Dear Member
In light of the global spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we share the following information with you in relation to section and chapter events:
SPE Activities
Networking is such an important part of SPE; the COVID-19 virus has the potential to affect everything we do. SPE will continue actively monitoring the situation and potential impacts on future activities. The health and safety of our members and attendees is our highest priority, and that will guide any decisions that we make.
For those who want to learn more about the spread of the virus and protective measures, International SOS provides some excellent resources.
Section and Student Chapter Events
For section and student chapter events, we recommend you carry out the necessary risk assessments and abide by World Health Organization advice. We also highly recommend you check regional, country, and organisation specific restrictions imposed upon travel to and from the event location, before commencing your journey.
For events moving forward we would advise that, where possible, any event-related agreements/contracts contain coverage for epidemic/pandemic outbreaks within the force majeure clause. SPE International (SPEI) only carries global liability insurance extending to sections and chapters. This will NOT, however, cover any losses due to cancellation or postponement of section and chapter events. Therefore, unfortunately, any requests for compensation cannot be considered by SPEI.
SPEI Events in Conjunction with Sections and Student Chapters
SPEI works closely with local sections and chapters to host events including, but not limited to, Regional Officers Meetings, Student Paper Contests, and PetroBowl Regional Qualifiers. In these instances, SPEI will have to abide by the restrictions imposed by the host (including those at organisation level, country level and regional level). This may result in attendees travelling from affected areas being denied access to the events, or events being postponed or cancelled entirely. SPEI will make efforts to allow for attendees to attend remotely where possible.
Useful Resources
Updated WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak
Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak
World meter – cases by country
With Thanks,
SPEI Membership Programs Team