MVP: Mentoring Volunteer Program SPE Topical Conferences (TopCon)

Interested in putting together a TopCon? Not sure where to get started? Help is available!

SPE Event Management has received a significant number of inquiries from Section and Division volunteers who have expressed a desire to launch a TopCon. Invariably their first question becomes, “How and where do I get started?”

The MVP Program

The TopCon MVP program offers new and inexperienced conference committees volunteer-based mentor support to guide you through the conference planning stages toward the end result of a technically sound and fiscally viable conference program!

How It Works

SPE Sections and Divisions interested in hosting a TopCon simply need to request a mentor (see below). A mentor will then be assigned to the group along Section/Division lines. For example, if a Section is requesting a mentor for a fledgling program, a mentor with Section-driven TopCon experience will be assigned to that group.

Mentors can:
 

• Share experiences and best practices
• Guide you through the planning process
• Help you steer clear of pitfalls
• Serve as a sounding board for ideas
• Connect you to other resources

Mentor Qualifications:
 

• Member in good standing of SPE
• Recent (within the last 1-2 years) participation in the position(s) of TopCon general, house or technical program chair
• Past experience with more than one TopCon program and knowledge of non-SPE Conferences is desirable
• Availability to respond to inquiries from new TopCon committees in a timely fashion and to participate in 1-2 conference committee telecons (based on availability and with prior notice).

Interested in becoming or requesting a mentor? Contact us: