301: Why IMAGE ’26 Is Built Around Connection

"It helps to see the bigger picture, to get out of your own sphere of interest. So it can be a good way to see different angles of your own industry.” Applied geoscience is becoming more connected as carbon management, geothermal, digital technology, near surface work, and traditional energy increasingly share the same tools, ideas, and challenges. Molly Turko and Edith Miller explain how IMAGE ’26 is adapting to that shift while trying to serve both specialists and attendees exploring beyond their usual areas. They discuss how the event’s hubs, pavilions, technical sessions, and shared spaces can help people find useful ideas without becoming overwhelmed by the size of the program. Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Integration is no longer the new idea. It is the expectation: Digital technology, carbon management, geothermal, oil and gas, and other disciplines are increasingly presented as parts of the same geoscience landscape rather than separate conversations. > A larger program is only useful if people can find their way through it: IMAGE ’26 aims to give specialists enough content in areas such as geothermal, oil and gas, and emerging energy without leaving first time attendees overwhelmed by the number of choices. > The value extends beyond technical knowledge: Edith draws a distinction between the career case and the business case for attending. People can build relationships and discover new career directions while also bringing back ideas, technologies, and perspectives that improve their company’s work. THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN As an industry leader in imaging distributed acoustic sensing data, Viridien brings proven expertise across 2D, 3D, and 4D projects by combining advanced algorithms and HPC. Delivering clearer images, faster interpretation, and deeper insight for oil & gas reservoir monitoring and carbon storage projects. Discover more at https://viridiengroup.com/DAS. ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.