Energy is a resource that everyone needs. It’s also an industry that’s in both a state of growth and a state of change. As such, energy conferences are well-attended by industry professionals. That makes these events great opportunities for companies with relevant products and services.
Most energy conferences are niche events. They’re tightly focused on specific, energy-related industries. That usually makes them smaller events with just a few thousand attendees and often only 50 to 100 exhibitors. If you’re looking to exhibit at one of these events, register early to secure your space!
Note that in many cases, these 2021 events have been postponed from 2020 or are returning after a 2020 cancellation. Most will have new regulations in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, health and safety protocols may change over time as new information about COVID-19 is discovered. For any live events you plan to attend, be sure to watch for new COVID-related information on event websites.
DISTRIBUTECH™ Conference & Exhibition
DISTRIBUTECH is the utility industry’s leading transmission and distribution event. It’s attended by over 13,000 people every year. In 2021 it runs from March 30 to April 1 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
DISTRIBUTECH focuses on the technology that’s used to move electricity from power plants to its destinations. It’s attended by a wide range of energy professionals in electric power, natural gas, and water.
In 2021 the conference features a summit, knowledge hubs, and resources for students and startups. More than 500 companies are exhibiting. Exhibitors come from a wide range of companies. These include:
- Electricity delivery
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy integration
- Metering
- Transmission and distribution systems
- Communications technology
- Cyber security
- And more
Health and Safety Information
Normally this show is held earlier in the year, but the date has been pushed back slightly to allow more time to implement COVID-related changes. The move to a larger venue provides more space to allow for proper social distancing, both on the trade show floor and in conference rooms. In addition, the event will:
- Offer daily temperature checks for attendees
- Require the use of masks in all common areas
- Implement social distancing measures
- Have an on-site COVID-19 response action plan
LEARN MORE: https://www.distributech.com/index.html
Intersolar North America
Intersolar North America is the country’s biggest solar-focused renewable energy conference, and its biggest solar energy trade show. The 3-day event runs in 2021 from July 14 to 16 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
For the first time in 2021, Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America will come together, being held at the same time and at the same venue. Both events will share the expo hall, and attendees can access both by purchasing a combined registration pass.
Intersolar is, as the name suggests, all about solar power. It’s typically attended by more than 10,000 people from all over the industry. Professions include energy generation and supply, renewable energy integration, system installation, and related areas.
Along with a 2-day conference and more than 100 speakers, there are workshops and networking events, along with a packed exhibit hall. More than 200 companies are exhibiting in 2021. Attendees come from all 50 states and over 60 countries. Exhibitors have strong opportunities to find new contacts and leads at this huge event.
Health and Safety Information
Event organizers are working with local authorities and leading event-industry associations to develop effective health and safety measures. They include:
- Physical distancing
- Sanitization stations
- Mandated facemasks
- Regular deep cleaning
- A COVID response plan
LEARN MORE: https://www.intersolar.us/
AESP Annual National Conference & Expo
AESP is the Association of Energy Services Professionals. The group’s annual conference is usually held in February. In 2020 it took place at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA, but information about a 2021 event has not yet been announced.
The conference features education sessions, workshops, and networking events. The focus is typically on energy efficiency, energy management, and related topics. Attendees include professionals from all over the industry—manufacturers, policy-makers, marketers, managers, and consultants.
LEARN MORE: http://annualconference.aesp.org/
BuildingEnergy® Boston Conference + Trade Show
BuildingEnergy Boston is hosted by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. It’s typically held at The Westin® Boston Waterfront. In 2021 the 3-day event will run May 3 to 5, returning to the live format after a September 2020 online conference. The audience includes leaders and professionals in building design, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources.
This event focuses on issues relating to high-performance construction and sustainable energy. BuildingEnergy Boston sees around 1,200 attendees. The main fields include architecture, building, design, engineering, construction, and installation. Other attendees are in finance, auditing, and policymaking.
On the trade show floor, more than 50 industry leaders showcase products, services, and advanced technology in construction and energy.
LEARN MORE: http://nesea.org/conference/buildingenergy-boston
MIT Energy Conference
The MIT Energy Conference is the country’s biggest student-led energy conference, and it’s all about the future of energy. The 2021 event is set for March 11 and 12, with location to be decided. Previous events have typically been held at the Boston Marriott Cambridge in Massachusetts.
The MIT Energy Conference typically sees around 500 attendees and 50 exhibitors. Delegates come from within the industry, academia, the scientific community, government, and the private sector.
This event is small, in a niche that’s focused on advanced challenges in current and future energy technology. For exhibiting companies, it’s a chance to make new contacts, build relationships, and collect new leads.
LEARN MORE: https://www.mitenergyconference.org/
International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum
This offshore wind-focused renewable energy conference is the country’s leading technical conference for this industry. It features over 100 technical workshops and advanced education sessions. Plus, there are 200 expert speakers and networking events.
The 2020 event was originally scheduled for April 21 to 24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. Due to COVID-19, this event pivoted to an extended virtual format, with online sessions in April, livestreams in June, and more virtual sessions in August. Event organizers are yet to make an official announcement about the format for the 2021 event.
On the exhibition floor, around 50 companies display products, services, and tech for the offshore wind power industry. Many of these focus on marine-oriented products and services. Others are renewable energy and related companies looking to expand into this sector.
LEARN MORE: https://www.offshorewindus.org/2020ipf/
Hydrovision International
Unlike many events, Hydrovision International isn’t held in the same city each year. After being postponed from its original July dates in 2020, in 2021 it will be at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. The 3-day conference runs from June 15 to 17 and includes:
- Meetings
- Workshops
- Education sessions
- Speakers
- Exhibitors
Hydrovision International is the world’s biggest hydro-focused renewable energy conference. It typically sees around 3,300 attendees and 320 exhibitors. Attendees come from all over the world! Most are:
- In management or engineering positions
- Utility companies
- IT
- Chemical companies
- Power producers
- Manufacturers
An event of this size is a great opportunity for exhibitors to make new contacts and collect leads while showcasing products and services.
Health and Safety Information
Event organizers haven’t yet released information about Hydrovision 2021’s proposed event-related health and safety practices but say they plan to closely monitor and carefully adhere to public health and government regulations.
LEARN MORE: https://www.hydroevent.com/
AEE® World Energy Conference & Expo
The AEE World Energy Conference & Expo is in Denver, Colorado at the Colorado Convention Center. In 2020 the event was scheduled to run from September 20 to 25, with a 2-day expo on September 23 and 24.
Due to the coronavirus, the event was postponed and went through a format change, becoming a virtual event, scheduled for December 1 to 4, 2020. Event content includes more than 100 live technical presentations, along with panel discussions and keynote speakers.
Attendees include energy managers and energy engineers; facilities and building managers; and high-level executives from industry, government, energy services, academia, and private enterprises.
Exhibitors include utility and energy service companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers. They’re presenting products relating to energy management and energy efficiency, and a wide range of renewable energy solutions.
LEARN MORE: https://world.aeecenter.org/
North America Smart Energy Week
This event is dedicated to smart and renewable energy, with a conference, speakers, education events, and expo. After the 2020 event converted to an online format, this conference will be in person in 2021. Look forward to North America Smart Energy Week at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA from September 20 to 23.
With around 19,000 attendees and high-level media coverage, it’s the American renewable energy industry’s biggest event. It’s ideal as an exhibition venue for virtually any company in renewable energy. That includes those looking to expand into renewables. Smart Energy Week includes a start-up program that highlights new and emerging companies and technologies. This allows start-ups to secure booth space for a reduced registration cost.
The Solar Energy Industries Association also hosts region-specific events throughout the year. This includes events in California, Texas, Utah, and New York.
Health and Safety Information
Event organizers haven’t yet released information about COVID-related health and safety practices for the 2021 event. Check the event website for more information closer to the event date.
LEARN MORE: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/
POWERGEN International™
This is the world’s biggest power generation event, with over 14,000 attendees from more than 100 countries. In 2021 POWERGEN International is in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center, from March 30 to April 1. It’s being held concurrently with DISTRIBUTECH International, but the two events remain separate, despite being at the same venue.
New in 2021 is a Leadership Summit, a two-and-a-half day event designed to address industry challenges, with speakers and panelists from a range of industry sectors.
Attendees come from a range of energy-related positions and companies. Around 40% of attendees are in management, with the remainder in engineering and operations professions. Attendees and exhibitors come from:
- Power manufacturers, suppliers, and distributers
- Utility companies
- Government and the military
- Hospitals and clinics
- IT
- Areas of financial and investment
- Consultancy
More than 900 companies exhibit here, making it a busy and competitive place to be. Even so, a small company can do well if they have something special to offer.
Health and Safety Information
Event organizers have a number of protocols in place to help protect attendees. These include:
- Daily temperature checks
- Mandated mask use in all common areas
- Social distancing measures
- Daily deep cleaning
In addition, organizers have developed an on-site COVID-19 response action plan.
LEARN MORE: https://www.power-gen.com/
Make Your Mark at One of These Power and Energy Conferences!
Exhibiting at an industry event can represent a major opportunity for growth. With the chance to find new leads and clients and make new industry contacts, there’s much to gain from even the smallest event.
As you prepare to make the best impression and gather leads at your upcoming event, work with a trade show company with experience. ProExhibits has a full team of creative professionals and the resources and contacts to make your energy conference appearance exceed your expectations.
Matt Rulis
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