Two Exciting Conferences Beckon Small Wind Community in June

For professional and amateur small wind enthusiasts, June is a busy time of year.  Not only is it prime installation season, it is also the time of year to venture away from home, meet others involved in the field, get educated and entertained.  The hardest part may be deciding whether to go to just one or both of the two June conferences designed to appeal to folks in the Distributed Wind community:  AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2012 and the 2012 Small Wind Conference.

The first of the two conferences on the calendar is AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2012, from June 3-6^th in Atlanta, Georgia. WINDPOWER is recognized as one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the U.S.  Last year, over 15,000 people attended the conference, about 18% of whom reported that they were involved in Community and Distributed Wind on a regular basis, according to figures on the AWEA website.

This year, the conference features several special tracks, among them one titled, “Community & Distributed Wind.” This track consists of three special sessions on Monday, June 4^th.  Discussions within these sessions will address the future potential of, and economic value in, community and distributed wind. “The growing popularity of community wind projects is bringing numerous jobs and economic stimulus to communities, creating neighborhood purpose and sustainability. Similarly, distributed wind’s role in emerging and domestic markets demonstrates the strength and value it brings to our national economy,” according to AWEA.  Speakers in the track will examine the successes and challenges that these sectors face, as well as what the future holds for the industry.

Main conference registration rates for WINDPOWER 2012 range from $580 for non-profit/academic participants to $1330 for Advocate Members and non-members, and include a free set of conference proceedings.  One-day conference passes and exhibition-only passes are available for lesser rates.  All rates go up after June 1^st.  For more information or to register, click here.

The Small Wind (Installers) Conference, June 12-13^th in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is aimed solely at the Small Wind community. Organizers describe it as ”a gathering of installers, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, educators and advocates.”

Much smaller and more focused, the Small Wind Conference has drawn around 350 people in recent years, a “who’s who of small wind manufacturers and vendors.”

Organizers tout the opportunities for “networking with all the major small wind stakeholders in North America and beyond.” Dan Juhl, wind energy pioneer, will be the Keynote Speaker on the first day of the conference this year.  The two days of the conference will be filled with presentations and honest dialogue on topics of interest to the Small Wind community, with nearly 50 presenters, and dozens of exhibitors. There will also be opportunities for small wind workshops and manufacturer training

The day before the conference starts, there are two workshops scheduled: the 2012 Zoning Summit, and Fundamentals of Wind Energy.  The conference will once again be followed by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Energy Fair.  The Fair claims to be “the largest renewable energy and sustainable living event on the planet,” educating and entertaining all for the long weekend after the Small Wind Conference.

The cost for the conference is $300, with rates going up on June 1^st. For more information or to register, click here.

Good luck making your travel plans this year!

Source:  Small Wind Conference and AWEA

Larry Sherwood

Larry is IREC’s President and CEO.