region: Coperude reported to the group that the ASEG would hold a conference in Perth in March. Terekhova stated that Mike Smith had e-mailed her that there would be no IAC meeting in Perth, however, they would plan for an IAC luncheon in Brisbane next year. Currently, Noll Moriarty is the co-regional chairman, however, shortly after the conference Mike Smith will assume this role. The ASEG has designated their Past President as co-regional chairman. Coperude has been in contact with Dr. Santoso, President of HAGI, the Indonesian group for suggestions on country representative and Noll is looking for a country representative in New Zealand. Chen asked, what about the SEG meeting in Japan this year - no one on the committee seems to know anything about this. (Terekhova will try to check this out.)

CIS Region: Galikeev reported that he had identified Alexander Zhukov, Managing Director of Geophysical Data Systems, Moscow, (gds@portal.msk.ru) as his co-regional chairman. Alexander will be assisting him in identifying the country representatives. They will chose an academician for the Russian country representative, since there is a split in Russia's industry and institute. The Professor will be from Moscow State University.

Two options were discussed among the group:

• holding luncheons for all groups (Mon. CIS/Europe, Tues. ULG, Tues. Africa/Middle East, and Wed. S.E. Asia/Australia), or
having no luncheons and hosting small regional meetings at the Palliser Hotel and then joining the group for one big reception afterwards.

The regions would find sponsorship and combine the money so that the Reception would be free to all IAC members.

Action Item:
Tura will contact Hassan Hassan, IS Chairman and discuss with him the ideas of the IAC. Tura will contact the San Antonio Annual Meeting Chairman and discuss with him the concept of appointment of the IS Chairman from the IAC.

It was pointed out that a description of the responsibilities of the country representatives is needed.

Capello Moved: President of the SEG and the Chairman of the IAC prepare a letter of recognition and description of duties and responsibilities for the country chairman.

Cunningham Seconded the Motion.

Motion Accepted Unanimously.

Sen Moved: That the guideline for nominations for the Vice-Chairman should be persons who have served as regional co-chairmen.

Weathers Seconded the Motion.

Berge disagreed - he thinks it should be open to everyone.

Motion Passed By Majority (Nine For, One Against)

Tura asked, "how do we facilitate communication?"

IAC should propose members for lecturers, continuing education course instructors, candidates for honors, etc.

Action Item:
Terekhova was asked to investigate procedures and deadlines for DISC, distinguished Lecturer, Continuing Education Courses, D&P Summer Workshop, Research Workshop when she returns to the Tulsa business office.

Action Item:
Tura is to send a contact list of our regional co-chairmen to designated chairmen of committees; exchange the minutes between the meetings.

Tura thanked all the committee members for their attendance and participation. The next IAC Meeting will be held on Sunday, August 8, at 10:30AM during the Calgary Annual Meeting. The exact meeting place will be announced on the IAC Web Page.

Last updated on 7/31/2000 by fka