Tackling the business and technology hurdles that define the competitive and constantly evolving $30 billion energy storage industry is no easy task. Strategic decisions require careful consideration, as many can make or break a business. The Battery Show, to be held October 25-27 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., is not only a platform to showcase products and services, but also a forum for industry leaders and stakeholders to gather and discuss critical issues.
In its second year, the show offers a two-track conference on battery business models and technologies, and a 160-booth exhibition with the latest battery technologies forelectric vehicles, utility storage, mobile power, personal electronics and health care applications. The business track will cover market development for advanced batteries and the business implications of technical innovation.
The technology track will examine and compare the latest products and technologies by application, as well as preview next generation battery materials and chemistries. Conference presenters include Dr. Ravi Shanker, CEO of Dow Kokam, who will cover supply, demand and innovation working together to build, grow and sustain the advanced battery industry; and Dr. Ann Marie Sastry, CEO of Sakti3, who will be joined by a panel of experts to introduce new battery technologies that may prove disruptive to U.S. and foreign manufacturers.
The Battery Show moved from San Jose, Calif., to metro Detroit this year, with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC). Given Michigan’s burgeoning battery industry, the expo’s producers expect the number of attendees to surpass 3,000, up from 1,400 last year. Michigan is home to 17 advanced battery companies in various stages of construction and production, representing nearly $6 billion in capital investment and expected to create an estimated 20,000 new direct jobs over the next 10 years. The state is expected to make approximately 20 percent of the world’s lithium ion batteries, as the market for battery-powered hybrid and electric vehicles expands to a projected 1.7 million by 2015.
“It is most fitting that Michigan, the new global center of advanced battery technology and production, welcomes the industry’s largest exhibition and conference in North America,” said Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of the MEDC. “We put the world on wheels and today are headed down a new road that starts with battery- and electric-powered vehicles but longer term brings power solutions to the broadest range of commercial opportunities.” As the world begins to adopt electric and hybrid vehicles and rely increasingly on renewable resources to satisfy its thirst for power, the battery industry stands to benefit from an unprecedented level of growth.
“The Battery Show will highlight not only how the advanced battery market will develop globally, but also how new technology and innovation will drive performance, safety and cost,” said Adam Moore, exhibition director. “It’s a platform for marketing and timely discussion, of course, but it also provides unique access to key industry players.” The exhibition is free to attend. The conference delegate pass is $895; exhibitors receive a 25-percent discount.
The Battery Show is North America’s largest free to attend exhibition for advanced batteries. The exhibition showcases the very latest battery technologies and solutions, ranging from electric vehicle applications to raw material suppliers. Its two-track business and technology conference examines battery market development and opportunities, including how technical advances are likely to impact performance, safety and cost. The Battery Show launched in 2010; it is produced by United Kingdom-based Smarter Shows.
