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Solar Power 2008 to expand consumer focus
News/Roundup
Solar Power 2008 to expand consumer focus
Solar Power Conference & Expo 2008 will take place from 13-16 October at the San Diego Convention Center. Organised by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the event is expected to attract a record 12,000 professionals from more than 70 countries and 400 exhibitors from 14 countries. Besides top vendors presenting the state-of-the-art in solar energy technologies and services, Solar Power 2008 will feature more than 60 conference sessions and workshops covering the latest market, policy, finance and technology issues as well as a world-renowned CEO Panel plenary session. The first confirmed keynote speaker for this year is Bob Greifeld, ceo of the OMX group. Greifeld will address conference attendees on global market conditions, the outlook for IPOs and Wall Street’s role in the future of the solar industry. “Every year since its inception 5 years ago, Solar Power Conference & Expo’s top-rated keynote speakers have reflected the critical issues of interest to our attendees in the given year. Greifeld’s 20-year history as a technology entrepreneur and his successful leadership of the world’s largest exchange will bring invaluable insight to the Opening Plenary,” said Julia Hamm, chair of Solar Power Conference & Expo and executive director of SEPA. “We look forward to Greifeld’s view from the Street, including his perspective on the investment climate, market mechanisms, and key issues for continued industry growth.” In addition to the full array of conference sessions, exhibits and industry networking opportunities, the featured ceo Panel plenary session is scheduled to deliver dialogue on the
14
renewable energy focus
May/June 2008
fast-changing market conditions. The panel will feature top executives from the most important players in the solar marketplace, including manufacturers, project developers and contractors, electric utilities, and large buyers such as big box stores. Solar Power 2008 will encompass the full range of solar energy technologies, including PV, concentrating PV, Concentrating Solar Power, and solar hot water and space heating and cooling. The event also features an online careers centre to support the recruiting of qualified professionals – a top concern of an industry experiencing record growth (see ‘Clean energy industry needs more leaders, report says’, page 13). A new online registration function will allow professionals to filter and sort through exhibitors and session content to create customised personal floor plans and itineraries. These online tools will allow users to make the most of their time in San Diego, navigating the large show floor and conference agenda. Another feature of this year’s event is an expanded focus on consumers. Solar Power 2008 Conference & Expo, the business-tobusiness event, has partnered with the California Sustainable Energy Center (CCSE) to coincide with San Diego’s annual Solar Energy Week. This combination creates a comprehensive, week-long schedule addressing both professional and consumer solar interests. Activities for the public will include Family Solar Day on 12 October, a public opening of the Solar Power 2008 exhibit hall on the evening of 15 October, and the Tour of Solar Homes on 18 October.
Solar Power 2008 to expand consumer focus
Solar Power Conference & Expo 2008 will take place from 13-16 October at the San Diego Convention Center. Organised by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the event is expected to attract a record 12,000 professionals from more than 70 countries and 400 exhibitors from 14 countries. Besides top vendors presenting the state-of-the-art in solar energy technologies and services, Solar Power 2008 will feature more than 60 conference sessions and workshops covering the latest market, policy, finance and technology issues as well as a world-renowned CEO Panel plenary session. The first confirmed keynote speaker for this year is Bob Greifeld, ceo of the OMX group. Greifeld will address conference attendees on global market conditions, the outlook for IPOs and Wall Street’s role in the future of the solar industry. “Every year since its inception 5 years ago, Solar Power Conference & Expo’s top-rated keynote speakers have reflected the critical issues of interest to our attendees in the given year. Greifeld’s 20-year history as a technology entrepreneur and his successful leadership of the world’s largest exchange will bring invaluable insight to the Opening Plenary,” said Julia Hamm, chair of Solar Power Conference & Expo and executive director of SEPA. “We look forward to Greifeld’s view from the Street, including his perspective on the investment climate, market mechanisms, and key issues for continued industry growth.” In addition to the full array of conference sessions, exhibits and industry networking opportunities, the featured ceo Panel plenary session is scheduled to deliver dialogue on the
14
renewable energy focus
May/June 2008
fast-changing market conditions. The panel will feature top executives from the most important players in the solar marketplace, including manufacturers, project developers and contractors, electric utilities, and large buyers such as big box stores. Solar Power 2008 will encompass the full range of solar energy technologies, including PV, concentrating PV, Concentrating Solar Power, and solar hot water and space heating and cooling. The event also features an online careers centre to support the recruiting of qualified professionals – a top concern of an industry experiencing record growth (see ‘Clean energy industry needs more leaders, report says’, page 13). A new online registration function will allow professionals to filter and sort through exhibitors and session content to create customised personal floor plans and itineraries. These online tools will allow users to make the most of their time in San Diego, navigating the large show floor and conference agenda. Another feature of this year’s event is an expanded focus on consumers. Solar Power 2008 Conference & Expo, the business-tobusiness event, has partnered with the California Sustainable Energy Center (CCSE) to coincide with San Diego’s annual Solar Energy Week. This combination creates a comprehensive, week-long schedule addressing both professional and consumer solar interests. Activities for the public will include Family Solar Day on 12 October, a public opening of the Solar Power 2008 exhibit hall on the evening of 15 October, and the Tour of Solar Homes on 18 October.