The Society of Petroleum Engineers hosted another successful annual technical conference and exhibition (ATCE) this week, in New Orleans. To my surprise, attendees were invited to comment on all sessions using Twitter (http://twitter.com/SPE_ATCE). I don't Tweet on Twitter. I'm not sure how many working professionals, particularly those with families, have time to even consider adding it to their already full schedules. I wonder whether SPE thinks it has real merit as a professional tool or if they felt it's the only way they would be able to capture the comments (and attention) of the bands of college students roaming the conference this week. There were hundreds of students at the show, most of whom bused into New Orleans with their compadres and professors. Rich Kruger, ATCE 2009 general chairperson (note the SPE is now gender-neutral) invited attendees to "follow us on Twitter @SPE_ATCE from your web-enabled phone for event updates and the latest news. You can also access exhibitor information through the mobile-freindly site, Chirpe.com/atce." Twitter contact info for each of the technical sessions was provided in the schedule on the SPE website but unfortunately was not included in the printed conference program, except for "Follow #ATCE on Twitter" printed on the bottom of each odd-numbered page. I'd also like to mention that I truly appreciate the SPE's provision of its 25-Year Club, "established for the benefit of those SPE members with 25 years or more of continuous membership." I have not been an SPE member that long, but I am glad they recognize long-term professional society participation. I hope that the AAPG follows suit.