About Us

The Society of Petroleum Engineers

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. The SPE offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the profession through our programs and activities and many of our accomplishments are driven by our dedicated members.

Mission, Vision and Values

SPE’s 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’s vision is to be a society of professional excellence, providing its members with the highest quality lifelong learning, and continuous personal and professional growth.

SPE's values are:

  • Excellence Integrity

  • Professionalism

  • Life-long learning

  • Diversity

  • Volunteerism

  • Innovation

  • Social

  • Responsibility


History

The history of the 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. SPE became a separately incorporated organization in 1985. The first SPE Board of Directors meeting was held 6 October 1957, making 2007 the 50th anniversary year for SPE as a professional society.

Today we are the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. We offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the profession through our programs and activities and many of our accomplishments are driven by our dedicated members.

Read more on the history of the SPE.