FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NOVEMBER 15, 2005

Kitty Ratcliffe
Executive Vice President
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5034
kratcliffe@neworleanscvb.com

Stephen Emery
Exhibit Sales Manager
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
918-497-5539
semery@seg.org

Society of Exploration Geophysicists Recommits to New Orleans

SEG International Exposition and 76^th Annual Meeting to take place October 2006

New Orleans, La. – The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) has announced that SEG International Exposition and Annual Meeting will be held in New Orleans, October 1-6, 2006.

The SEG has been following the situation in New Orleans very closely over the last two months and has been receiving almost daily reports from local authorities on rebuilding efforts and safety concerns. SEG representatives have met with New Orleans authorities to gather information. New Orleans officials were happy to report that the Central Business District, French Quarter and the Garden District escaped flooding and essential services have been fully restored.

SEG representatives were also pleased to see that the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and conference hotels were bustling with hundreds of workmen repairing wind damage wrought by the hurricane. Both the Louisiana Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have declared the city’s air and water safe.

The following statement was issued by SEG president, Craig Beasley:

“We realize that many sections of the city have suffered tragic damage, and that many New Orleans residents have lost their homes forever. If we truly care about the residents of New Orleans, however, the best thing that the association and its members can do is to go to New Orleans and lead the reconstruction by example. Our conference will help to provide the jobs and tax revenues needed if residents are to reestablish their lives and for the city to fully restore services.”

“SEG’s announcement at its convention this week of their commitment to New Orleans in 2006 was a cause for celebration in New Orleans,” said Kitty Ratcliffe, Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). “The individual response from their members and exhibitors to the news stunned us by its overwhelmingly positive and supportive nature. We are excited about their return to New Orleans next fall.”

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) Since 1960, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) has been the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, attracting $4.9 billion to the region annually. Nationally recognized for superior customer service, NOMCVB represents over 1,200 members and provides convention services and visitor information for business travelers and vacationers. Last year, the NOMCVB welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors to one of America's favorite meeting and leisure destinations. The NOMCVB is committed to rebuilding the city of New Orleans.

About the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. SEG, founded in 1930, fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near surface, and in mitigating earth hazards. The Society, which has 23,000 members in 110 countries, fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, Web sites, and educational opportunities.