More sessions, more access at WINDPOWER 2016

Did you know U.S. wind power  pays $222 million a year to rural landowners and saves 226 gallons of water a year for every American?

As the industry continues to grow so do local economic resources, environmental benefits and consumer savings. These are just a few ways wind power is building a better world for the next generation, and further proof that American wind has entered a new phase of growth.

New opportunities, new format

After gathering feedback from AWEA members on how to best meet the evolving industry needs brought on by increasing demand, we decided the AWEA WINDPOWER 2016 Conference & Exhibition, the largest annual wind energy conference in North America, needed some adjustments.

One of the biggest changes is to the conference’s education program.

With Generation Wind as 2016’s theme, we crafted a program that really encompasses the growing interest (and demand) in wind energy, and made it available to all WINDPOWER attendees. We’ve quadruped the number of sessions this year and we’re also placing them all on the show floor. Every attendee and exhibitor alike can benefit from the 99 presentations and sessions scheduled across five main stations throughout the exhibit hall.

Those who want to gain a better understanding of how the industry’s leading experts are pushing for a new wave of global wind development will want to attend the Power Station, where they’ll hear all about new commercial opportunities, market expansion and lessons learned and applied. Owners and operators looking for management strategies to address current and future operational lifecycle issues will find everything they need at the Operations Station powered by UpWind Solutions.

At the Technology Station, powered by GE Renewable Energy, the very best minds in business, academia and government are coming together to discuss and share the new ways we can advance innovations in wind technologies that could fundamentally change the industry. The Project Development Station powered by AWS Truepower is where attendees can examine every step involved in developing a wind project, from siting and wildlife to transmission, integration and forecasting.

Tomorrow’s wind power pioneers

And, returning from last year, the Thought Leader Theater powered by Mortenson will be dedicated to “Defining the Future of Wind” through more than 14 hours of forward-thinking and thought-provoking content.

Looking toward the future is a key aspect of Generation Wind. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and they are more attuned to the environmental and economic benefits of wind energy than ever before. At WINDPOWER 2016, junior high students can put their talents to use at the Kid Wind Challenge, teams of undergrads can attempt to use skills across several disciplines to research, site, market and build hypothetical wind projects during the Department of Energy (DOE) Collegiate Wind Competition, veterans can connect with up-and-coming leaders during our Emerging Leaders Program, and local area high schools can learn about wind energy during the conference’s “Public Day.”

Come see what Generation Wind is all about at AWEA WINDPOWER 2016 Conference & Exhibition this May 23-26 in New Orleans. AWEA members can register for $395 and nonmembers can register for $595 before May 23. Use promo code “WPCAFE” to receive a $5 voucher for coffee and beignets at Café du Monde, which can be picked up at the AWEA booth at the conference. See you in New Orleans!