May 22 to 25, 2017
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California | windpowerexpo.org
WINDPOWER 2017 gives attendees a chance to enhance their exhibit floor learning experience through targeted education sessions and one-on-one interactions designed to boost wind-related knowledge and business. (Photo: AWEA)
Before many rural communities were connected to the electric grid, farmers depended on windmills to pump water needed for crops and cattle. Decades later, wind energy is still helping out on farmlands, providing a steady income for many farmers and ranchers when the rains don’t fall or the fields don’t produce as expected. And that income is sizeable.
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), landowners received $245 million in lease payments in 2016 alone. Some are calling wind power “the new corn.” AWEA is simply calling it “big league” because wind energy is no longer just the choice of farmers, but also that of some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Wal-Mart, General Motors, IKEA, and Yahoo! — just to name a few. It is also a choice of an increasing number of Americans.
“American wind power is now the number one source of renewable capacity, thanks to more than 100,000 wind workers across all 50 states,” said AWEA CEO, Tom Kiernan, in a recent press statement. “Growing this made-in-the-USA clean energy resource helps rural communities pay for new roads, bridges, and schools, while bringing back manufacturing jobs to the Rust Belt.”
At the close of 2016, the wind fleet totaled 82,183 MW in the United States, which means it is on track to double in output over the next five years, and supply 10% of the country’s electricity by 2020. With a two-thirds cost reduction over the last seven years, the wind industry is bringing new confidence, new development, and new opportunities. In fact, the tagline for this year’s AWEA WINDPOWER 2017 Conference & Exhibition, the largest wind energy trade show in North America, is a ‘Brand New Attitude.’
Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA, speaking out for wind power during a panel session at last year’s event.
“We will introduce our ‘Brand New Attitude’ in Anaheim this May, where you will find top-tier speakers, world-class education, new and cutting-edge technology, and premium networking,” said Kiernan. “Wind power typically provides the least expensive energy available and isn’t a red or blue industry —, it’s red, white, and blue. Low-cost, homegrown wind energy is something we can all share in and agree on.”
A shared experience is something AWEA is hoping attendees will do at this year’s WINDPOWER show. The organization is expecting thousands of wind professionals from across the industry, and over 425 exhibiting companies and organizations. Here you can tailor your experience through five different Education Stations.
- Power Station (powered by Siemens).Gain a better understanding of how wind energy experts are pushing for global growth through market expansions and new commercial opportunities.
- Tech Station (powered by GE Renewable Energy) Hear from the top minds in business, academia, and government on innovations in wind that could fundamentally change the industry.
- Operations Station (powered by Vestas). Learn how to analyze management strategies to better address operational lifecycle issues that challenge wind-farm owners and operators.
- Project Development Station (powered by UL LLC).Exchange ideas and discuss key topics for developing a successful wind-power project, including siting, permitting, forecasting, monitoring, connecting to the grid, and more.
- Thought Leader Theater (powered by Mortenson).This station brings together industry experts to discuss lessons learned and company successes so others can achieve the same.
WINDPOWER 2017: A few conference highlights
View the full agenda here.
What’s more is that every morning, General Sessions will be held live on the show floor, simulcast in each Education Station, and streamed online to reach thousands of additional industry participants.
“At WINDPOWER 2017, you can take part in premier educational and informational sessions led by over 100 expert speakers and panelists, including top CEOs and Presidents,” said Jana Adams, Senior Vice President for Member Value and Experience at AWEA. “And every registrant has access to all exhibitors and session panels, which are available in one simple location…the show floor.”
This makes it easier to network and meet new industry professionals. AWEA says over 33% of attendees will be WINDPOWER first-timers. Those who are new to the event may also want to secure a spot in the Innovation Pavilion, which will highlight the latest product innovators, small business owners, and entrepreneurs.
“Wind power is in high demand from utilities and other buyers because it often provides the least expensive energy available, and this is a testament to American leadership and innovation,” said Kiernan. “Across the country, wind is welcome because it means jobs, investment, and a better tomorrow for rural communities. Let’s keep it up, propel new growth, and take our industry to the next level!” Now that’s the right attitude. And WINDPOWER 2017 is where is will happen.
Join fellow colleagues in assembling hygiene kits to support the local community in Anaheim through charitable work with the Clean the World Foundation.
Clean the World
Contribute to a positive impact on the local community while networking with fellow attendees. Join AWEA during WINDPOWER 2017, as they partner with Clean the World Foundation, a charitable organization that helps put soap and other hygiene products in the hands of the people and families who need it most.
The charity also works to reduce waste from the hotel industry, which is one of the largest producers of solid waste in the world.
Stop by the Clean the World area on the show floor during exhibit hours (on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25) to assemble hygiene kits and help make a difference in the community. Each kit compiled onsite at WINDPOWER will be themed just for kids.
Filed Under: News, Policy
