Sound QI’s Global Insights Series brings together in-person courses and technical events designed to support geoscientists working in quantitative interpretation. Through a combination of structured training and focused technical discussion, the series creates space for applied learning, professional exchange, and deeper engagement with interpretation workflows.

In 2026, the Global Insights Series will feature a mix of international course offerings and local technical gatherings, reflecting Sound QI’s ongoing commitment to practical education, thoughtful interpretation, and connection within the geoscience community.

 

Practical Quantitative Interpretation (QI)

The Practical Quantitative Interpretation (QI) course is a core component of the Global Insights Series. Led by Laurie Weston, CEO of Sound QI, this three-day, hands-on program is designed for interpreters seeking a clearer, more grounded understanding of QI workflows and how interpretation choices influence subsurface outcomes.

Rather than focusing solely on final products, the course emphasizes how QI decisions are made, how assumptions shape results, and how data quality and integration affect interpretation. This approach reflects Sound QI’s core philosophy: strong interpretation is built on understanding, transparency, and sound technical judgment.

Over three days, participants work through a complete QI workflow in a structured, practical format. Topics include well and seismic conditioning, AVO analysis, inversion, and multi-attribute interpretation. Instruction is paired with applied examples and guided exercises using Sound QI’s interactive attribute interpretation software, Maestro, allowing participants to directly connect theory to real interpretation tasks.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the assumptions, inputs, and limitations behind a QI workflow
  • Ask stronger technical questions before and during QI projects
  • Use key QI products effectively, including rock-physics templates, impedance volumes, and AVO-derived attributes
  • Evaluate how data quality and interpretation choices influence reservoir predictions and risk
  • Integrate seismic, geological, petrophysical, and engineering inputs more accurately in exploration and development work

The Practical QI course is suited to geophysicists, geologists, petrophysicists, and other subsurface professionals seeking a deeper, applied understanding of quantitative interpretation.

 

Global Insights Technical Breakfast Event

In addition to formal training courses, the Global Insights Series includes smaller technical gatherings designed to encourage discussion and knowledge sharing within the geoscience community. As additional breakfast events are scheduled throughout the year, these sessions will feature presentations from different members of the Sound QI team, covering a range of technical and professional topics relevant to industry practitioners.

The first breakfast event of 2026 will be held on March 11, in Calgary. The morning session will feature a technical presentation by Felix Oghenekohwo, PhD, a geoscientist at Sound QI with a doctorate in geophysics and seismology.

Titled Why Judgment Still Matters: Seismic Workflows, Uncertainty, and the Limits of Automation, the presentation examines how increasingly automated and AI-assisted seismic workflows influence interpretation outcomes. While automation can add efficiency and consistency, some of the most consequential interpretation decisions occur earlier in the workflow, particularly in how seismic data are conditioned prior to inversion and interpretation.

The presentation compares commonly used seismic workflow approaches applied to the same dataset and demonstrates how technically valid processing choices can lead to different interpretation results. These examples highlight where automation adds value, where it can obscure uncertainty, and why adaptive, decision-driven workflows remain essential in reservoir development. While tools such as Maestro™ can be used to stress-test interpretation scenarios, the session emphasizes that technical judgment continues to play a central role in guiding effective subsurface interpretation.

The session will be followed by time for questions, open discussion, and networking with fellow industry professionals. Breakfast will be provided, and attendance is free with advance registration.

 

A Global Approach to Knowledge Sharing

Sound QI’s Global Insights Series reflects a long-standing commitment to technical rigor, education, and the open exchange of ideas within the geoscience community. Through courses, technical talks, and collaborative events, Sound QI supports stronger interpretation practices across regions and disciplines.

While delivery formats may vary, the objective remains consistent: to create opportunities for learning, discussion, and deeper understanding of subsurface interpretation. Sound QI continues to support both in-person and virtual engagement as part of its broader effort to make practical, experience-driven geoscience education accessible worldwide.

 

Upcoming Events

Perth, Australia — Practical QI Course
Dates: 17–19 February 2026
Registration and inquiries: Martin Bawden
Email: martin@sound-qi.com

Calgary, Canada — Global Insights Technical Breakfast Event
Date: 11 March 2026
Registration: Free to attend
Contact: info@sound-qi.com

Registration and Participation

Participation in Sound QI courses and events is intentionally limited to support meaningful technical exchange and discussion. Early registration is encouraged where applicable.

For additional information about specific events, please contact info@sound-qi.com.